Zermatt is one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. The famous Matterhorn skyline and long list of ultra-luxurious chalets go hand in hand with the excellent ski runs at altitudes that offer the highest skiing in Europe. Of course, when not otherwise on the pistes or enjoying all the features of your luxury chalet in Zermatt, you will likely want to be experiencing the other main aspect of a ski holiday: the après ski.
With that in mind, we’ve crafted a list of the best bars in Zermatt with après ski, both on the mountain and in the centre of town. The vibes range from traditional and lively dance venues, ones ready to rival the likes of Folie Douce, to chilled out bars that ooze high-class luxury. There are Zermatt bars for live music, spots for refreshing pints in the sun, places to try out a ski full of shots and even clubs in Zermatt to dance the night away. Whatever your mood, Zermatt après ski will cater to it, with the same sort of luxury splendour that Zermatt has become synonymous for.
Situated at the bottom of the slopes on the Sunnegga side of the ski area, just above the Sunnegga funicular, sits the CERVO Mountain Resort. End your day in style with cocktails on the two terraces, with the legendary Matterhorn peak as your stunning backdrop. With regular live music and exclusive DJ sets, the terraces can get quite lively. However, the vibes here are much more lavish than your usual mountain-side après sessions. Modern sophistication is on the menu here, with the terraces a fantastic place to soak in the sun in the later season. Hidden away inside you will find the superlative Grapes and Juniper Bar. With 40 different types of gin and wine from all over the world, this is a relaxing space to enjoy the artisanal creations of the master mixologists. It’s even available for private bookings!
Located on the other side of the ski area on the number 50 red Blatten piste, between the Zermatt and Furi stations of the Klein Matterhorn Express, you will discover the eminent après bar of Hennu Stall. It’s certainly on the other end of the spectrum of après ski in Zermatt. So venerated it took a spot on our Ultimate Ski Bucket List – Best Après Bars in Ski Resorts, Hennu Stall has to be experienced to be truly understood. Skis of Jägermeister shots, remixed dance classics of 80s, 90s and Europop, multicoloured disco lights and fancy dress; Hennu Stall knows how to throw a party. The terrace lets you take a breather from the après ski action. A short and relatively flat ski to get back to resort means you can fully enjoy the revelry. Not only one of the best bars in Zermatt on the side of the piste, but maybe all of Switzerland.
Located directly on the blue 6 “easy run” ski slope between Sunnegga and Findeln, Adler Hitta offers ultimate après ski at altitude. At 2,200m, DJ’s, live bands and solo musicians perform to the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas. Its sun-drenched terrace with an outdoor bar offers the perfect spot to quench your thirst and soak up the sunshine – and perhaps even out the goggle tan on those super sunny spring days! If the sun isn’t shining, fear not. The large panoramic windows mean that you can still indulge in the special atmosphere of good music and stunning views from the comfort of inside the relaxed restaurant-bar. If you are looking for mountain après ski, Adler Hitta has to be ticked off your list when discovering the best bars in Zermatt.
The Papperla Pub is Zermatt’s lively cult favourite and a fundamental part of Zermatt après ski. All are welcome here, located just across the Kirchbrücke coming from the centre of resort. Bar staff in fancy dress hand out shots on the terrace as live music plays inside. A favourite haunt of locals and tourists alike, the Papperla Pub is one of the best bars in Zermatt, a perfect place for après ski with beers, mulled wine and cocktails freely flowing long into the night.
Harry’s Ski Bar in Zermatt may be small, but it sure is lively. A short distance from the bottom of the Sunnegga funicular, on your way towards the centre of resort, Harry’s Ski Bar is impossible to miss. The terrace is always packed to full, with skiers congregating around patio heaters, dancing, drinking and having a good time. This friendly bar plays great music and is a terrific place to meet with other like-minded après ski lovers.
An institution in Zermatt, the Unique Hotel Post hosts a multitude of the best bars and clubs in Zermatt for all après ski moods. Located in the centre of resort, along Zermatt’s main street, the place contains 5 different pubs, bars and clubs. You could spend your whole night here just making your way through them all!
The Brown Cow Pub provides a cosy, homely feel; pints of beer on barrel tables, restrained lighting fostering an intimate atmosphere, and staple bar meals of burgers, soups and sandwiches.
Papa Caesar is a lounge bar with a chic ambiance, serving spirits, wines and cocktails of both the classic and creative variety.
For one of the best bars in Zermatt for live music, check out Pink. Lit with ambient lighting of the colour the bar’s name would suggest, this is the premier place to be, showcasing international bands performing exceptional shows.
If you’re looking for clubs in Zermatt, Unique Hotel Post has two! The Broken Bar is a fabled après ski location, a place to dance until dawn on its famous big barrel. The Loft Club is more suave and sophisticated, a swanky lounge for over 25s that plays a mix of 80s, 90s and present day chart classics for a cheerful après ski party.
Oozing sophistication, this small Champagne and wine bar in Zermatt welcomes all that have a taste for finer things. Elsie’s offers a carefully selected list of some of the finest wines and Champagnes in the region, of which many are available by both the glass and the bottle. The chalet-style interiors and friendly service welcome you for arguably the most elegant and stylish après ski in Zermatt. Alternatively the outdoor seating amongst heated lamps and quality woollen throws, is a perfect spot for enjoying the hustle and bustle of the church square as everyone descends off the mountain. You can also enjoy a refined selection of gourmet accompaniments and Swiss delicacies to satiate the tastebuds.
Elsie’s is not short of providing culinary delights should the appetite crave it. During the winter, Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to chef’s table dining, with Lukas Ryffel impressing even the most discerning foodies; Wednesdays to Sundays offer a classy menu of gourmet specialities; and Sundays offer an elaborate Champagne brunch – if that’s not starting the ski day right, then what is!?
Credit: Club Mamacita
Across the road from the Unique Hotel Post, Club Mamacita transports Latin America to the Swiss Alps. Exotic cocktails and spicy food, this club in Zermatt champions South American culture. Club Mamacita has live music daily and operates as a nightclub well into the early hours. The cocktail experience here is a particular highlight, with a long list of unique creations inspired by iconic women of history.
We can continue to tell you that Zermatt has some of the best après bars in the Alps, but truly, the best way to understand is to experience the Zermatt après ski scene for yourselves! We have highlighted a selection of the best bars in Zermatt for your perusal but you will be sure to stumble across (or into) many more on your luxury ski holiday in Zermatt.
And when the night inevitably comes to an end, you’ll be in need of somewhere to rest your head. Our portfolio of ultimate luxury chalets in Zermatt is a curated selection of the very best catered and self catered chalets in Switzerland. Get in touch with our Ski Specialists for assistance in finding the perfect match for your every desire. Send us an email, or pick up the phone to discuss your requirements +44 1202 203653.
Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
