Unlike places like St Anton in Austria, apres ski in the Chamonix valley happens off the slopes. In the town centre of Chamonix it usually starts at 4pm, but there will also be apres ski in the surrounding villages close to the ski lifts so make sure you dont miss out on the fun! Also view Argentiere apres ski, Les Praz/Flegere apres ski and Les Houches apres ski below.

Chamonix Centre

Chambre Neuf is the old Apres ski favourite – 272 Avenue Michel Croz - opposite the train & bus station in Chamonix, with happy hour promos, live bands playing crowd pleasing music that will get the cosmopolitan crowd dancing on the tables, happily staying in their ski boots and jackets until late into the evening.

L' Elevation 1904 - if you are looking to chill out after a hard day on the slopes and you want something a bit less hectic - just across the road from Chambre Neuf is L' Elevation 1904. This cafe & bar is open all day serving a hearty breakfast and in the afternoon anything from pasta, salads to a mean chicken, bacon, avocado burger! The location of the additional seating and tables outside is a great sun trap in the afternoons wher e you can watch the madness unfold in Chambre Neuf opposite.

La Terrace - 43 Place Balmat - (opposite the Post Office and Casino in the square) is the other key place to go for lively après ski, kicking off every day at 4pm with bands and DJ's. They have been known to set prices of it's beer jugs as the clock ticks, prices 5 euros til 5pm, 6 euros til 6pm!

MBC - Microbrewery -350 Route de Bouchet - (opposite the Sports Centre in Chamonix) open from 4pm. Four Canadians with a passion for beer set up the first Micro Brewery in the Mont Blanc region in 2002. They serve 5 beers on tap, a full bar and not to miss the MBC beer of the month. A friendly pub atmosphere with live music to entertain you, burgers and ribs to die for - you'll think you've gone to pub heaven!

Le Vert has some of the best parties - just outside the centre 964 route des Gaillands. Voted bar of the season in their year of opening in 2006, they have great guest DJs playing and pull in a fun crowd, especially at the weekends. Le Vert is 15 minute walk along Route des Gaillands and well worth the trek.You can also catch the bus or train from Chamonix centre to Les Gaillands train station just a few stops away.

Head to the bars down the cobbled street of Rue des Moulins - Privilege with live music, Mix bar is a very cool, funky bar with DJ's playing into the wee small hours, not forgetting Soul Food and Bar'd Up.

See "Bars and Clubs" for more details. When you arrive in Chamonix pick up "Le Petit Canard" programme from any bar to find out what's on in Chamonix.

Argentiere (Grands Montets ski area)

From the ski station at Grands Montets head up to the bars along Rue Charlet Straton (close to the tourist office in Argentiere). The Office Bar is a great favourite with the locals for apres ski with live music, full bar and beers on tap, sunny outdoor terrace, resident chef serving up delicious homemade burgers, steaks, BBQ ribs and more. Savoy Bar and Rusticana also on Rue Charlet Straton, have friendly fun atmosphere and great entertainment too.

Les Praz (Flegere ski area)

If you are skiing at Flegere or heading back to Chamonix from Grand Montets get off at Les Praz and head to the Rhododendrons Bar just opposite the ski bus stop. Jump around in the bar with the regular live bands and jugs of beers on the sun terrace, before you catch the last bus home to Chamonix.

Les Houches

A hot favourite with locals, seasonaires and holiday makers alike is Le Delice restaurant & bar - 130 Rue de l’Eglise, Les Houches - regular entertainment, fabulous food and kid friendly too.