Après Ski in Chamonix
Chamonix’s reputation as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations also extends to its après ski scene and nightlife. As a relatively large town with a sizable perennial population, there is nothing contrived and touristy about a night out in Chamonix and there’s a seemingly endless choice of different drinking establishments in which to top off yet another epic day on the slopes.
While there are bars at the base of each of the different ski areas where you can enjoy an early après beer in the sun, most of the action takes place in town.
Chambre Neuf
One of the liveliest and most popular bars for après is Chambre Neuf, which is near the train station and just along from the Hotel Mercure Chamonix Centre. Some of the area’s best live bands regularly get the crowd dancing on the tables early on, with the party atmosphere only intensifying as the evening progresses, especially when happy hour begins at 8pm with 2 for 1 on selected cocktails and shots. Once the live bands finish, a DJ takes over, keeping the crowd entertained until 1am.
La Terrasse
La Terrasse, right in the centre of town, is another popular spot for some après drinks. Its large terrace is perfect for people watching or drinking in the dramatic scenery, and a live band often provides additional entertainment. There’s also a lounge and cocktail bar inside, and they run a happy hour, or hours, from 4-6pm each day.
Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC)
If you’re into real ales then a visit to the Micro Brasserie de Chamonix, or MBC, is a must. It’s located a little bit further out of town on Route du Bouchet, just 500m on from La Ginabelle Apartments, but is well worth the extra walk for its wide selection of excellent beers and great live entertainment.
The Pub
With its big screen and cosy British pub style interior, The Pub is a great place for watching live sport or just unwinding with a pint. It can get pretty busy later on but there’s also a heated terrace where you can sit and watch the world go by outside.
Monkey Bar
Monkey Bar is one of several great bars located in Chamonix Sud, right next to La Rivière Apartments. 2 for 1 drinks at happy hour, buzzing atmosphere and an inviting sun terrace with incredible views of the surrounding scenery, make Monkey Bar a popular spot for après, while live bands and DJs ensure that it stays busy late into the evening.
South Bar
Right next door to Monkey Bar, South Bar is the place to go if you want to hang out with Chamonix’s impossibly cool and beautiful Scandinavian crowd. Like its neighbour, South Bar also has a lovely south west facing terrace, which is perfect for après drinks on a sunny day. Live music from early on and DJs spinning the decks until 2am, not to mention 2 for 1 cocktails from 8 to 10pm, all make this one of the best places to party in Chamonix.
L’Amnesia
Once they call last orders in the bars of Chamonix Sud, those who want to keep partying head to L’Amnesia nightclub near the Aiguille du Midi cable car. The largest and widely regarded as the best of Chamonix’s late night venues, L’Amnesia attracts a range of internationally renowned DJs in addition to a resident DJ who plays a mix of House, Electro and R’n’B from 1am until dawn every night.