WHERE TO APRÈS-SKI?

In our ‘Insider’s Guide’ series, we aim to unravel the very best of St Anton. We’ve discussed ‘Where to ski’ and ‘Where to eat’ so now with tired legs and full bellies, it’s time to discover the Arlberg’s party scene.

St Anton is well known as the après-ski capital of the alps, with music blasting and guests dancing in every corner of the mountain. With so much choice, and so many styles, it can be a little overwhelming, so here’s our pick of the very best that St Anton has to offer.

The Krazy Kanguruh (The KK)

In the top position, with a special place in our hearts, is the legendary Krazy Kanguruh. Known as the original home of Après Ski, it opened it’s doors and started the après-ski movement in 1965, and it’s still pumping today! This bar promises to leave you speechless as it’s huge sun-terrace, which provides breath-taking views overlooking St Anton, turns into the Arlberg’s largest open-air dance floor by nightfall. Here you’ll find an authentic, unforced and down to earth atmosphere, to a soundtrack of rock anthems, modern pop hits and house classics. We promise you will be surprised how quickly your first quiet beer turns into dancing on the tables!

Murrmel with Gunar

Our second top-tip is the intimate venue Murrmel, where you will find the legendary Gunar rocking the crowd. Gunar has been Murrmel’s resident musician for the last 8 years, during which he has built a loyal following of fans, flocking to see him perform. He belts out anthem after anthem, which along with his first-rate showmanship, and the awesome bar staff, makes Murrmel the go-to bar with the best atmosphere on the pedestrian zone. You’ll find Gunar in Murrmel every day except Wednesday and Sunday from 17:00. Make sure you arrive early!

Griabli

Now listen carefully, because I’m letting you into one of St Anton’s best kept secrets, which is après-ski at Griabli. This traditional piste-side restaurant is unassuming, however let me tell you, they know how to party! Their rock bands hit the stage on Tuesday afternoons, belting out classic rock’n’roll, prog-rock, indi, punk and funk. The bands are made-up of an ever-changing company of St Anton’s best-loved musicians, including Tony Write (who you can also find playing in Anthony’s, Kellar Bar and Fang House) Darren Cooper formally of Piccadilly (may it rest in peace), Jareth Tait (who rocks out in the glass house) and rock-god Chris Lee. The gigs only happen sporadically from early January until mid-March, so make sure you check what’s happening on a Tuesday at Griabli as a matter of urgency.

Balmalp

Our only recommendation in Lech is the stunning Balmalp, providing a high-end version of après-ski. At 2120m this amazing restaurant boasts an absolutely stunning panorama across the Zug Valley, and as the sun says goodbye in magnificent colours, the music turns up and you can enjoy what is probably the most beautiful sunset in the Arlberg. Whilst dancing the evening away on their terrace to a DJ playing the coolest deep-house, you’re more likely to be drinking giant bottles of Laurent-Perrier from the champagne bar, than swigging from steins and downing jäger-bombs; this place simply oozes class and cool-vibes!

Mooserwirt

Ok ok ok. You can’t write a blog about apres-ski in St Anton without mentioning the Moos! This world famous institution claims to be the “baddest après ski bar on Arlberg Mountain” which is rumoured to annually sell more beer per square meter of floor space than anywhere else in the country (despite only being open for 5 months). Here you’ll find Europop, German ‘schlager’ and ‘Oompah’ music, played by DJ Gerhard (the 72 year old DJ, who’s been spinning the tunes since 1994) or his son, Thomas. It’s cheesy, it’s Bavarian, and it’s completely off the wall and has to be seen to be believed.

These are just a few of our top-tips, but there are just so many more bars to choose from! (Taps, Underground on the Piste, Basecamp, Kellar Bar, Fanghouse) … The list goes on! 

What do you think? Tell us your favourite places to après-ski in the comments below.