Fly into Lyon and you’ll have some of the top resorts in the French Alps on your doorstep. Whether you’re all about dancing until dawn or you prefer cosying up in a cocktail bar with a glass of vin chaud, these ski resorts go all out when it comes to après.

Alpe d’Huez

Distance from Lyon Airport: 145km

From traditional pubs to classy wine bars, there’s a real variety to the venues in Alpe d’Huez. La Folie Douce is the headline après act, laying on DJs and dancers every day from 2pm until the piste patrol call time on the slopes at 4:30pm. The liveliness continues in town though. Smithy’s Tavern is known for its great happy hour offerings, while Underground Bar boasts a permanently packed dancefloor.

Les Deux Alpes

Distance from Lyon Airport: 153km

Les Deux Alpes has the après-ski to match the superior slopes. Over 40 bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs line the main street, so you can hop from one to the other with ease. The Umbrella Bar at the bottom of the piste, where dancing is a non-negotiable, is as good a starting point as any. And you won’t be able to miss the Polar Bear Pub, where you can catch regular live music and sip on craft beers.

Méribel

Distance from Lyon Airport: 178km

Méribel’s medley of post-ski party options have seen it badged as a premier après destination. Highlights include another branch of the famous La Folie Douce and ski-in, ski-out Le Rond Point. If you’re looking for something more laidback, make a beeline for the spacious sun terrace at Jacks Bar. Beyond the bars, snow tubing, snow mobiling and dog sledding are all on the agenda.

Courchevel

Distance from Lyon Airport: 178km

Made up of four villages, Courchevel’s an après all-rounder. Glitz and glam is the name of the game in Courchevel 1850. Le Tremplin is a fab spot, with a large outdoor terrace. It’s located at the bottom of a cruisy green run, so it’s nice and simple to get to. Le Planté de Bâton is another popular pick, where you can enjoy your drinks sat in a gondola or on a chairlift instead of around tables.

Val Thorens

Distance from Lyon Airport: 197km

By day, Europe’s highest ski resort offers snow-sure conditions and access to 600km of pistes. In the evening, it really comes into its own. We’re talking beats and beers at La Folie Douce, taco nights at Favela and live music at Café Snesko! And did we mention it’s home to the biggest nightclub in the Alps?

Les Arcs

Distance from Lyon Airport: 198km

Each of Les Arcs’ five villages serves up something different when it comes to after-dark activities. If low-key catch-ups around a crackling fire sound like your idea of the perfect evening, stay in Arc 1950. Prefer your après loud and proud? Then bar-filled Arc 1800 has got you covered. Or you could swap skis for skittles at Bowling Arc 2000 or feast on fondue at the Igloo Village.