The Ultimate Guide to St Anton Après Ski Bars and Nightlife
St Anton am Arlberg has earned its crown as the world capital of après ski through a century of Alpine tradition legendary venues and an atmosphere that transforms skiers and snowboarders into rabid partygoers when the infamous 3:30pm countdown begins. Over the years I’ve spent countless weeks “researching” every watering hole on your behalf from the mayhem of the Mooserwirt to the sophisticated wine cellars of Hospiz Alm. I can confirm that no other resort matches the St Anton combo’ of authentic Austrian culture and international energy but it’s always horses-for-courses so read-on to gauge which venues best match your own predilections and peccadillos.
Why St Anton’s Après Ski Reigns Supreme
Is St Anton the Birthplace of Modern Skiing Culture?
It’s important to understand that St Anton isn’t just another Alpine resort with bars on the mountain. This is where Hannes Schneider founded the world’s first ski school in 1922 and where the Arlberg technique revolutionized skiing, and where après ski evolved from simple post-skiing refreshment into a cultural phenomenon that now defines yours and my Alpine winters. The resort’s 45 venues across six interconnected villages create an après ski atmosphere unmatched anywhere in the Alps.
The Ski Resort Transforms at 3:30pm Each Day
At precisely 3:30pm like clockwork something remarkable happens across St Anton’s mountains and for me it starts with the Mooserwirt. The blinds drop and Europe’s “The Final Countdown” strikes up as thousands of skiers transform into party-goers. It’s a ritual that’s run uninterrupted since 1989 (see in the pic that I’ve literally been there and got the T-shirt), turning what could be just another mountain bar into a cultural institution. The energy is infectious and within minutes our ski boots are stomping on tables with strangers sharing shots of Jägermeister, and the atmosphere reaches levels that make you understand why Mooserwirt reputedly sells more beer per square meter than any other bar in Austria.
The Essential St Anton Mountain Venues
The Mooserwirt is The Greatest Apres Ski Bar in the World
Location: Mooserweg, accessible via blue run from Gampen/Galzig
Hours: Closes 8pm daily (peak party 3:30-6pm)
Prices: Beer €8+, Jägerbomb €9-14
Mooserwirt’s ironic tagline “Probably the worst ski hut in the Arlberg” belies its significance as one of the two great après ski meccas (the other being the original Folie Douce in Val d’Isere). DJ Gerhard is now 72 and has been spinning the decks here since 1994 and orchestrating controlled chaos that peaks when those blinds drop (he now shares sets with son Thomas as the torch is passed down to the next generation). The table dancing that follows operates on the unwritten rules of waiting for the energy to peak and then helping others up to share tabletop space generously. To experience the full-welly I think the trick is good timing because arriving before 3pm might still score you a table. I recommend buying your first round of shots at the same time as your first round of beers because those who look as green as the Jaeger bottles can quickly wash down the acrid taste.
Krazy Kanguruh is the Après Dance Party Original
Location: Before Mooserwirt when skiing into town, on Mooserweg
Hours: Closes 8pm (sun terrace party from 2pm)
Prices: Similar to Mooserwirt but cheaper happy hour deals
Krazy Kanguruh is owned by Olympic champion Mario Matt and claims the title of “the original home of après ski” (operating since 1965). The massive sun terrace transforms into what locals accurately call “Arlberg’s largest open-air dance floor” and the music leans more rock and house than pure schlager as it attracts a slightly younger crowd. Their Australian Day celebrations (Jan 26th) are legendary with the entire terrace draped in Aussie flags and Foster’s replacing the usual Austrian beer selection.
Taps is Literally a Happy Middle Ground
Location: Between Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh
Opens: 10am-8pm
Happy Hour: 3:30-4:30pm (crucial for budget-conscious partying)
Taps is a bit of a breathing space between its intense neighbours. It’s popular with seasonaires and features some of the best mountain views and (crucially for the SNO team) the area’s most reasonable prices during happy hour. The atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming so I recommend Taps if your group has a bit of a mixed tolerance/appetite for partying.
Basecamp is St Anton Stab at New School Après with a Bit of Sophistication
Location: Gampen chairlift base
Opens: 9am-8pm
Prices: Most expensive on mountain (€8+ for 500ml beer)
Basecamp represents modern day St Anton sophistication but it’s still pretty wild. The live saxophonist plus premium burgers and extensive wine list attracts a slightly more grown-up crowd but the staff actively encourage dancing on the bar from around 4pm. Despite the higher prices it remains packed thanks to terrific food and a somewhat more refined party atmos’.
