Apres-ski

Chamonix / Apres-ski

The après-ski scene in the Chamonix valley is international, but most of it takes places in Chamonix town or Argentière rather than on the mountains.

Chamonix's après-ski has a metropolitan feel, with English, Swedish and French bars. This is not the lively ski-boots-on après-ski scene found in Austria - the detached nature of the ski areas means there is no natural meeting point for drinking at the end of the day's skiing. Chamonix really wakes up later in the evening when the boots are off. In the meantime Chambre Neuf, near the SNCF train station is the best bet for happy hour prices, live music and a pub atmosphere. Take a break from the relentless partying to enjoy the sunset visible from the terrace outside. Elevation 1904 across the road from Le Neuf is also popular. The Canadian-owned Micro Brewery de Chamonix (or MBC), a 5 minute walk from the town, is another popular après-ski stop. All beer is brewed on the premises and they do a nice line in bar snacks and live music. The Jekyll, on the other side of town, is the venue for Henry's Avalanche talks, held weekly at 6pm on Tuesdays.

Despite its party reputation, après-ski in Chamonix also has a quieter side. The Italian-run Lapin Agile is a charming wine bar on 2 floors, with a predominantly Italian wine list, decent beers and tasty free tapas from 6:30pm. Grand Central opposite, on the ground floor of the Hotel Pointe Isabelle, has a lengthy menu of coffees and smoothies to drink and delicious bagels, muffins and carrot cake to munch on. L'Atelier Café just off the Place Sassure has a pleasant location by the river.

There are also relaxed end of day drinks at the restaurants and bars at the foot of the Grands Montets ski area as a last stop before heading back into Argentière or Chamonix. In Argentière village the Office Bar gets the bulk of the après-ski drinkers. Up in Le Buet, the bar at the Hotel Buet is popular with thirsty ski-tourers, while L'Arret Bougnete at the Vallorcine train station does probably the best vin chaud in the valley.

Chamonix valley après-ski off the mountain

CHAMONIX
L'Atelier Café
Hot drinks, beers and a menu of light snacks with comfy benches outside for sunny days.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 523236

Chambre Neuf
The hub of Chamonix's après-ski with excellent live music, ever-flowing beer and a rowdy crowd.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 558981

Elevation 1904
A small triangular bar popular with locals and seasonnaires for a mid-morning coffee or afternoon beer. Sandwiches available from the kiosk.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 530052

Grand Central
Decent coffee and healthy smoothies, the bagels and cakes are perfect for lunch or afternoon tea. Run by Swedish sisters there is also a branch in Cham Sud. Take-away possible.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 535609

Jekyll
Friendly bar staff look after a loyal, local crowd in this wooden chalet on the fringes of Cham Sud. Henry's Avalanche Talks held weekly, 6pm on Tuesdays

Le Lapin Agile
A well-chosen wine list, blonde beers and a hot chocolate to die for. Free wi-fi connection all-day and free tapas available from 6:30pm.

MBC
Excellent draught beers and tasty nachos fill the post-ski/pre-dinner gap. The very thirsty should ask for a 'camel'.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 536169
Website: www.mbchx.com

The Clubhouse
Only open to residents and members (and guests), the Clubhouse is a good spot to read the newspapers and enjoy the daily après-ski freebie snacks.
Website: www.clubhouse.fr

ARGENTIERE
The Office Bar
Open from breakfast to late evening and popular with all nationalities for drinking, snacking and playing pool. Live sport shown and free wi-fi from 4pm.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 541632

LES HOUCHES
Le Delice
English-run bar/restaurant in an old bakery and popular with the local English population.
Phone: +33 (0) 450 915206

VALLORCINE
Hotel Le Buet
Ski-tourers and mountaineers mix with local workers. A standard drinks menu in a very French bar.

L'Arret Bougnete
In the train station, over the railway tracks at the end of the Verte piste down from Le Tour. Excellent vin chaud, hot chocolate and the usual list of other drinks.

These are some of the more popular bars for late afternoon and early evening après-ski.

Go to Chamonix's restaurants and bars for more information and listings.

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