Après-ski and after parties

Make the most of the last winter snowflakes and chase ski season across this trio of snow sport playgrounds: France, Austria and Germany. Kit up, soar down and soak up the après-ski vibe. And stay in peak luxury with our pick of boutique mountain hotels – with spa treatments to ease legs, post-piste.

When the mountains are calling, answer with a stay in the French Alps. And what better place to give your skiing muscles a workout than Val Thorens – one of the world’s largest ski resorts, boasting over 600km of runs. Served by the comprehensive Three Valleys cable car network, you’re always an easy ride away from the best descents the mountains have to offer.

The après-ski scene is just as impressive. As well as the lively nightlife – including the famous Folie Douce ‘dancefloor on top of the world’ – you’ll discover unique ways to relax. Why not try Snow Yoga? Or snow-shoeing your way up a mountain, and back down via an exhilarating ice dive?

For luxury in the heart of it all, book a stay at the Pashmina Le Refuge hotel and indulge your senses in the L’Occitane spa. Settle into an all-natural treatment, or soothe tired muscles with a steam and massage. And then round off your evening at Le Base Camp restaurant, or scale new culinary peaks with the Michelin starred international menu at Les Explorateurs. You’ll want to get your skis on though – the 2019 season ends on 5th May.

For fluffy powder lasting well into spring, Tyrol is the place to be. Alongside stunning alpine vistas you’ll find a huge variety of snow sports. Explore the mountains on a romantic horse-drawn sleigh, hop on a toboggan, or go off-piste with a guided cross-country ski tour. The Olympic city of Innsbruck provides year-round entertainment – a highlight being the Tyrolean State Theatre’s cultural programme of music, dance and theatre.

Go for traditional Alpine chic at DasPosthotel, a heritage-inspired retreat with a contemporary edge and a boutique spa. Really push the boat out in a penthouse Skyloft and enjoy the mountain views from the relaxing warmth of your bathtub. For upbeat après-ski, head down the valley to Ischgl. And don’t miss the town’s infamous Top of the Mountain concert over Easter, with big name acts performing to the tune of the Silvretta Mountains. With a ski season ending 22nd April, it’s the perfect springtime getaway.

With spring well on the way, Parkhotel Adler in the Black Forest is perfectly situated for the best of the sun and the snow. Take a stroll in the tranquil private park to wind down after a day on the slopes, or give your getaway the epicurean treatment with the eight-course tasting menu at the exclusive Oscars Restaurant. Five-star hotels for families are a rare find, but this award-winning resort provides everything from a free stay for under-sevens to adventure playgrounds – and even fruit mocktails to let little ones in on the après-ski fun. The 2019 ski season here continues until 24th April, giving you just enough time to plan the perfect Easter break.