Sennhütte Embodies the Traditional Austrian Soul of After-Ski
Location: Above St Anton via Sennhütte drag lift
Opens: 10am-midnight
Speciality: Homemade schnapps, traditional music
I recommend Senhutte if you like authentic Tyrolean après ski away from the tourist masses. The homemade brandies are really tasty and the accordion music is genuine but the ribs are my main reason for visiting. Reaching it requires a bit more effort as the drag lift isn’t easy after a few drinks but that’s probably what keeps the crowds manageable.
My Top Valley Venues For A Great Night Out
The Hotel Post complex
Piccadilly Bar has live music from 9pm nightly with resident performer Andy Joseph and the upstairs is a good spot for people-watching over Dorfstraße.
Postkeller is their basement nightclub which opens at 10pm and gets liveliest after midnight until 4am but that won’t help you get on the first lift!
Murrmel has the Best Atmosphere between Après and a Night Out
Location: Dorfstraße
Star Attraction: Gunnar performs 5pm daily except Wednesday/Sunday
Food: Gourmet burgers until late
When Gunnar takes the stage Murrmel transforms the vibe with his amazing energy. He’s the rresident performer and has been creating magic for eight years, turning what could be another village bar into St Anton’s best atmosphere which for me perfectly bridges après ski and nightlife.
Kandahar if You Like to Dance Until Sunrise
Location: Lower Dorfstraße
Opens: 8pm-6am
Unique Feature: Thai/Indian kitchen open until 4am
They claim it’s been voted “best nightclub in the Alps” but when pressed couldn’t say by who (tried not to laugh) but in truth the Kandahar is probably the best disco in town. I recommend the spicy and authentic Asian cuisine which seems a bit incongruous with a harcore nightclub but it’s pretty awesome to have a curry at 4am!
My St Anton Bar/Club “Hidden Gems”
Griabli is probably St Anton’s “best-kept secret” because it’s dedicated to rock music which is my preference and rare in the Alps with live bands every Tuesday from January to March.
Bobos has good Mexican food and cocktails 5pm-3am which is a safer combo (some food with your drinks).
Underground Den has live rock bands nightly and a proper pub atmosphere and good steaks.
Scotty’s Bar can save you a few bob with 2-for-1 cocktails 10pm-midnight (it’s in a small basement under hotel Rosanna) and I like it because it’s a favourite of local seasonaires (you might struggle to sneak in on “Worker’s Wednesdays” but it’s with the effort.
What Venues Outside St Anton Are Worth the Journey?
St Christoph’s Famous Hospiz Alm is My Top Recommendation
The Experience: Michelin Guide restaurant meets party venue
Famous For: 7,000+ bottle Bordeaux collection, concrete slide down to toilets
Prices: €40-70 for three-course dinner
Hospiz Alm defies categorization but I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite places to eat in all of the Alps. What looks like a traditional ski hut is in fact a gourmet temple with a wine collection (focusing on large-format Bordeaux) that’s been called “museum-quality”. The famous slide down to the basement toilets is an attraction itself and the photos of Michael Schumacher, Putin and Tony Blair give you an idea of how top-drawer its legendary restaurant is. It’s not cheap but I recommend dinner here if you want to experience how upscale fine dining meets Alpine life (you don’t need.
Lech is the More Sophisticated Sister to St Anton
Journey Time is about 25 minutes by bus/taxi (€79 daytime taxi but more at night)
Schneggarei is basically Lech’s answer to Mooserwirt but with better pizza and wine and I think rated #1 on TripAdvisor for good reason.
Ice Bar at Tannbergerhof has a heated lounge area plus umbrella bar and a VIP balcony for sophisticated partying Lech-style.
K.Club is considered by some to be the most exclusive address in the Arlberg and is hidden in Hotel Krone.
Quieter Alternatives Near to St Anton
Stuben’s Fuxbau has a chic Alpine interior and incredible sunset views alongside a more calm sophistication.
Zürs’s Zürserl is not all about Champagne and fur coats but is still focussed on catering to the luxury market.
The Art of St Anton Après Ski
Money-Saving Tips For Partying in St Anton
St Anton ranks as Europe’s second-most expensive resort for après ski (€39.70 for five drinks). Survival tactics:
- Eat substantial mountain lunch (11am-2pm) before drinking
- Hit happy hours religiously (Taps 3:30-4:30pm saves 30%)
- Group bottle service often beats individual drinks
- Scotty’s 2-for-1 cocktails (10pm-midnight) for late nights
- Bring cash – mountain venues rarely accept cards
Transportation After the Free Bus Ends
The free ski bus stops at 5:30pm and then you have these three options:
- Walking is the main approach but it can be a bit treacherous when icy/drunk
- Night bus “James” is a one-off €8 per night and runs 8pm-2am
- Taxis start at about €15 from Nasserein to center which is handy for upper Nasserein
Remember that night buses don’t reach upper Nasserein so make sure you can still walk!
