Jan. 16, 2023
2023 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc après ski had a familiar look, some cosmetic changes but plenty of busy terraces. Chamonix continues to offer a great after ski experience alongside the shopper, diners and strollers in the central area.
Chamonix is possibly the biggest name in world mountain resorts, a massive destination for domestic & international travellers and huge volumes of accommodation – the town has all the pieces in place for a pulsating après ski scene. Yet Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is no Ischgl or St Anton, nor even a Méribel or Val Thorens when it comes to après ski. Austria is head and shoulders king of global après ski – where umbrella bars are full to bursting point and schnapps trays are forever airborne. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc though is different – yes, the terrace of La Folie Douce is pumping in the winter, but Cham après is characterised by smaller venues and different crowds. No less fun, but not as visible.
In at the deep end, we started at La Folie. The terrace at La Folie Douce is so iconic that it’s hard to think of a time before it existed, and what people did after the lifts closed in Chamonix. Perfectly placed on the lower slopes of le Brévent, it is the spider’s web that few escape. The colours, views, atmosphere, and entertainment all combine to make this a truly special après ski experience. It is easily possible to go from afternoon until the early hours at La Folie Douce with drinks on the terrace, dinner in the restaurant and then onto the club. Just don’t be meeting your ski guide too early the following day.
Located opposite the Chamonix train station, this compact venue offers DJ sounds and lights from early on. Young and old(ish) fill the dance floor, tables, and terrace of one the premiere après ski bar in Chamonix. An open-plan room with bar, tables and dancefloor make the Chambre Neuf a simple, no-nonsense après ski venue which easily and often fills to bursting point with après skiers. Before the arrival of La Folie, the area around the train station was the epicentre of Chamonox après ski with Chambre Neuf at its core. Things are now a little more dispersed but its hard to argue against Chambre Neuf as the #1 après ski spot in Chamonix.
Located near to the Montenvers railway valley station, Elevation 1904 is a honey-pot for skiers and alpinists returning from the Vallée Blanche. Packed inside and out with those who have earned their tipple, this is an après ski meeting point without the euro dance tunes and shots of many other après bars. Mountain-people take in the afternoon sun with a beer or wine and gaze onto their distant playgrounds from earlier in the day.
Usually buzzing with clients in the afternoon, the MBC offers a wholesome experience, far removed from the glitz and branding of La Folie Douce. Serving local beers and food, the MBC still has a schnapps ski within reach for thirsty punters. Located 500m or so from the pedestrianised centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, this can be viewed either as a welcome escape or inconvenience but MBC is well worth a visit.
Right in the heart of the pedestrian strip of Chamonix, L’M offers a great terrace to watch over the passing crowds. Busy at peak times and with live music, L’M offers about the best après ski terrace in the centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Our refresh wasn’t exhaustive, The Pub, Le Privilege, the Chamonix Social Club all retain a loyal fan-base, whilst the Office in Argentière keeps the locals happy both indoors and out. You won't find the raw power of a Mooserwirt in Chamonix, but what it continues to offer is a diverse range of après ski, something for most visitors.