Verbier après ski needs little introduction; it boasts some of the best après ski and nightlife in the Swiss Alps, with its vast amount of lively and sophisticated bars. There is an intoxicating mix of fashionable bars, traditional-style pubs and cosmopolitan discos, creating one of the most exciting après ski scenes in the Alps. Après ski in Verbier may be throbbing but it comes at a cost – be warned, drinks can be expensive. Verbier après ski doesn’t generally get going before 6.30pm and is always expected to go on until roughly 9pm.
Farinet
Apparently the only Après Ski in Verbier with live bands performing every night of the season. With beer on tap, happy hour between 4-5pm, huge sliding roof, Farinet can literally raise the roof on their bar, so you can soak up the sun whilst the après ski party gets started. With a commanding position over the main square it’s an après ski not to be missed.
Farinet is THE carefree, feel-good party, voted the Best Après Ski Bar Worldwide in 2004 by ‘Which’. Eleven years on Farinet is still world renowned amongst seasonaires, locals and holiday makers alike.. A must if you visit Verbier. The waitresses are pretty wild and are also eager to dance on the bar and encourage vodka shots. In peak weeks, get there early to grab yourself a portion of the raised benches so that you get the best view of the live band and general mosh pit that seems to happen when it all gets going! Prepare to get covered in beer. If you are looking for something more tame, their lounge bar is right next door and is only separated by a couple of sliding doors, so you can enjoy the music in a more sophisticated crowd.
La Rouge
Le Rouge Restaurant & Après-Ski is situated at an altitude of approximately 1550m. Accessible by ski, sledge, foot, bus or car, Le Rouge Restaurant & Après-Ski has direct links to the main ski domain. La Rouge opened it’s doors in December 2008, Le Rouge is a multi-faceted establishment with class and style but without the stuffiness. With an emphasis on the “can do” factor and generosity of Asian hospitality, Le Rouge is a rare find.
The general feel is of a cosy chalet. An elegant mix of old wood, modern materials, and sheepskin throws. Le Rouge is a very flexible space presented on three levels. Outside, two panoramic sun-soaked terraces can accommodate up to 250 seated guests. Inside, Le Rouge Restaurant can organise and host a reception for up to 300 guests and provide a table d’hôte for groups of up to 20 people. Both the interior and exteriors are in keeping with the stunning natural location.
In the afternoon, the colourful après-ski at Le Rouge has been likened to Ibiza in the snow, with music from resident DJs and internationally renowned guest artists. Offering traditional brasserie style dining at lunchtime, Le Rouge is a firm Verbier favourite for substantial pit-stop lunches on panoramic terraces. In the evening, a meal chosen from a refined menu inspired by fresh, regional produce and shared with friends, family or colleagues ensures that Le Rouge has something for everybody at all times of the day.
Bar 1936
The best après-ski place between Les Ruinettes and Verbier. Accessible from the Medran cable car, chair lift and the slopes. Bar 1936 boasts two unique yurts serving drinks and food at 1740m. With 30 seats inside and a further 100 on the terrace it’s a great place to grab a deck chair and soak up the sun.
The bar is located on the run down from Les Ruinettes to Verbier and most days when the sun is shining you will find a house band playing until 5 pm. One of the cheaper après ski bars in Verbier, oh and there are plenty of deck chairs. The yurts create a warm and pleasant après-ski atmosphere before heading back to Verbier. It is the last stop before the station to enjoy a mulled wine.
Apart from the fantastic views Bar 1936 offers snacks and a BBQ if the weather is kind enough. A plus point is that you can dine in the evenings on request, where they serve their speciality, Mongolian fondue. The fondue evenings are organised on request from 20 persons.
Farm Club
Farm Club is a Verbier institution and the single most famous nightclub in the Alps- famous, that is, for its outrageously high prices. It retains its crown as Verbier’s most expensive playground where the resort’s most glamorous visitors and residents come to the party.
Farm Club has a sort of glamorous 70’s feel, which is not that surprising as it opened it’s doors in 1971 and the interior has changed little since then. There’s no entrance fee but book a table as it’s the only way to ensure entry. I’m throwing this club into the mix as it has arguably had more celebrity bums on seats than any other bar in Verbier and possibly the Alps. A rubberneckers paradise! It’s worth a visit for the novelty value alone. Located on the Rte de Verbier on the right-hand side of the road as you head away from Place Centrale.
Fer à Cheval
Excellent pizzas and a lively après-ski bar that should not be missed. Fer à Cheval is a Pizzeria and bar with a downstairs restaurant of 40 places for a relaxed friendly dinner. The upper level is great for après ski with music and a lively atmosphere, whilst the lower level is a calmer dining environment.
As Après moves from off the slopes down into the centre of Verbier, the Fer à Cheval kicks into life. The Fer à Cheval not only attracts holiday makers but also the locals. If you are looking to find somewhere to sit and have a quiet drink this isn’t the place to go, you will struggle to find a table. The atmosphere is buzzing. The menu offers a great range of pizza, pasta and salads and other dishes such as the chefs signature steak tartare.
Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.
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