Austria dominates list of best après-ski resorts in Europe

Known unofficially as the party capital of the Alps, the Tyrol resort also nabbed the most votes from among 4,600 winter sports practitioners polled in a SnowTrex survey that aimed to chart the best après-ski spots across Europe. Participants could choose between 15 party resorts in the Alps. Taking nearly a quarter (24 percent) of votes, Ischgl succeeded in taking the top spot overall, followed by local rivals Sölden and Mayrhofen, both of which are also in Tyrol, Austria. Rounding out the top five spots were Livigno, Italy and Val Thorens, France. To kick off, close out, and generally cement the resort's reputation as a party environment for the young and boisterous, Ischgl enlists a roster of A-list stars to perform at the most highly anticipated events of the Tyrolean Alps: "Top of the Mountain" opening, Easter and closing concerts. Headliners have included everyone from Elton John, Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys and Katy Perry, performers who have drawn tens of thousands of fans to their slopes. The survey also found that après-ski events are an important factor for more than half (56 percent) of participants when choosing their holiday destination, Euronews informs. On a six-night ski vacation, skiers and snowboarders spend on average half their nights partying. When it comes to après-ski revelry, the odds of crossing a Dutch party-goer are highest (they spend an average of 3.6 of 6 nights out), followed by the Danes (3.3) and Brits (3.2). Here are the top five après-ski resorts across Europe: Top overall: Ischgl, Austria Sölden, Austria Mayrhofen, Austria Livigno, Italy Val Thorens, France Top après-ski resorts for French respondents: Val Thorens, France Les 2 Alpes, France St. Moritz, Switzerland Ischgl, Austria Zermatt, Switzerland Top resorts for Brits Les 2 Alpes, France Val Thorens, France St. Anton, Austria Mayrhofen Austria Kitzbuhel, Austria