A perfect ski day cannot end without après-ski, so we have made a list of our top 5 après-ski bars here in Zermatt!
Photo; Hennu Stall, Zermatt
Hennu Stall
At least once during your trip to Zermatt you have to visit Hennu Stall for Après ski. It is located a few meters below the Furi lift station. It can also be reached by foot from Zermatt (30min) or you can take the gondola to Furi station and walk down (20min). Après starts around 3pm and finishes around 8pm.
Once in Hennu, time does not matter – only the dancefloor does. You can enjoy famous music hits, as well as some classic schlager. If the dancing doesn’t heat you up enough, you can try a “shot-ski”. Exactly as it sounds, this is an old ski with shot holes, perfect if you are travelling in a group! If the dancefloor is on fire, they close the venue a bit later but around 9pm everyone has to be out and make their way down the mountain. This is when things get interesting – getting to Hennu is easy but leaving requires some skills. You ski down in the night darkness with a few spotlights for safety. Watching people ski down provides a certain amount of entertainment as well – there are plenty of Hennu descent stories, but what happens in Zermatt stays in Zermatt!
Spending a ski holiday in Zermatt without dropping by Hennu Stall is simply impossible.
Hennu is always very lively and promises good vibes and dancing. But, of course, exercise caution when skiing down.
Photo; Cervo Mountain Resort, Zermatt
Cervo
The Cervo Mountain Resort is ideally situated at the bottom of the slopes when skiing down from Sunnegga. Après-ski here on the slopes in Zermatt is from 3pm to 6pm. Music typically stops at 6pm because then the hotel starts serving their evening menus in their many restaurants (Bazaar, Madre Nostra, Ferdinand and Cervo Kitchen). You can also reach Cervo by foot from the centre of Zermatt (10min) or you can take the lift at the Sunnegga base station. This lift takes you straight up and when the doors open, Cervo is right in front of you.
Cervo is perfect if you want to enjoy delicious cocktails on one of their two terraces in an alpine style. Cervo has two nice sunny terraces with a view of the Matterhorn where you can listen to live music and DJ sets. Every day there is a different artist performing (their website lists the performers and music style). It can be a DJ set, live looping or a band. The music is varied and can go from electronic to folk music during the week. The après-ski is very lively but more relaxed than in other places. For the hungry ones, they have a snack menu. Special shout out to the famous Cervo truffle fries.
Cervo is one of the fancier après-ski places, perfect for the last rays of sun, chill energy, delicious cocktails and snacks, and live music.
Photo; Harry’s Bar, Zermatt
Harry’s Bar
The outside terrace for après ski at Harry’s Bar is a hotspot in the centre of Zermatt. It is the place to go if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere after a fun day on the slopes. It is a popular place to dance, drink and hang out with locals and tourists! Après-ski is from 3pm to 12pm and it is perfect for a well-deserved post ski day beer.
The bar is in a former henhouse and the ”hennugädi” has been converted by Harry Lauber and his son Fabian which gives the place a unique touch. The bartenders wear traditional lederhosen and dirndls to make it even more authentic.
Drinks from all over the world are served – from a classic Aperol Spritz to the local Appenzeller shot (a blend of 42 herbs and spices) to wines from the Valais canton. There is something to drink for everyone. When it gets colder, the party moves from the terrace to the inside and the happy crowd usually ends up dancing on the tables and bar (be aware of the low ceilings). Good times and great music are always guaranteed!
Harry’s bar is the perfect hang out – a lively terrace in the centre of the village and a friendly atmosphere. You are always likely to run into a new or old friend!
Photo; Papperla Pub, Zermatt
Papperla Pub
Papperla Pub is one of the most famous après-ski bars in town and a perfect meeting place in the centre of the village. In this Irish pub style, après-ski starts around 4pm and stays busy until late (12pm on weekdays and 2am on weekends). You can party on the outdoor terrace to start the evening and spin the lucky drink wheel to win drinks for your group.
There is always a live band playing at 7pm and once the mood is up, everyone gets out of their seats and starts dancing. It is not unusual to see people dancing on the tables or trying some new dance moves (usually encouraged by drinking). Dancing in ski boots is very common!
You will find a great atmosphere and spontaneous party mood. This is truly a place for everyone – the old, the young, the tourists, and the locals come together in this cult venue!
Papperla Pub is the place to be in the village – perfect if you like live music with a folk and rock touch, a mixed crowd of people and lots of singing-a-long!
Photo; Adler Hitta, Zermatt
Adler Hitta
You will find Adler Hitta on slope 6 in Findeln. If you are not a skier, you can still enjoy their lounge for après ski with mind-blowing views of the Matterhorn. You can hike up from Zermatt (60min) or take the funicular to Sunnegga and walk down alongside the slope (15min). It is the perfect spot on the slopes for a break with delicious drinks, good food and music.
Dreamy views of the Matterhorn with a cool music set up and fancy drinks offer the perfect ingredients for your social media! If you prefer a more laid-back environment, you can relax and sunbath on their numerous deckchairs. Perfect for recharging your energy before hitting the slopes again. The DJ usually plays deep house tunes, and a lot of unique events are organized (including the annual Waterslide contest and themed dress up parties).
They have weekly DJs sets, sometimes including a live violine or saxophone. The venue is open as long as the ski lift is open. If you miss the last lift, which can happen when you’re having fun, there is always the option to walk down.
Adler Hitta is an après-ski place on the slope, with beautiful Matterhorn views, delicious cocktails and food, and fun events throughout the season.
Truly places to be when it comes to après-ski in Zermatt – we promise!
Photo; Adler Hitta, Zermatt
Blog; Nathalie Gueller, Zermatt