The Anton Files... Après Action
We’re all a bit partial to some smash-up time after a cruise around the mountain. And in St Anton it’s all too easy to get on the train to Smash-up Central. 
There are so many choices that, after nearly two months in resort, I’ve probably visited fewer than half of them.
The good thing is that they’re generally really different. It’s simply a question of choosing a venue to suit your mood.
If drunken riding in the dark floats your boat, you are definitely in the right place.
The run down from the main mountain is dotted with mid-slope après venues. They’re also reachable by bus, but why do that when you can ride?
It’s not really an easy ride, either. At least 250m, steep, pitch black and littered with shrieking bodies. Brilliant.
Krazy Kangaruh and Taps are separate venues in adjoining properties.
KKs tempts in visitors by dressing two of its staff in kangaroo outfits.
They stand on the side of the piste waving at would-be punters. I never really know what to say to them as I go past.
There’s a ski check (for peace of mind), outdoor terraces and a subterranean dance floor as well as the main bar.
KKs serves good food but Taps, attracting a slightly older crowd, is renowned for its amazing burgers.
Both places get rammed, so forward planning is essential.
Sending in an advance party to bag a table by 3.30pm is a good way to stave off getting squashed/freezing your tits off outside.
The same applies to Mooserwirt, further down the hill. It’s the place to go if you prefer your après a bit more cheesy and international.
Attracting a united nations of boarders and skiers aged from 18 to 80, the Moose kicks off at 4pm – when the shutters come down, the light show begins and DJ Gerhard starts spinning his wheels of steel.
By 6pm, everyone is climbing up the walls and dancing on the benches to everything from Metallica to Neil Diamond. Bonkers, but so much fun.
Further still down the slope (and walkable from the village) is the fabulously quirky Underground On The Piste.
Famed for its excellent live music, it’s run by an inspirational lady called Joan.
She rocked up in St Anton from her native Australia in search of hardcore skiing 40 years ago. She’s still here and her superb restaurant is one of the most popular in town.
More live music can be found at Bar Cuba on the village’s main street.
This place can really go off in the evening, but it’s a mellow choice for après, with a nice Australian guitar dude who takes requests.
So there’s something for everyone. And all this talk has got me hankering after a beer.
Biggest problem is deciding where to go…
http://www.stantonamarlberg.com
