If you’re looking to visit a ski resort at the end of the season, we highly recommend it. The sun tends to be shining, warmer days are ahead and the atmosphere is second to none! After you’ve spent the morning skiing hard, enjoy the festivities with a well-earned drink, or two. Most ski resorts celebrate the end of the season in some way, some being much larger parties than others. To get an idea of where to visit once the snow starts to melt, here is our top pick of the best end-of-season parties.
Morzine, France
There’s only one place to visit for the end-of-season party in Morzine, Happy Hours Bar. Many visitors know that is the go-to location on a Wednesday, but at the end of winter, Happy Hours ramps it up a gear. Either ski down to the iconic Ardent destination or jump on the bar’s private bus from the resort centre. The party starts in the early afternoon and is the perfect spot for a sunshine drink. Morzine tends to be very warm by April, so you’ll be likely dancing in just a T-shirt. Local DJs are called up to showcase legendary sets throughout the night.
Stay At:
Hotel Le Petit Dru in Morzine sits in the heart of the village. The hotel has a pool, hot tub and restaurant.
Photo Credit: Happy Hours
Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen is synonymous with excellent skiing and lively après parties. The ski resort is one of the most well-loved ski destinations in Europe and hosts the popular Snowbombing festival. The festival tends to take place on the last weekend of the season. It is undoubtedly one of the best end-of-season parties in the world. Many famous artists flock to the mountains to celebrate the end of the winter in one of the most unforgettable ways. Mayrhofen comes alive as the droves of revellers arrive from all over Europe. There is a huge variety of music, fun events, and accommodations to choose from.
Stay At:
Hotel Kramerwirt is a picturesque, 17th century inn run by the Kroll family. The hotel is an authentic Alpine escape with the added luxuries of 21st century facilities.
Photo Credit: Snowbombing
Val d’Isère, France
If you’re visiting Val d’Isère late in the season you must visit during Léo’s Invitational. This unique celebration brings together 40 of the best international paragliders, speed riders, skiers, and snowboarders over an action-packed weekend. Léo Taillefer is a professional skier who organises the annual event in the Manchet sector of the region. The two-day event showcases numerous flight displays, slalom races and has a live music stage. Even members of the public can get involved! Unwind after a busy morning of skiing and watch the spectacles take place.
Stay At:
Silverstone Lodge is a five-star chalet hotel in the Le Joseray area of the ski resort. The property has excellent ski-in ski-out access and fabulous views of the surrounding region.
Photo Credit: Val d’Isère
Banff, Canada
The Slush Cup in Banff could be one of the latest end-of-season parties in the world. It is also one of the oldest, coming up to almost 100 years! The extremely popular and wild event takes place every year on the last day of the season, as late as the third week of May! The Slush Cup competition is where skiers (or snowboarders) hurtle down a run into an ice-cool pool of water. The aim is to stylishly glide across the man-made pond, but in a cringe-worthy, hilarious turn of events, many don’t. Combine the festivities with live music, games, and drinking and you’ll have a very memorable day. Members of the public can take part in the Slush Cup, just ensure you’re there early enough to sign up as it is so popular!
Stay At:
Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic hotel just a five-minute drive to the centre of Banff. The five-star escape has everything you need for a luxurious ski holiday, including a superb wellness centre and 12 restaurants to choose from.
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise
Ischgl, Austria
Every year Ischgl hosts the Top of the Mountain Closing Concert to wrap up the season. The date tends to be at the end of April, ensuring a solid five months of skiing is enjoyed before then. The likes of the Black Eyes Peas, Demi Lovato, and Sean Paul close the season with a bang. It is one of the best end-of-season parties in Europe. Once a morning of skiing is complete, head over to Idalp at an elevation of 2,300m to enjoy the live music. What’s better is that the concert is free to all with a valid ski pass! It’s a great way to say goodbye to the winter season.
Stay At:
Hotel Fliana is in the perfect position, right in the centre of town. You will be moments away from the lively bars and restaurants. For a quiet moment, head to the rooftop pool and relax in style.
Photo Credit: Ischgl
Tignes, France
Near the end of the season, Tignes hosts a week of festivities named ‘Mountain Shaker’. It is made up of four major events, the French Freeride Series, the FISE Xperience Series, the Big Air World Cup, and the Ski & Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup. The former are open to the public and the latter are reserved for the professionals. The festival is dedicated to board culture and is a celebration of all things snow. Skiers can participate in the games, parties, film screenings, and conferences. There’s also live music, with several acts across the week-long festival. Mountain Shaker is a celebration that has something for everyone.
Stay At:
Chalet Rock N’Love is one of the most eccentric properties you will find in the Alps. The chalet has several unique furnishings and classic American memorabilia. Expect repurposed cars, guitars and excellent facilities.
Photo Credit: Tignes
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is considered one of the liveliest ski resorts in the world. Many people flock to the Tirolean region every year to party more than they ski, even though the snow is in fantastic condition by late April. The destination signifies the end of the season by hosting a two-week-long festival. Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival begins at the end of March and finishes mid-April. Is it surprising that the après capital of the world concludes with a fortnight of daily parties?! The celebration is nestled amid the remarkable peaks of the Arlberg ski region. The unique space transforms into an elegant open-aired unforgettable spectacle.
Stay At:
Stay at the iconic Raffl’s St Antonerhof next time you are in St. Anton. The five-star hotel has been family-run for generations and is located behind the main street, a five-minute walk from the Galzig lift.
Photo Credit: Ski Arlberg
Chamonix, France
Chamonix combines epic skiing with an equally good party scene. The ski resort has an abundance of bars that open from late afternoon until the early hours. No trip to Chamonix would be complete without visiting the lively après bars the region has to offer. Chamonix celebrates the season by holding an impressive closing weekend party. It tends to be at the beginning of May when the sun is shining and skiers are ready to say goodbye to winter. By midday the snow starts to turn to slush, signalling the time for BBQs to get fired up. The music then ramps up and the drinks start flowing.
Stay At:
Stay at La Folie Douce in Chamonix, the well-known brand’s first hotel. The hotel is in a prime position, with ski-in ski-out access. Keep the party going once you’ve returned from the slopes.
Photo Credit: Chamonix
Les Deux Alpes, France
When the season comes to a close in Les Deux Alpes, there’s still plenty of fun to have on the slopes. As the spring sun starts to become a regular occurrence, the snow starts to dwindle, and it’s almost time to put the season to bed, Les Deux Alpes has a second wind. The atmosphere on closing weekend is like no other, the warmer days are here and everyone is in a great mood. Live music, ski competitions, and events in town become the norm. It’s a brilliant time to experience the festivities.
Stay At:
Hotel Chalet Mounier is a sweet hotel just moments away from the resort. The hotel is cosy and contemporary, with a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant under its roof.
Photo Credit: Les 2 Alpes
Vail, USA
Ski holidays in the USA are like no other, ski regions across the pond know exactly how to close a winter in style. Vail, in particular, knows exactly how to throw a legendary closer. Spring Back to Vail occurs every year and is an event that involves the whole community. Even ski patrollers take a go at the iconic pond skim. The unofficial party gathers at the top of Chair Four, at 4pm when ski lifts close. Expect live music, the World Pond Skimming Championships, after-parties, giveaways, and much more. The event is free so make sure you don’t miss out!
Stay At:
Hotel Arrabelle is a sophisticated and grand property in the centre of Vail. The rooms are cosy and contemporary, offering the utmost comfort during your stay.
Photo Credit: Visit Vail Valley
To find out more about the best end-of-season parties, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
