Our Top 5 Après-Ski Bars In Chamonix
In this article, we will highlight our favourite après-ski bars in Chamonix that we recommend you go to after a day exploring this iconic ski area.
1. La Folie Douce Hotel
There’s a good chance you are familiar with the name La Folie Douce, but if not, you will soon realise that this chain of après-ski bars is synonymous with having a good time in ski resorts. The Chamonix branch of La Folie Douce is set in a hotel that was built in 1901 and has been hosting parties and guests ever since. Back then, it was known as the “Savoy”, and it became one of the best party venues after the 1st World War and during the “Roaring Twenties”. The hotel is now an iconic part of the Chamonix après-ski experience, combining live music, great food, and a party atmosphere all under one roof and on a vast terrace. Therefore, this venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, meaning you can stay warm while enjoying the festivities.
La Folie Douce Hotel is 5 minutes from the lifts to the Brévent ski area, making it easy to access whether you’re skiing down or heading directly from town. Its diverse après-ski experience means there’s something for everyone. With five different dining areas, you can choose your vibe for the evening. La Fruitière offers a bistronomic experience, while Le Mayen takes you on a culinary journey with mountain specialties. After a great meal, head over to the “Janseen” Cocktail Club for signature drinks and breathtaking views over Chamonix. It’s perfect for a lively yet relaxed evening, open from 10 am to 1 am.
Tip: We recommend booking a table for lunch and arriving early. This means you can claim your spot and enjoy La Police Douce to the max.
2. Chambre Neuf
Chambre Neuf is regarded as one of the best places for après-ski in Chamonix. It has live music from Sunday to Friday starting at 5:30 until 7:30 that attract tourists, skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers alike. The house band kicks things up a notch with live covers, ranging from classic rock anthems to indie hits that have everyone singing along.
Chambre Neuf isn’t just a popular après-ski spot it changes throughout the day. It is open in the morning, which is when locals start their day with a morning coffee. But at lunchtime Chambre Neuf transforms into a brasserie serving classic and international dishes. They serve daily specials inspired by French, Asian or Swedish cuisine, as there is a large Scandinavian contingent that frequent this bar. But there is also an excellent range of home-made burgers.
It has a fun and unpretentious atmosphere which helps along by happy hour that starts at 8 pm and finishes at 10 pm. This is the time when you can enjoy a wide selection of 2 for 1 cocktails.
Tip: If you’re with a group, try to get there by 4 p.m. Finding a spot can be a challenge later on.
La Bergerie de Plan-Praz is ideally located high above Chamonix at the Brevant mid-station, offering arguably the best view of the Mont Blanc range, so don’t forget your camera.
3. Moo Bar & Restaurant
Not every après-ski session has to be a riotous party. Moo Bar is an excellent option if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere but still want to get into the mountain spirit. Like many bars in Chamonix, Moo Bar attracts an international crowd, so expect to meet people from all over the world.
Open for lunch and dinner every day, Moo Bar promises a great experience. For lunch, they serve three ‘plats du jour’—meat, fish, and veggie—that change daily, with most ingredients sourced from local markets. They focus on homemade, gourmet burgers served on house-made buns in the evenings. Expect burgers with pulled pork, lamb, scampi and scallop, veggie, and the classic MOÖ burger.
Their philosophy also extends to their drinks, with good-quality beers and wines. But the bar staff also takes their cocktails seriously and can whip up a well-made old-fashioned or something a little fruitier better than anyone else in Chamonix. You can also try Chamonix’s first and only self-service beer station for something unique! All this adds up to Moo being one of the best après-ski bars in Chamonix.
Tip: Book a table if you’re coming with a group. It’s popular and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
4. MBC (Micro Brasserie de Chamonix)
Sometimes, after a long day on the mountain, the best thing to do is just sit down with a good beer and your friends; this is where MBC comes in. This excellent bar focuses on craft beer, keeping things simple and making sure everyone is comfortable.
All the beers are brewed in-house, giving you a genuine local feel. You can also tour their brewery and taste the beers as you go! MBC has a wide selection of beers to cater to every beer lover, whether you like hoppy IPAs, session lagers, or dark stout. You should expect a laid-back après scene at MBC with a hint of Canadian influence, including friendly service and flannel shirts. There are several communal tables, which make meeting new people easy and sharing your experiences on the mountains.
MBC is slightly out of town, near the sports centre and ice rink, so it relies on its reputation for great beer and entertainment. You can often see live bands playing during après-ski and in the evenings.
The food at MBC is excellent and unpretentious. They serve tasty nachos and burgers, which are ideal for refuelling after skiing or snowboarding in some of the highest mountains in Europe. The great thing about MBC is that it isn’t over the top. It’s a welcoming spot with no gimmicks or attitude, just really good beer and a chilled-out style.
Tip: Don’t skip the sampler if you’re unsure what to get. It’s the best way to taste all their brews.
5. Bar du Moulin
Bar du Moulin is a cosy little cellar bar located on the historic cobbled street of Rue des Moulins. It is also underneath one of our favourite restaurants Le Cap Horn, so be sure to look out for it as it is easily missed.
This this bar has an intimate ambience making it an ideal spot for relaxed afternoons and evenings. Which is a significant contrast from more lively venues such as La Folie Douce, even though it is just as satisfying but in a different way. The cosy lighting and plush furnishings make Bar du Moulin an incredibly nice place to be especially on cold days. You are welcomed by friendly staff who may offer you some tasty nibbles to accompany your drinks if you arrive early in the evening. On certain nights of the week, when après is over, Bar du Moulin becomes a much livelier venue hosting live music and DJs.
Bar du Moulin is also a great spot for food. We recommend the pizzas and French specialities, such as fondue and raclette. Another great touch is that they offer take-away food, ideal for nights in at your self-catered property.
Tip: Arrive after dinner if you prefer a quieter experience. It gets busier later, but it’s never overwhelming.
Chamonix town center in the lovely pedestrian section is full of restaurants & bars (rue du Dr Paccard, Pl. Balmat…)
Final Thoughts On Après-Ski Bars In Chamonix
Chamonix is not your typical French ski resort it is more of a town in the mountains. This means it is large enough to be the home of many après-ski bars with different approaches to the tradition. You can have a fully blown party experience at La Folie Douce or Chambre Neuf, or sip a carefully crafted cocktail at Bar du Moulin.
On the other hand, you can enjoy a more casual end to your day at MBC. The bars we have highlighted are our favourites but we still encourage you to explore the town and see which bars you happen to stumble into and stagger out.
Our travel experts are very familiar with Chamonix, so if you’re planning a visit, contact us for the best advice. We can recommend the best luxury accommodations, and activities during a trip to this incredibly special destination. We can also organise everything for you in advance, so it’s all in place, including airport transfers, lessons, equipment hire, childcare, and any special requests. In the meantime, you may want to check out our Ultimate Guide To Chamonix for more information of what to expect.
