Après-Ski: The World’s Best Resorts

We round up the top destinations for an unforgettable apres-ski holiday, from restaurants to Instagram rankings.

No ski holiday would be complete without the good food and tasty tipples that we have come to expect after hitting the slopes. For many people, the après-ski experience is the highlight of the entire trip which underscores the sheer importance of choosing the right resort for your skiing adventure.

To help you choose the best après-ski holiday, Snow+Rock have meticulously evaluated 300 top ski resorts from around the world and compared their restaurant reviews, food and drinks prices, ski pass costs and number of Instagram hashtags to find out which ones are the top contenders for an unparalleled skiing experience. Each resort was scored out of 100 to provide a definitive overall ranking for the best après-ski destinations.

When it comes to après-ski, Canada emerges as the global champion, with both Jasper and Banff securing the two top spots in the study. These Canadian snowy gems not only offer pristine slopes, but also ensure a memorable après-ski experience which has propelled them to the forefront of the worldwide skiing scene. 

Topping the global charts with an impressive score of 79/100, Jasper is the epitome of après-ski excellence. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper boasts a staggering 3,298,674 Instagram hashtags, offering insight into its popularity and attraction. The resort also has an average star rating of 4.4 for its restaurants, a reasonable ski pass cost of £293, and a well-balanced expense of £335.65 for food and drinks during the week.

Following closely behind Jasper is the iconic Banff, which has 2,529,168 hashtags on Instagram. Although it has a slightly higher ski pass cost of £493, Banff compensates with a budget-friendly £220 for food and drinks during the week. Its 4.5-star restaurant rating further solidifies Banff as a must-visit destination for ski enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable après-ski experience.

According to Snow+Rock Clothing Buyer Lorna Glover: “Canada is renowned for its ski resorts and I am not surprised it has ranked so high. If you want to fully enjoy the Canadian skiing experience, I suggest hitting the slopes during the midwinter months, when the snow is at its best. Just remember to layer up for the chill and always keep a close eye on weather forecasts to ensure the ultimate experience.”

Anyone who has ever taken to the slopes knows that the views, sights and sounds are inspiring and will last a lifetime. But capturing and posting the entire skiing experience to Instagram is an adventure in itself - and who doesn’t want to show off their thrilling adventures? 

With this in mind, we delve into the analysis of the most Instagrammable resorts for après-ski, unveiling the winter wonderlands that have truly stolen the social media spotlight.

Based on the study, Jasper in Canada leads the hashtag pack, boasting an impressive 3,298,674 Instagram hashtags. Following closely behind is Banff, securing the second position with 3,222,108 hashtags. 

While Canada may claim the top 2 spot in hashtags, the United States asserts its dominance in numbers, with an impressive 10 out of the 20 most Instagrammable resorts in the world.

Lake Tahoe secures the 3rd position overall, with an impressive 3,013,739 Instagram hashtags. What sets this destination apart is the area's crystal-clear lake views - the perfect instagram backdrop. 

Other USA standouts include Winter Park, situated in Colorado. This resort ranks 9th with 1,438,479 hashtags and is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and breathtaking village. Another notable USA mention is Jackson Hole in Wyoming, which enjoys beautiful slopes surrounded by the majestic Teton Range.

For those aspiring to curate an Instagram feed that mirrors the magic of après-ski, Lorna offers some invaluable advice: “Lighting is crucial when it comes to capturing key moments. The moments just before sunset and right after sunrise provide optimum conditions for snapping pictures. This kind of lighting is soft and warm, which will immediately enhance snowy surroundings. Showcase a mountainous backdrop, chalet or roaring fireplace to add winter charm to your feed. And if you want to get your posts in front of the right audiences, always use the relevant ski-related hashtags and geotags to boost your post's visibility and connect with fellow snow enthusiasts.”

Embarking on an après-ski adventure is about more than just sitting in front of a fireplace with a hot toddy in tow. It's about experiencing the culture, indulging in local cuisine, and capturing precious moments. With all of this in mind, Snow+Rock's comprehensive analysis has unveiled the top countries that offer the quintessential après-ski experience.

Blending all these touchpoints and scoring each country, Japan reigns supreme as the best country for après-ski. Japan resorts boast an impressive overall score of 58/100 and with a harmonious blend of enchanting landscapes, a staggering 175,073 Instagram hashtags, and a stellar 4.33 TripAdvisor rating, Japan stands as a haven for skiing enthusiasts. Lorna adds, “Be sure to visit Japan during February for optimal après-ski experiences, as the snow conditions are impeccable and the festivities are in full swing.”

When it comes to Instagram allure, Spain takes the lead, amassing an astounding average of 939,933 Instagram hashtags. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada, Spain provides a visual feast for social media enthusiasts, capturing the essence of après-ski charm.

For those mindful of their budget, Chile emerges as a prime choice, securing the top spot as the cheapest country overall for food and drink. With an average cost of £388.5 per person for a week, Chile invites budget-conscious travellers to revel in après-ski delights without breaking the bank.

While the USA beckons ski enthusiasts with its natural beauty and diverse après-ski experiences, it comes at a cost. American ski passes hold the title for being the most expensive, averaging £400. However, for those seeking unparalleled landscapes and vibrant après-ski scenes, the investment may be well worth it.

In the diverse landscape of après-ski destinations, each country has its own unique characteristics and splendour, inviting ski enthusiasts to explore not just the slopes but also the cultural richness and culinary excellence. From the visual allure of Spain to the budget-friendly charm of Chile, each country promises an array of experiences that extend far beyond simply skiing.

When it comes to après-ski activities, some countries offer a budget-friendly retreat for skiers looking to unwind with a good ’ol pint. Topping the chart is Bulgaria, where the average pint costs a mere £1.98. Japan follows closely behind with a pint costing just £2.5.

Slovenia secures the 3rd place with an average pint price of £2.83, inviting skiers to sip on moments of relaxation without breaking the bank. Argentina and Chile follow suit, introducing South American flair and budget-friendly enjoyment with pint prices at £2.85 and £3.07.

While these countries celebrate affordable après-ski traditions, Scandinavia presents a pricier pint option. Norway claims the top spot as the most expensive, with an average pint costing £7.25 while Switzerland follows closely at £6.44, and Finland takes the third spot at £5.78. 

Despite their awe-inspiring landscapes, skiers in these Scandinavian destinations may find their après-ski budgets pushed to the limits.

As you gear up for an unforgettable après-ski adventure, Snow+Rock can elevate your entire experience.

Explore Snow+Rock’s curated selection of high-performance ski gear, ensuring you're equipped for every moment. From high-performance skis and ski boots to stylish and functional clothing, Snow+Rock have you covered. 

Snow+Rock also understands that preparing for a ski holiday involves more than just purchasing equipment, and provides insight into ski technology to help you make a more informed decision regarding your ski gear, ensuring you enjoy your time on the slopes. 

Snow+Rock’s expert guidance ensures that every piece of equipment enhances your time on the slopes, contributing to an unforgettable après-ski atmosphere.

Visit Snow+Rock to gear up for an unforgettable ski and après-ski experience.