With the Swiss winter tourism industry under threat from travel restrictions, the last thing most people are thinking about is partying once you’re done on the slopes – unless you’re in Valais, that is, where après-ski has recently been given the go-ahead for the incoming winter season.
There will be strict safety measures in place, of course. Anyone partaking in the fun must wear a face mask when moving around a venue, and can only consume food and drink at a table. Venues have also been allowed to set up heaters in spaces such as outdoor terraces and in tents, in order to create a more spacious setting where people aren’t cramped together. Venues also need close by 1am at the latest.
So, it seems that you can indeed still party post-slopes – a bit. And you can bet it’ll be wholly different to previous après-ski revelry. Just don’t forget your mask and keep your ski jacket handy, as we’re guessing it might still get chilly on those terraces even with a heater in-place.
Even if you’re not planning on hitting the slopes this year, there’s still time to make the most of Valais before winter sets in, with our ultimate guide to autumn in Valais, featuring the very best things to do in the region.