St. Anton of the Skis
On first impressions, St. Anton looks like a film set. Slick, twenty-first century appeal meets age-old Tyrolean charm. Set in a steep-sided valley, the dramatic mountains conceal over 300km of pistes and 200km of off-piste skiing, while a pedestrianised street meanders through the heart of the village, flanked with shops, cafes and, most of all, bars. At night, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve stepped into a charmed world, as you wind your way past lit-up windows ¬– revellers spilling onto the little street – back to the warmth of your catered chalet. St. Anton is legendary for its après-ski scene – hiding behind its pristine exterior lies an internationally-renowned, high-adrenaline world of DJs and live music. Check out our guide to the highlights of this skiers’ paradise.
Atmosphere, Atmosphere, Atmosphere
If the idea of soaking up the late-afternoon sun – cocktail in hand – is for you, then head to Sennhütte, a well-loved bar boasting a vast terrace with breathtaking views, live bands almost every day of the week and even its own herb garden…
Alternatively, Krazy Kanguruh has made St. Anton synonymous with après-ski ever since the 1960s. Run by a slalom-pro known locally as ‘The Alberg Eagle’, Krazy Kanguruh certainly lives up to its name, boasting the region’s largest open-air dancefloor. But if you’re after a quieter night, you can always book a private table for you and your group of friends. What could be better than watching the sun go down over the Alps?
Before heading back for dinner at your catered chalet, St. Anton’s most famous institution is waiting for you! Mooserwirt is “the mother of all après-ski barsâ€, according to none other than Playboy Magazine. A crowd of keen skiers, mainly in their 20s and 30s, congregate here every day to savour the magic formula of piste and party. Assisted by the impeccable – read, awesomely cheesy – taste of 60-something-year-old DJ Gerhard, the Mooserwirt starts hotting up in the mid-afternoon and closes at 8pm. So, you can dance to your heart’s description and still get a good night’s sleep!
Talking of a Good Night’s Sleep…
After so much après-ski elation, it’s going to be vital to take a night or two off. One of the great bonuses of a catered chalet, St. Anton style, is that opting for a cosy evening in can be just as enjoyable as hitting the dancefloor (added bonus if the chalet has a hot tub!). Think a fantastic meal followed by a card game in front of the fire. Or a few beers and a good film – Chalet Girl, starring Felicity ‘Rogue One’ Jones, could be a good bet, as parts of it were filmed in the village. (Provided you don’t mind veering into chick-flick territory, that is…)
Basically, think après-ski, think St. Anton. With the array of nightlife potential on offer in this picture-perfect village, you’ll be guaranteed to have a ski holiday to remember. Who knows what you might get up to after a day on the slopes? And, if you don’t feel like going out, there’s always dinner at the catered chalet, a drink by the fire, and maybe a chick-flick or two!
Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for a catered chalet, St Anton is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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