Safety First
- Altitude affects your alcohol tolerance so try to limit consumption the first 48 hours
- Arlberg Safety Card (€15-25) covers rescue costs and might be worth considering
- Emergency numbers +43 5446 2352 223 is for accidents before 5pm but emergency is 112
- Health advice hotline: is also meant to be available 24/7 by calling 1450
- Never ski drunk after 3:30pm (at all?) just take the gondola down and live to ski another day
Schlager Music Is BIG In St Anton
Schlager music – those nonsensical German party songs – provides St Anton’s soundtrack. You don’t need to understand or translate “Wie heisst die Mutter von Niki Lauda? Mama Lauda!” to feel the infectious energy and embrace it.
What are the Rules of Table Dancing?
- Wait for peak energy before climbing up (two jaeger bombs will do it)
- Always help others up onto the table to join you
- Stomp your ski boots (to the beat if you can)
- Share the table space generously
- Never try this at restaurants or calm venues
What is the Dress Code or Do You Get Changed for Après ski?
Afternoons the proper version should be danced in ski boots (mandatory for authentic experience)
Evenings are more nightlife than après and so regular shoes required after 8pm in most venues
Trend Alert if you want to make more effort – vintage ‘70s ski suits are having a moment
Seasonal Highlights
Der Weisse Rausch (a.k.a. The White Thrill)
This is a mass-start race where 555 participants simultaneously racing down unprepared slopes from Valluga Ridge and the après ski that ensues is as frantic (and dangerous?) as the race itself.
What is New Year’s Eve like in St Anton?
“St Anton Illuminated” creates eco-friendly laser shows while every venue hosts special events to make New Year’s special but you need to book your holiday accommodation early as it’s incredibly popular.
Is St Anton Good at the End of Season (late April)?
Yes I love St Anton in April because all rules relax as snow melts and the parties reach crescendos rarely matched during peak season. Late snowfalls can give terrific skiing but I would say you’re more guaranteed great après than skiing after Easter.
Where To Stay In St Anton For The Best Nightlife
Party Central is probably Hotel Post which sits above Postkeller (literally crawl home at 4am)
The Best Balance is to stay near Dorfstraße for good access to the action but manageable noise
A Peaceful Option would be Nasserein which is a quiet 10 minutes from action and a great base for beginners because the main nursery slopes and ski school meeting points are there
I would avoid staying out of town if the nightlife is important to you because you might spend more on taxis
Where to Go in Bad Weather
The famous venues get utterly rammed when the weather comes in so check these alternatives:
- Rendl Beach is a self-service with spectacular views (if not foggy) and less crowded
- Cuba Sports Bar in the valley is a nice little spot to chill with sports screens
- Arlberg WellCom has pools saunas ice skating but no drinking (if it’s a total whiteout)
What Is The Perfect St Anton Après Ski Day?
You must stick exactly to my itinerary without deviation or improvisation as I will be checking:
2:00pm start your final run quite early to position yourself near Mooserwirt/Krazy Kanguruh
2:30pm have a light lunch at Sennhütte or quick bite at Taps
3:00pm begin with Jaegerbomb and beer in time to experience the Mooserwirt countdown at 3:30
4:00pm to tick another box move to Krazy Kanguruh terrace for sunset or after sunset at the Moose
6:30pm it’s not smart to descend after dark but at least it’s before the crowds (30min to change)
7:00pm dinner at Underground for live music or Bobos which stays open late
9:00pm I like to liven the evening up at Piccadilly for Andy Joseph’s performance
11:00pm don’t leave it too late to get into Postkeller and start the proper night’s clubbing
2:00am is a stagger to Kandahar where I like to take the survivors, the brave and the foolhardy
Does St Anton Have The Best Après Ski In The World?
Yes St Anton has the best après ski scene in the world, not just for being the wildest but also because it isn’t manufactured but a local cultural evolved over a century. From the daily 3:30pm ritual at Mooserwirt to 6am closings at Kandahar, from traditional Tyrolean Sennhütte to exclusive K.Club in Lech, no resort matches this variety and authenticity.
If you want to experience the famous skiing and infamous off-slope of a St Anton ski holiday, call our friendly experts on 020 7770 6888 or browse the ski packages now
