Why LAB – Après Ski?
LAB – Après Ski stands out as one of the most popular après ski spots in Madonna di Campiglio. Unlike Chalet Spinale who ends their après ski at 4pm, LAB – Après Ski boasts DJs every night, extending the festivities well into the evening. For those looking to maximize their après ski experience in Madonna di Campiglio, a strategic plan that includes both venues is the key.
What is the ideal time to visit LAB – Après Ski?
LAB – Après Ski operates from 3 pm to 9 pm, with the peak time typically occurring between 6 pm and 7 pm, just before the town converges for dinner. Italians adhere to a strict mealtime schedule, adding to the vibrant atmosphere in Campiglio.
Navigating to LAB – Après Ski
LAB – Après Ski is located at the umbrella bar at the base of Groste, which is perched at a higher elevation of the resort, above the town of Madonna di Campiglio. While accommodations are available nearby, those in the town may find the hike challenging with an elevation gain of 127 meters or 416 feet in a little under a mile. The good news is if you do not ski or don’t have confidence in your abilities but want to drink, you can easily get to this après ski without doing any skiing!
If you are staying in town or south of town like I was, you have a couple options. First option is you can go directly after you’re done skiing, and then take the ski bus home after. The last Madonna ski bus, costing 2 Euro for all day, back into town runs before 6pm. I’m sure the schedule changes every year, but here is the one for the 23/24 season. Do not try to take the Trentino buses which run until 7pm with your ski boots on, they will not let you on! You can walk down the hill in ski boots with your gear, but I don’t think I could survive that. Its about a 30 minute walk back into town. At least its downhill. You could try to get a ski locker at Noleggio Sci Alta Quota located across the street from the Groste gondola, so you can switch out your ski boots and store your skis. It closes at 5 or 5:30pm depending on the day. You’ll likely have to take the Madonna ski bus up to grab your skis and gear every morning. I am unsure how much lockers cost at this location, but the lockers which should be able to hold 2-3 sets of skis at the base of Spinale cost 20 Euro a day, so should be approximately that cost. You can also try to take a cab, but we never ended up taking one.
My hotel offered free shuttle service from Spinale everyday, so we took an earlier shuttle back to our hotel, dropped off our skis and into more comfortable boots, and then would take the Madonna ski shuttle up to Groste. Just a warning though, one of the shuttles just didn’t run so we were waiting over an hour in the cold for it. Then we would walk down the hill back to town which isn’t too much of an effort since we were wearing comfortable shoes and its all downhill.
Best Strategy to Maximize your Apres Ski
Best strategy if you want to go to both Chalet Spinale and LAB – Après Ski on the same day is go to Chalet Spinale from 2pm until 4pm, then ski down to Groste side using the red (intermediate) runs 73 to 77. There is options to take blue runs, but there are SUPER LONG FLATS to the point even as a skier I had to do some skating. Make sure you already rented a locker at Noleggio Sci Alta Quota with your regular shoes in there so you can enjoy après ski and then walk down the hill back to town.
What is the Vibe?
Arriving at LAB – Après Ski after 5 pm, I was greeted by a scene reminiscent of 90s raves – dark, with firework sparklers lighting up the night. The venue, including the umbrella bar and outdoor dance floor, exuded an electrifying energy. The energy level is much higher than Chalet Spinale which is a bit more chill but bougie vibe. Think more fist pumping and singing at LAB – Après Ski, while its more swaying and furs with moon boots at Chalet Spinale. They have a resident DJ, but since I was in Madonna di Campiglio between Christmas and New Years, they invited various DJs throughout the 2 weeks surrounding the holidays. You can check the LAB – Après Ski instagram to see if they’ll have a special DJ. They usually also link the DJ’s IG so you can check out their music. The music was more recent and modern compared to the American music they were playing at Spinale. But you definitely know you’re in Italy because they would always play this one song, AND EVERYONE would sing it, the way everyone in America would sing “Sweet Carolina” every time its played. I was finally able to get Shazam to recognize it, it was “Con Il Nastro Rosa” by Lucio Battisti from 1980. It must have been remixed very recently because both LAB – Après Ski and Chalet Spinale played it everyday. The day before New Years they had full fireworks and even an aerial silks performer that I’m sorry that I missed! The crowd looked very young, probably mostly early 20s. The legal drinking age in Italy is 18, but I don’t think they checked ID when I was there.
Entry Details and ID Check
The outdoor section at LAB – Après Ski doesn’t have a cover charge, and entry is hassle-free. The inner area may require bottle service for a table, but the lively outdoor space is where the action happens. Arriving after 5 pm, we opted for the snowy area just outside the wooden platform to avoid being trampled.
Cost of Drinks
If you drink at the venue, its 5 Euros for a cup of prosecco. They serve it in paper cups which doesn’t not help the taste of the prosecco. When you purchase drinks at this venue, you must first buy your drink tickets, they take both cash and credit card, and the proceed to any of the various bars and get your drink.
Another option is there is separate hut that is not part of the LAB – Après Ski venue but serves alcohol at night. A cup of wine is also 5 euros. My friend was able to get a bombardino at 5 euros.
Cozy Breaks and Restroom Stops
For a break, step into Bar Fortini, located conveniently close to LAB – Après Ski. Enjoy a 5 Euro glass of prosecco in a real wine glass, warm up your feet, and use their clean restroom downstairs before heading back outside. Note that the bar typically closes around 7 or 8 pm.
In conclusion, LAB – Après Ski promises an unforgettable experience with its lively atmosphere, diverse music, and stunning views. Plan your visit strategically, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrant après ski culture of Madonna di Campiglio. Cheers to unforgettable nights at LAB – Après Ski!
Here 4 the Apres 
Leave a comment