The Best Bars For Apres-Ski In Chamonix France

France doesn’t place much emphasis on bar culture, but the après-ski scene is a different story altogether. The Chamonix bars open before the skiers start to file down from the slopes, and close at a time when the eager might be waking up. We’ve put together this list of the best bars in Chamonix so that you’ll know where to go, either before or after your day on the mountains.

Planning a trip to Chamonix? Be sure to book ahead for the best tours of the area and make the most out of your winter trip.

Moö

Bar

It’s only been open for a few years, but Moö has already made more than its fair share of buzz. Named after the three Scandinavian friends (Morten, Oscar, and Örjan) who set it up, it’s got a real sense of community to it. Örjan in particular is a well-known face in Chamonix, as he’s often recognised for his time behind the bar at Chambre Neuf. It’s also home to the only self-serve beer tap in Chamonix, so there’s a little novelty in its presentation, too.

Opening Hours: 12pm-12am daily

Watch out for: The massive burgers

Vertical Café et Boutique

Cafe

A small french bakery serving pancakes and bubble tea, Chamonix, France

Found in the middle of the Aiguille du Midi lift station is a bar/leisure area/restaurant/shop that’s surprisingly good, despite its location. Before or after your cable car journey, it’s a lovely spot to stop and have a drink. Chances are good that you’ll be in the lift station anyway, and this bar should be on the agenda for an ‘apres-lift’ drink or two.

Opening Hours: Daily

Watch out for: The terrace on the plaza

Elevation 1904

Bar

Serving up a good drinks selection, a bar menu mixing French and English cuisine, and a sunny terrace, this is a bar so laid back it’s almost horizontal (although the atmosphere occasionally picks up when they have live music). A popular spot for Chamonix-ites, mountain guides, and workers, it attracts a good crowd almost every night. Between the locals and the visitors, you’ll be sure to find someone to swap ski stories with.

Opening Hours: 7am-11pm daily

Watch out for: The full English breakfast, an unusual dish in Chamonix

Chambre Neuf

A loud and lively apres-ski, Chambre Neuf is a popular meeting spot for both tourists and locals. Located within the premises of the Gustavia hotel, it’s in a prime location for afternoon or evening drinks. With live music from 5pm to 8pm most nights, it draws in a diverse crowd who all share a love of fun. It can get crowded, and people can wind up dancing on the tables. As far as lively bars go, this is one of Chamonix’s best.

Opening Hours: 7am-1am daily

Watch out for: The selection of bands

L'Amnesia

Bar

Formerly known as The Garage, this is the biggest club in Chamonix, with two large rooms and two accompanying DJs. Decorated in a contemporary, industrial style, this is another one that’s open extremely late. Every Tuesday L’Amnesia hosts a lingerie show, and every Wednesday there’s a disco, with a few more sporadically spaced event nights occurring throughout the year. This is probably the best-known and most popular club in Chamonix, and for good reason.

Opening Hours: 1pm-6am daily

Watch out for: The bar itself, in all its neon glory.

About the author

Niall McGrade

A freelance writer and student, Niall grew up in rural Co Tyrone and has since relocated to Belfast to study. Undertaking a BA in English and Creative Writing, he hangs around the library and the Seamus Heaney Centre For Poetry even when he doesn't strictly need to. His work has been published in newspapers, online, in anthologies, and he has won some small writing awards you're unlikely to have heard of. His likes include, music, film, pi?a coladas, and getting caught in the rain.