While Zermatt is synonymous with a high-class skiing experience, few skiers would think of the Valais resort when it comes to party and après ski. But Zermatt surprised us in this category. Granted, the town is not dominated by numerous clubs and discos like in Ischgl or Sölden. But there are pubs with live music, open-air bars and cosy mountain lodges playing all the classic après ski hits – everybody is sure to find something to help them unwind in Zermatt.
Papperla Pub: Alpine lounge meets Irish pub
The Papperla Pub is located in Steinmattstraße 36, in the direct vicinity of the bridge over the river (Matter Vispa). Here, live music shares the stage with international DJs and typical après-ski atmosphere. The interior is a little reminiscent of an Irish pub. The Papperla Pub is open from 2 PM until 2 AM in the morning (as of February 2016) and is our tip for anyone who appreciates good live music.
Hennu Stall: Après ski and party hotspot
If you are looking for the right après ski atmosphere directly next to the slopes, sooner or later you will come across the Hennu Stall. Guests dance and party for as long as their legs will carry them from 2 PM until 7 PM (as of February 2016 – click here for more information). The Hennu Stall is located in the lower section of the Furi-Zermatt Valley run, and is therefore only accessible via the Schwarzsee area or from the Gornergrat via the Riffelalp. From Zermatt itself, the hut is around 30 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can take the gondola to Furi and enjoy a leisurely 15-minute walk to the party hotspot, all of it downhill.
For night owls: Zermatt underground
It has to be said that the townscape of Zermatt appears substantially more tranquil and peaceful than most other après ski areas. This is primarily due to the fact that when the sun goes down, the party in Zermatt goes underground in many places – down into the domed cellar structures. The Broken Bar Disco in memorable domed rooms under the Hotel Post has been attracting night owls for some 55 years. Other popular locations include the Cuckoo Club in Bahnhofstraße 70, Schneewittli in Steinmattstraße 34 and many other clubs... If you thought that Zermatt doesn’t have much to offer in terms of après-ski, now you know otherwise. The difference is that Zermatt has succeeded in maintaining the original character of the town. Nevertheless, there are just as many parties, pubs and clubs as in other well-known après ski resorts across the Alps – they just aren’t as obvious at first glance.