Beer & Après Prices in Aussois

Perched at 2,100 meters at the base of the Chateau cardinal chairlift, this rustic wooden cabin serves the most spectacular alpine terrace in Aussois. The interior features exposed timber beams, a massive central fireplace, and walls decorated with vintage ski equipment from the resort's early days. The crowd is a lively mix of lunch-time skiers stopping for a mid-day break and dedicated afternoon après-skiers who settle in for hours. The staff wear traditional Savoyard sweaters, and local folk music plays at a volume that encourages singing along without drowning out conversation. The sun-facing terrace fills rapidly from 2pm onwards, so arrive before 3pm for the best spots.

The beating heart of Aussois's evening social scene, Le Rat's occupies a prime spot on the main pedestrian street just steps from the ski school meeting point. The bar channels classic French alpine pub vibes—wood-paneled walls, mounted alpine trophies, and a long zinc bar where locals gather nightly. The crowd ranges from ski instructors finishing their shifts to families dining nearby and young international visitors. Happy hour runs 6pm-7:30pm with €3 pints and €5 cocktails, drawing a lively pre-dinner crowd. The bartender, Jean-Marc, has been pouring drinks here for 25 years and knows everyone's name—and their usual order.

For sophisticated palates, this converted wine cellar beneath the Hotel Les Flocons offers an entirely different après-ski experience. Low ceilings, candlelit tables, and an impressive rack-mounted wine cellar create an intimate, almost Parisian atmosphere. The wine list focuses on Savoie producers (Apremont, Mondeuse, Roussette) alongside classic French regions. The cocktail menu features creative interpretations using local spirits and alpine ingredients. This is where couples come for romantic evening drinks and where serious wine enthusiasts go to discover regional varieties rarely exported beyond France. Service is attentive but unhurried—expect to spend an evening rather than a quick drink.

The only actual nightclub in Aussois, Leinitionski (a play on 'destination' in thick Savoyard accent) draws the resort's younger crowd and visiting ski groups with DJ sets running from 11pm until the early hours. The space packs a lot into a small footprint: a small dance floor, booth seating, and a balcony overlooking the main village square. Music alternates between French pop, international hits, and alpine techno—the latter a nod to the region's electronic music scene. Cover charges apply on weekend nights (€10-€15 including first drink), and the crowd skews towards 20s and 30s. It's not Ibiza, but for a small resort, it delivers genuine late-night dancing until 3am.

Located at the base of the main ski slope return, Le Tremplin functions as the ultimate slope-side decompression station. The massive south-facing windows offer prime people-watching as skiers navigate the final blue run back to the village. The interior blends modern mountain lodge aesthetics (clean lines, warm lighting) with traditional elements. It's particularly popular with ski families—parents can watch their children finish their lessons while enjoying a well-deserved beer. The menu extends beyond drinks to include decent tartiflette and raclette plates, making it ideal for a substantial snack stop. The atmosphere shifts dramatically between day and night: casual and energetic during après hours, then transforming into a more subdued restaurant-bar vibe after 8pm.

Hidden down a narrow alley off the main street, this tiny five-table bar feels like drinking in someone's living room—because you essentially are. The owner's grandmother's apartment was converted into a micro-bar serving only local drinks at below-market prices. There's no written menu; you simply ask what's available, and chances are it'll be something from the Maurienne Valley you won't find elsewhere. The walls are covered in black-and-white photos of Aussois from the 1940s-60s, and the single television usually shows rugby matches or Alpine skiing competitions. It's the anti-après: no music, no crowds, no pretense. Just locals, skiers in the know, and excellent conversation.