Having in my previous blog given an overview of the way the skiing in and around St Anton differs from what other ski resorts have to offer, this time I will give a brief appraisal of the town itself and compare the experience of staying there to elsewhere in the Alps. St Anton’s reputation as one of the best ski resorts in the world comes not just from the vast challenging ski-area but also for the wide range of après ski and other activities to do in and around the town.

St Anton’s reputation as a nightlife hot spot is well deserved. In the Alps, perhaps only Val d’Isere has a better reputation as a party town. The Krazy Kanguruh (KKs) is the self-proclaimed most famous and lively bar in the Alps, whilst the nearby Mooserwirt bar is equally lively with a slightly more Austrian feel. Drinking in both of these bars starts early (around 3.30 pm) and continues until people start moving in to town around 8 or 9 o’clock.

When people do move in to town, there is a wide range of both bars and clubs with a very ‘English’ feel, not uncommon in other ski resorts. Bar Cuba, Scotties, and Bobo’s tend to be dominated by an English crowd, whilst the Austrian run Funky Chicken tends to attract a weird mix of locals and Swedes.

St Anton, throughout the season attracts a crowd to match its reputation. Celebrity spotting in town, especially during the high season, is not a rarity. Over the course of the season I saw, amongst others, Russell Brand and Pixie Lott. Simon Dumont and TJ Schiller also spent a week in St Anton towards the end of the season, making the best of the skiing and spending their nights in the Funky Chicken.

Like many other ski resorts St Anton has a range of non-drinking related activities to keep people entertained. It subscribes to the fad that seems to grip many ski resorts and has a (relatively) newly built ‘wellness centre’, with both a swimming pool and conference facilities. On top of this there is the Arlrock centre, with a range of activities including bowling, rock climbing and indoor tennis. Also the 4km Rodelbahn, toboggan run which runs from the top of the Nasserein gondola into town is a highlight not to be missed.

Given all of this St Anton is without doubt deserving of its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in the world, and is certainly the best of those that I have visited. It arguably has a little something for everyone from the dedicated skier to the more socially focussed holiday maker. Given this, whether it is to go on holiday for a week, or to spend a season, St Anton is a place that is definitely worth visiting and one that you will certainly enjoy.