Why go? For the high life: to experience après-ski in the place that does it best – after enjoying some of the most thrilling skiing and boarding in the world. No country does après-ski quite like Austria; in St Anton, partying begins well before the lifts close at cosy inns and mountain huts such as the Mooserwirt, where you soon get the hang of dancing on the tables in your ski boots. For the rest of the evening, giggling revellers can be heard tumbling down the piste back towards the lively bars, clubs and restaurants of the attractive car-free resort centre. The slopes, meanwhile, offer some of the best intermediate and advanced terrain in the world: a vast and challenging area, with plenty of steep slopes and lots of off-piste. The lift pass also covers neighbouring Lech, Zürs and St Christoph. Further info: www.stantonamarlberg.com
Best for Confident intermediates and experts; singles; skiers and snowboarders with stamina.
Best avoided The top cable car up to Valluga, if you get vertigo; they won’t even let you on with skis unless you’re with a qualified guide to lead you on the vertiginous run down.
Need to know Some of the pistes into the resort can get very crowded at the end of the day; don’t rush your final run. The quieter, sunny Rendl ski area across the valley is ideal for mixed-ability groups.
Also consider Bad Gastein ( www.gastein.com ) The most blissful après-ski has to be a soothing soak in hot mineral water – as at this Austrian spa resort. The skiing is excellent and varied – but many visitors are too happy wallowing to bother hitting the slopes at all. Aspen ( www.aspensnowmass.com ) America’s most glamorous resort is a restored silver mining town with chic boutiques and art galleries – and four superb mountains that attract ski bums who know where to eat and party without spending a fortune.
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