Top 10 Apres-Ski Resorts

Sometimes a day of skiing is best appreciated over a few drinks after the slopes have closed - normally with close friends or total strangers who will soon become close friends. In this month's top 10, we count down the Top 10 Apres Ski Resorts, where the nightlife and post-skiing activities are almost the main attraction.

1. Aspen, Colarado

By day and night, the famous Colorado resort town is renowned for its great nightlife that starts on the slopes and then heads towards the town center as the clock winds down (or up, depending on which way you slice it). The beautiful Rocky Mountains are lit up by luxury hotels, lively bars and a selection of fine dining restaurants. Although very glitzy and expensive, Aspen still offers great budget accommodation nearby, which keeps the bar crowd nicely balanced. http://aspen.ski.com/

2. Val D Isere, France

Val D Isere is a picturesque mix of the old and new world. With a 15th century church in the town center and luxury hotels nearby, all encompassed by 300 kilometers of perfect Alpine ski tracks, it is like a fairy tale setting. The resort is also home to some of the finest night life in Europe. Upgrades made during the 1998 Winter Olympics have improved the roads and public access ten fold. Dick's Tea Bar, the most notorious club in the area, hosts some of the biggest DJ's each season, much to the delight of the crowds who go there every year for a festive ski season. www.valdisere.com/gb/

3. Verbier, Switzerland

When the bindings come off at the end of each day and the gondola stops running, Verbier comes to life in a new way. The pubs, clubs and bars all fill up with skiers and boarders who are ready to wind down with a few well-earned pints and cocktails. Up near the gondola you will find a row of pubs that offer spectacular views of the Alps, as well as transport into the town below, where the festivities carry on until the small hours. http://verbier.ch/

4. Sauze d'Oulx, Italy

This charming Italian ski villa is renowned for two things: its position at the foot of Mount Genevris and lively apres ski activities. After a day on the gorgeous slopes, public transport will have you and your crowd at one of the buzzing bars or restaurants, partying up a storm with the large international crowd who visits each year. www.sauzeonline.com

5. Soll, Austria

Once known as a raucous student's party location, the ski apres scene in Soll, Austria, has evolved over the years. Where party-goers can still get their fill at the many great clubs and pubs in town, there is a range of fun to be had, but also mellow pubs and restaurants that will appeal to a slightly more mature audience. The resort offers accommodation that caters for everyone - from budget to luxury - but all in all, Soll is very well priced for such a beautiful ski town in Austria. www.skiingaustria.co.uk

6. Zermatt, Switzerland

With some of the best skiing and nightlife available at one resort, its often a case of picking one or the other. This luxurious resort town may be very popular and sometimes crowded, but it's worth it for the apres vibe every evening. Overlooking the slopes and mountain range, you will find a huge selection of bars and restaurants with magical views, good food and great drinks. The apres activities are known to continue all night and get very merry, and many a skier has written off a day on the slopes after getting carried away. www.ski-zermatt.com.

7. Killington, Vermont

Killington is full of the natural beauty New England states are famous for. But as an apres ski destination, the 40 pubs that stretch out along the main street are full of rowdy and festive skiers each night. Those looking for an early start to the apres festivities can suit themselves at one of the bars at the slopes themselves. While Killington may be less pretentious than its counterparts in Colarado, it can get very crowded. http://www.killington.com

8. Kitzbühel, Austria

Expect an action packed ski break in Kitzenbuhel, the liveliest destinations in Austria. As far as accommodation goes, the resort caters for all budgets. During the Hahnenkamm Downhill World Cup, expect a very festive crowd there to watch the world's best take on some of the most challenging slopes in Europe. By night, the partying goes on 'til late - in the bars and clubs, and out on the streets. www.kitzbuehel.com

9. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Loud, proud and full-on country entertainment is what you will find at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The bars offer a stunning view of the mountain side, where many a tall tale has been told about the day's skiing. From old saloon-style pubs with mechanical bulls, to dance clubs that go on all night, the apres activities are part of the package that makes this such a great ski destination. The resort is also a well known gig destination for great musicians to play smaller, more intimate shows to those in the know. The best thing to do is share a brewksy with someone who knows the place well and enjoy the ride. www.jacksonhole.com/

10. Soldeu, Andorra

Soldeu is ever popular with international visitors for a number of good reasons: the resorts are affordable (Andorra is a tax free zone) and there is an apres scene that almost pips the skiing itself. The gorgeous Pyrenees Mountains lie snug between Spain and France, making it an ideal location for travellers from across Europe. With such a hearty crowd on hand, it's tough to stay away from the bars and clubs (both stay open 'til LATE). You will find everything from traditional pubs, to full on clubs that host top international DJ's and crazy theme parties. www.powdertravel.com