Skiing In Australia: The Coolest Après-Ski Bars

Okay, so you spent most of the day falling flat on your arse instead of carving white powder with your board, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t spending your Australian ski holiday correctly. Ever heard of après-ski?

The French term, which literally translates to ‘after skiing’, basically refers to the entertainment, nightlife and social events that occur specifically at ski resorts. It’s also the perfect excuse to put your terrible effort on the slopes behind you and get stuck into some good old fashioned drinking culture.

Luckily, this is something the Australians have mastered, and as such, there are plenty of cool après-ski bars where you can wet your whistle without getting frostbite. Check out 8 of the best, below.

#1 Lounge Bar, Thredbo

Located inside the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, the resort’s Lounge Bar is the perfect place to kick back and relax post-ski. Known as the ‘home of cocktails and live music’, Lounge Bar features nightly cocktail specials, a cosy fireplace to thaw your beard, lots of lush lounges (as the name suggests) and an impressive roll call of live musical acts.

#2 Feathertop Restaurant & Tapas Bar, Falls Creek

If you’ve opted for a skiing trip to Victoria’s picturesque Falls Creek, then Feathertop Restaurant and Tapas Bar is a must-try. Here you can enjoy fine French dining in a beautiful alpine setting along with a comprehensive wine selection, or take a seat in the bar for a drop before dinner.

#3 Schuss Bar, Thredbo

Thredbo’s Schuss Bar is the place to be if you haven’t run out of energy post-ski. Whether you’re keen to watch all the latest sports action and rehash the best runs of the day, or turn it up with high energy live music from Groove Academy, Schuss Bar is the perfect place to blow off some steam. It’s also best known for its ‘themed nights’ held every second Sunday, featuring beats from DJ P-Ranch and prizes for best dressed. Coming up this month is a ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ themed night and September will see locals party in double denim.

#4 Stingray @ QT Hotel, Falls Creek

QT Hotel has brought its signature look and feel to the slopes of Falls Creek with Stingray, a 1950’s-inspired bar that takes on old ski lodge favourites. At Stingray you can settle into designer furniture to admire the slopes or be tempted by a cocktail, perfect for pouring over the days skiing. As for dress code? Prepare to channel your inner ‘aspen chic’ at this Falls Creek hotspot.

#5 Apres Bar, Thredbo

If only walls could talk. Apres Bar has become a tried and true Thredbo favourite over the years with its reputation for incredible live music, quirky cocktails and an eclectic spirits selection. Smack bang in the middle of Thredbo’s village square, Apres Bar is the perfect place to warm up with a schnapps in winter, or soak up the sun on the balcony in summer.

#6 Rundells Alpine Lodge, Mt Hotham

Find apres-ski bliss in the lap of luxury at Rundells Alpine Lodge in Victoria’s, Mount Hotham. Located inside Peppers Resort, Rundells Alpine Lodge is the ideal place to settle in, warm up by the fire, sink into a huge lounge, grab a local wine and enjoy the rustic alpine charm.

#7 Mumm Poolside, Thredbo

Step away from the snow and into the famous after-slopes scene at Australia’s only alpine outdoor poolside après venue. Thredbo has most recently teamed up with G.H. Mumm Champagne for the ultimate European Après experience in the snowy mountains, featuring DJs, an outdoor heated pool and spa, crackling fire pits and plenty of booze on tap.

#8 Heller Keller, Thredbo

If you really want to let your hair down on your next ski trip, Thredbo’s Heller Keller is your new favourite. In fact, winter 2016 is going to be huge for the club, with the SKYY Vodka Full Moon Party running until September 17th and a skate night every Thursday, both promising hot DJ sets, drinks specials and an epic dance floor.