Bars & Apres-Ski in Chamonix

Once the lifts close, Chamonix is alive with the sound of chinking glasses, laughter and music, as locals and tourists alike chat about their mountain exploits over a beer or two. Here’s our look at the best places for apres-ski, which can sometimes go on late into the night!

Chamonix town has very distinct areas, each with its own vibe and scene, that’s why we’ve grouped the best bars and apres-ski in Chamonix according to area.

Rue du Dr Paccard:

Leading the party at the far south end of town is Hydromel with its large terrace, cosy vibes inside and top-rated cocktails. Check out Beer O’Clock, their plethora of draft beers attracts craft ale fans and ChaChaCha, the long-established wine bar and shop with a lovely little outdoor seating area.
Walk to the end of rue du Dr Paccard, then head over the roundabout and you will come to Big Mountain’s Basecamp (old schoolers amongst you might remember it as the Gite Vagabond!), with their in-house microbrewery. (Pic: @BigMountainFB)

Rue des Moulins:

Quite possibly Chamonix’s most famous party street, head up this narrow, cobbled lane and you can go from bar to bar, all evening long!
Start with Bar’d Up (the stuff of legends), then there’s Le Jungle, Bar La Soeur, Bar du Moulin, Bistrot des Cristalliers and teeny Bar Le Cabanon, before reaching the top of rue des Moulins where you’ll find Eypsilon.

Place de Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

When you come out of the top end of rue des Moulins, you arrive in the little square with the big clock, surrounded by bars with terraces. The likes of Irish Coffee, Le Rond Point and Bar l’M are all great for people watching and vin chaud.

Avenue Michel Croz ‘Swedish Corner’:

Another legendary part of Chamonix along the road to the train station, centred around the often epic apres-ski live bands at Chambre Neuf. Make sure you also check out Elevation – a popular meeting point day and night, as well as Moo, Pointe Isabelle and Mumma. (Pic: @Chambre9FB)

Chamonix Sud:

‘The Sud’ is a popular area for seasonnaires and holidaymakers alike, as it’s another lively part of Chamonix at night. Start off with apres-ski and go late into the night (or early into the morning) with renowned Irish bar The Beckett & Wilde, South Bar and Synge & Co all located around the main square (which is actually round!) in the middle of the Chamonix Sud residences. (Pic: @Beckett&WildeFB)

Chamonix’s Best Cocktails:

For those of you who are partial to an Aperol Spritz or a Mojito, the best places to sip on those well-deserved, post-ski cocktails include L’Alibi near to the Town Hall, Rose du Pont the Art Deco bar and restaurant in Place Balmat, Cap Horn on rue des Moulins and Hydromel too. (Pic: @HydromelFB)

Bars & apres out of town:

If you’re staying elsewhere in the Chamonix valley, or you fancy doing your apres-ski at the bottom of the mountain, here’s our rundown of bars beyond Chamonix centre.

Kitsch Inn – at the foot of the Bellevue cable car, it’s a great spot in Les Houches for apres or otherwise!

Le Petit Social – in the heart of the village of Les Praz and just a short walk from the bottom of the Flegere bubble lift, you’ll find this warm and welcoming bar – good for a pre-ski coffee too!

Argentiere, the village at the foot of the Grands Montets ski area, has always been popular with keen skiers. With the likes of The Office Bar, Stone Bar and Ice Gora, there are enough bars to keep you watered!

A Late, Late Night Out:

So, you want to go out, out in Chamonix? Keep an eye on places like L’Index in the Bois du Bouchet (between Chamonix and Les Praz) for live music and events on their big outdoor stage. (Pic: @L’IndexFB)

If you’re in Argentiere, Fubar is the place to be, as it opens for apres and stays open late, late (and yes, there is a bucking bronco in there!).

And for dancing to the break of dawn in Chamonix centre, who could forget Amnesia, the nightclub on avenue Aiguille du Midi, which is open until 6am!

And finally, if you don’t fancy driving after your night out, Mountain Drop-offs does private, in-resort transfers, so contact us for a quote!

(Main pic: @AleksandrPopov2UnSplash)