Home to some of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world, Switzerland’s après scene is all about the finer things. Here, there’s less dancing on the tables and more dining in fancy restaurants. If loud and proud is how you like your after-ski afternoons, here comes the good news. Geneva acts as a getaway to some of the best après in the French Alps too, where DJs pump out classic tracks and drinks flow freely. If you're visiting around Christmas, there are lots of Christmas markets near Geneva too. So, wondering where the best resorts for all kinds of après near Geneva are? Just this way…
Zermatt, Switzerland
2 hours 45 minutes from Geneva Airport
Fancy a traditional-as-they-come Swiss experience and don’t mind the longer drive? Make Zermatt your winter wonderland. This serene resort attracts is just as popular with non-skiers, and it has its après scene to thank for that. Well, and the Swiss-sational skyline, featuring the mighty Matterhorn too. Speaking of which, those views go down a treat with a drink in hand at Cervo. Think traditional après with a sophisticated spin – you’re in Switzerland, after all! Other top choices are Hennu Stall and Harry’s Ski Bar. When you’re craving a quiet evening with some top-notch food, enter one of the many fine-dining establishments that line the snowy streets. You and your taste buds are bound to be treated like royalty.
Morzine, France
1 hour 30 minutes from Geneva Airport
Ready to hit the après scene in Morzine? Don’t rush down the mountain then, as the action typically starts on the slopes here. You’ll find most of the bars and eateries around the lifts, so you can hop on the last gondola. When you’ve made your way down, there are options for everyone – the French classic La Folie Douce, restaurant-turned-club Café Chaud and self-proclaimed ‘liveliest après in Les Porte Du Soleil’, Happy Hours Bar. Other popular spots include Robinsons (or Robbos if you want to feel like a local), Coup de Coeur for wine-lovers and the Cavern for everyone who’s up for a party. And you’ve got to end the night at L'OPERA – the only club in Morzine and the only place open after 2am.
Avoriaz, France
1 hour 30 minutes from Geneva Airport
Just up from Morzine sits its smaller cousin Avoriaz. With over 40 bars, there’s no shortage of fun along these car-free streets. Most of the prime spots are located in the resort rather than on the slopes, so your non-skiing friends can avoid the FOMO and join in. For guaranteed good times, you’ll want to look out for shot’s paradise Le Shooters, open-until-the-early-hours Le Yak or the tried-and-tested La Folie Douce.
Verbier, Switzerland
1 hour 50 minutes from Geneva Airport
From live DJs to local bands, Verbier has all music and party fronts covered when it comes to after-ski activities. If you’ve done any research or heard from fellow skiing superstars who have visited Verbier, chances are you’ve heard the name Le Farinet. And for good reason! It’s been voted the Best Après Ski Bar Worldwide by Which? and, trust us, it lives up to the name. One thing to note, this is not your usual boots-and-ski-gear type of bar! Another talked-about après spot is Le Rouge, where the drinks and regular DJ sets go hand in hand with astonishing views of the snow-dusted forests and mountaintops.
Chamonix, France
1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva Airport
It’s got top-tier slopes, jaw-dropping views and fab après – yep, it’s Chamonix we’re talking about. As one of the world’s oldest and most legendary ski resorts, Chamonix has a real variety of places opening their doors to just-off-the-slopes partygoers. This is another spot with a La Folie Douce plotted on the map, and it goes without saying that good times are guaranteed here. For something a little more chill, call into Moö Bar, where you’ll get to pour your own pints before sitting down for a delectable dinner. Right next to it you’ll also spot Elevation 1904 – somewhat of an institution around Chamonix, frequented by the locals. Between 5 and 6pm this place becomes a mix of crowds – those still with snow boots on and others dressed up for a classy evening out. But that’s all part of its charm!
So, what do you say? Ready for a bit of après action near Geneva?
Posted: 1st Aug 2024. Updated: 28th Nov 2024.