Val d'Isere offers possibly the most trendy, lively and varied apres ski of anywhere in the Alps. Val d'Isere's apres ski is notorious and often boisterous, and can continue long into the night (early morning for some). Here are a few of our favourite places to look out for.
La Folie Douce This is the first stop on the apres scene as it's up on the hill, so most people ski to this infamous spot in the afternoon. It has even been dubbed 'highest club in Europe'. There is a DJ, Drummer, Saxophonist, Violinist, and Singer who generally play up on the roof, but can be found parading around the terrace among the throngs of people, whilst still pumping out their dance music. The tables where lunch was once served just hours before now become dance floors, and the whole place rocks between 3-5pm so if it is a sunny day, get yourself to the Folie! The bar is located at the top of the La Daille gondola so those of you who don't fancy skiing down the piste after a few drinks can catch the last gondola. Open all afternoon until 5pm. Tel: +33 (0) 479 060717
The Pacific Bar Located in the centre of the village and known for their themed nights, happy hours, live music and sports. Probably the most friendly atmosphere in Val d'Isere, it has six huge plasma screens, all playing a variety of sports and ski movies. There is also a VIP lounge that sells cocktails, superior wines and beers from around the world. Open 4pm - 1:30am, unless there's an early kickoff on the weekend. Tel: +33 (0) 479 062919
Saloon One great big party every night. Situated at the bottom of the beginners slopes underneath the Hotel Brussels, and only a minute's walk from the high street, this bar is a great place to go both at the end of a long day's skiing and a fantastic location for a night out. There is music from a host of international bands, singers and DJs every day. They have a unique free ski-park service, where on receipt of a ticket, someone will keep a watchful eye on your ski gear whilst you can party. Open 3pm - 1:45am. Tel: +33 (0) 479 400761
Le Petit Danois Just off the high street, this is a popular hang out for younger British and Scandanavian holiday makers, as well as seasonaires. It is both a restaurant and a bar, and the English Breakfast is recommended during the day. Later on into the evening it can get very busy, and whilst there is no dance floor, there is a real party feel to this bar. Open until 1.30am. Tel: +33 (0) 479 062797
La Foret Bar This has been a long serving member of the Val d'Isere apres scene, with a great mix of sports, live music, pool, table football, and great drinks. There are often special nights on here such as kareoke or quiz night, but often it's just a great friendly bar with plenty of friendly people, both holidayers and seasonaires. Open from 3pm-1am Tel: +33 (0) 479 060427
Cafe Face Sister establishment to the infamous La Folie Douce on the slopes, it is one of Val d'Isere's cornerstone watering holes/ pre-club venues, it has been around for years, and has an infamous Happy Hour. It justly deserves it's reputation as one of the hippest spots in town. Situated at the foot of the Face de Bellevarde, it is open from 4pm to 2am with a DJ and Live Music every night, and a dance floor. Tel: +33 (0) 479 062980
Victors Situated above the Spar supermarket and run by Scandanavians, the food here is really exceptional and often is really busy after the runs close in the early evening. Some of the best cocktails are found here and into the night it becomes a great place for a drink without loud music, so you can hear yourself speak. Open 3pm - 1am. Tel: +33 (0) 479 060652
Blue Note In a great central location just 50 yards from the piste and the square with the doctors surgery, Blue Note is open from 3pm - 1am daily. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere with chilled tunes, smiling staff and comfortable seating. It's definitely a cosy hang out for a drink after a day on the mountain. Those with some energy still left in them can work it off on the table football, just make sure you don't challenge the owners...they're pretty good! Tel: +33 (0) 479 066213
The Moris Pub Great for apres ski, live music (5pm - 7pm and 10.45pm - 1am) and flavoured vodka, including gravy and jelly baby flavours! The pub has an extensive menu and is superb for a lunch time burger. This was one of the first pubs in Val d'Isere and the name 'Moris' is one of the founder families who put Val d'Isere on the map as a ski resort. Tel: +33 (0) 479 062211
The Lodge Nestled between Victors and Dicks Tea Bar in the centre of town, please don't overlook the Lodge as a you pass by, it is a funky French owned bar. Mixing the tradition of warm candle light and wooden furniture with the contemporary of chilled tunes and classic cocktails, the Lodge gets a real mix of people, and is one of the more relaxing places to have a drink. Just be aware that the barmen know their way around the shot menu! Open 4:30pm - 1:30am. Tel: +33 (0) 479 060201
Le Bananas At the foot of the Olympic 'Face', this infamous Val d'Isere apres ski hangout cites itself as the 'coolest place in town'. With a half price beers and heaviliy discounted shots and cocktails happy hour from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, it really does get happy. There is also a restaurant that serves a mix of Tex Mex and Indian food, as well as some of the Savoyarde classics, it is also a very popular eatery. They are also keen on their backgammon, with big wooden boards that you can borrow whilst sipping a beer, and there is even a Backgammon tournament every Monday. Open 12pm - 1am. Tel: +33 (0) 479 060423
Dicks Tea Bar Dicks Tea Bar has become known as a bit of an institution in Val d'Isere, over the years it has evolved into one of the best and biggest nightclubs in the French Alps. Dicks opens its doors daily at 9am for its famous full English, throughout the day it is a popular bar and restaurant and then as the evening draws, the doors close until 11pm as the place gears up and transforms itself into the King of clubs. Open until 4am, this is where all from the sophisticated to the down right raucous will be once the other bars have closed up. Not to be missed! Tel: +33 (0) 479 061487
Le Graal Those who party every night and want a change of scenery to Dicks may find Le Graal a refreshing alternative, if not the experience of a lifetime. There's that slightly naff 'French chic' decor, crazy euro dance music, and a dance floor that lights up, but when the mood is right and the place fills up it can be a real night to remember and can probably rival any other club in the Alps. The club runs from 11pm - 4am and they even have a minibus providing free shuttles back to the town centre. Prior to this it is also open as a bar and restaurant from 4-11pm. Tel: +33 (0) 479 096482
