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THE ENTIRE IDEA OF APRÈS-SKI IS WHAT MADE ME WANT TO LEARN HOW TO SKI IN THE FIRST PLACE.

A celebration after a day of skiing, fueled by bottles of champagne nestled in the snow and DJs pumping out bass as the sky turns to dusk.

Maybe you’ve seen the old Slim Aarons photographs, too.

Of young skiers, their skis abandoned, as the day moves onto its next phase: après-ski.

THOUGH THE APRÈS SCENE IN CORTINA IS MUCH MORE RELAXED THAN THOSE IN OTHER PARTS OF EUROPE, THERE IS STILL A LOT OF FUN TO BE HAD AFTER A DAY OF SKIING THE DOLOMITES.

Cortina D’Ampezzo Après Ski: How To Enjoy This Epic Ritual

What is Après Ski?

APRÈS SKI ENCOMPASSES THE SOCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES ENJOYED AFTER A DAY OF SKIING.

This can include food and drinks, music, or relaxation, though to many, it has come to mean any big party that happens after a ski day.

Après ski is a huge part of ski culture, though there are regional variations between different resorts in Europe:

🇦🇹 Austria is known for its lively après ski with a bustling beerhall feel. There’s plenty of beer and schnapps served while traditional Schlager music is played over huge sound systems. What is Schlager? It’s German-language pop music, with lots of covers and remixes of popular party anthems.
🇫🇷 French après ski is just as energetic, but it’s more sophisticated, with amazing DJs, champagne, and dancing. The best DJ set I’ve ever seen live happened at a French après!
🇨🇭 Switzerland’s après ski is less slopeside party, more cozy indulgence. It’s all about good wine and gourmet food enjoyed in luxurious settings with unmatched alpine views.
🇮🇹 Italy’s après ski is, like Switzerland’s, relaxed yet stylish. The Italian aperitivo culture mingles with the bounty of the mountains to produce wine, cocktails, and regional snacks after a long day on the skis.

What is Après Ski in Cortina D’Ampezzo Like?

In Cortina, après ski usually begins with a celebratory drink on the slopes as everyone reassembles at the end of the ski day.

BIRRA DOLOMITI, THE LOCAL ITALIAN PILS, WAS OUR CHOICE OF THIRST-QUENCHER AFTER A FULL DAY OF SPORT.

Others around us were enjoying glasses of wine or aperol, while a few threw back shots of herb-infused grappa.

The party on the mountain didn’t last long, though.

After one drink, we hauled our gear back to town, stowed it in the hotel’s ski closet, and prepared to continue après in town.

Which Cortina Bars are Best for Après Ski?

Cortina d’Ampezzo has a variety of bars to choose from: casual spots to grab a beer, refined cocktail bars, and cozy wine bars.

Chalet Tofana

SITUATED AT THE BASE OF THE TOFANA SKI AREA, WHICH INCLUDES SOCREPES TK TK, CHALET TOFANA IS A GREAT PLACE TO KICK OFF APRÈS SKI IN CORTINA.

It has a stylish ambiance and breathtaking view of the Dolomites at dusk, when they begin to glow with a subtly pink hue. 😍

Known for its excellent food and drinks, it’s also a popular spot for mid-day lunch on the slopes.

They often host DJs on the weekends, offering that quintessential party après vibe in Cortina.

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Bar Sport

Bar Sport sits in the center of town on Corso Italia and becomes a bustling jaunt in the late afternoon as skiers descend from the mountains.

The outdoor tables are dotted with countless Aperol spritzes (this is Italy, after all), the aforementioned Birra Dolomitis, and bombardinos, a warm mixture of Advocaat (like an eggnog liqueur) and brandy, usually topped with whipped cream.

THE NAME MEANS “LITTLE BOMB” IN ITALIAN, AND IF YOU’RE NOT CAREFUL, THIS DRINK CAN LIVE UP TO ITS NAME.

(For those who have dinner reservations, order the Calimero variation with espresso and a little less alcohol.)

Bar Sport also serves pastries and sandwiches to tide you over until dinner.

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The Lounge Bar at Hotel de la Poste

DURING OUR STAY IN CORTINA, THE LOUNGE BAR HOTEL DE LA POSTE, WAS THE CENTER OF OUR APRÈS-SKI UNIVERSE.

The luxe space is outfitted with velvet upholstered banquettes and ottomans in emerald and copper hues, while huge picture frame windows peer out onto the main street of town.

The cocktail list is a local twist on classics like the negroni and Manhattan, and on select evenings the venue hosts DJs to liven up the atmosphere.

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Molo Pub

A FAVORITE AMONG LOCALS, MOLO PUB IS A COZY, LAID-BACK PUB SERVING CRAFT BEERS, CREATIVE COCKTAILS, AND SNACKS.

It’s just a short ten to fifteen minute walk from the center of town.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for skiers looking to relax and socialize in a warm and friendly setting.

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Enoteca Baita Fraina

THIS WINE BAR IN THE CENTER OF TOWN IS A POPULAR HANGOUT FOR SKIERS SEEKING A RELAXED APRÈS SKI VIBE.

They offer approachable wines for every budget and a limited, but delectable, menu of small bites.

And if you’re missing the bubbly of a French après ski, head to Enoteca Baita Fraina for their wide selection of Champagnes.

Enoteca Cortina

Another après spot for wine lovers in town is Enoteca Cortina, a cozy wine bar beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The wines scribbled on the mirrored menu are mostly Northern Italian and Austrian varieties, and the staff are adept at guiding you towards the perfect vintage for your palate.

I LOVED THE LOW, CURVED CEILINGS THAT MADE THE SPACE FEEL INTIMATE, AND THE BUILT IN WOODEN BENCH SEATING WAS A CHARMING TOUCH.

Its narrow bar crowds quickly, so be sure to arrive early or late to avoid the crowds.

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Conclusion

THE APRÈS SKI IN CORTINA D’AMPEZZO IS EQUAL PARTS MOUNTAIN VIBES OF APERITIVO CULTURE.

While it may not feature a raucous party, like in Austria, or a sleek DJ set, like in France, we nevertheless had a great time during après in Cortina.

It might not even be the best après ski in Italy - that honor probably belongs to Livigno or Sauze d'Oulx - but Cortina’s après succeeds as an appropriate wind-down for its chic, unbothered ski crowd.

We had a great time during après ski during our visit to Cortina, and if you make your way to a few of the Cortina bars on this list, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing après ski in Cortina, too!

Cheers 🥂,

Angela

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