Where to Party in Hochzillertal-Hochfugen

Apres-ski in Hochzillertal-Hochfugen is an odd affair – because neither side of the ski area has a proper ski resort at its base. Hochfugen makes do with a huddle of hotels – some of which are surprisingly upmarket for such a small resort. Meanwhile, Kaltenbach, at the bottom of the Hochzillertal lifts, is memorable chiefly for its enormous car park. Fact is, most people ski here for the day, or a quick weekend at best, and hop back into their cars (or coaches) at the end of the day. So while Kaltenbach has a couple of decent bars for the hours immediately after the lifts shut – notably the Postalm and the Tiroler Stadl – the buzz dies off quickly as dinner approaches.

By far the best apres-ski experience is to book a night at either the Kristalhutte or the Wendelhutte, the two A-list restaurants-cum-hotels on the Hochzillertal slopes. The Wendelhutte is the more straightforward, upmarket experience. The Kristalhutte is quirkier and – ultimately – more fun. You can have a sauna on the slopes, in a cabin with one-way windows, surrounded by your fellow skiers – who are oblivious to the fact you’re there. And you can also overnight in an igloo with a heated water bed. You’ll be talking about it for years to come…

If you’re looking for proper, old-fashioned, dance-on-the-tables apres-ski, then your best bet is to book a holiday in nearby Mayrhofen. Or maybe St Anton, Val Thorens, Meribel or Val d’Isere.