Some places don’t just sit on a mountain. They own it. High above Leogang, right next to the Asitz mountain station, the bar Hendlfischerei turns après-ski into a full-blown alpine love affair. This is not the sticky-floor, ski-boots-thrown-in-a-corner kind of après. This is something else entirely, in more ways than one.

If you are not a skier, you don’t even need skis to play. Just take the cable car up, step out into the icy mountain air, and walk straight from the station into this legendary ski bar. No effort, no rush, just altitude and anticipation. We arrived early afternoon, at that golden sweet spot where the sun still feels warm and the music already pulses with energy. The place was packed. Tables buzzing and ski boots tapping in rhythm. One of those cool scenes. And then, luck smiled on us. ✨🏔️

We scored the Veuve Rich Box. Instantly recognizable. Designed in classic Veuve Clicquot colors, this VIP Lounge feels like champagne decided to become rustic furniture. Fur-covered bench, stacks of cozy blankets, and just enough privacy to feel special while still being right in the heart of the scene. With the box comes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and it sets the tone immediately. Pop. Pour. Sip. Sunshine hits the glass just right. Below us, skiers glide past, carving white lines through the snow. It’s one of those moments where time slows down without asking permission. ✨🍾❄️

First up, a Prosciutto Brettl that understands restraint. Wulka prosciutto, olives, Noan olive oil, grissini, Steinofenbrot. Clean flavors. Nothing trying too hard. And then, oysters. Yes. Sylter Royal Oysters, served ice-cold, right there on top of the mountain. There’s something delightfully surreal about slurping oysters at altitude, champagne in hand, sun on your face. It feels rebellious but exactly right. Once we leaned into that energy, there was no going back.

The Sushi Surf & Turf Roll arrived like a statement piece. Beef fillet, crispy panko, shrimp, fresh truffle, Osietra caviar, tuna sashimi. Every bite layered and surprisingly light for something so luxurious. This is where Hendlfischerei really shines. It refuses to choose between alpine tradition and international flair. It simply does both.
A Sweet Alpine Finish Dessert brought us home again. Homemade Buchteln filled with apricot marmalade and Powidl, paired with warm vanilla sauce and silky vanilla soft serve ice cream. The kind of sweetness that settles you, wraps you up, and makes you stay just a little longer.

On the drinks side, beyond champagne, we played around a little. A classic Hugo for that alpine nod, an Espresso Martini for an extra kick, and a Matcha Martini we’d never tried before. Fresh, creamy, unexpectedly intense in flavor… and clearly strong enough to leave us smiling, sun-drunk, and noticeably tipsy.

As the sun slowly dipped behind the ridgeline and the light turned softer, we stood up feeling just a little wobbly, warmly wrapped, smiling without realizing it. Music still humming behind us, champagne bubbles lingering, we made our way back toward the cable car.

Hendlfischerei am Asitz is not just après-ski. It’s a reminder that winter can be soft, social, and luxurious all at once. You come for the view. You stay for the vibe. You leave already planning your return. 💛🏔️🍸

🦁 Leonessa tip: arrive by cable car in the early afternoon to secure a cozy spot, or make a reservation beforehand to get the perfect spot. Sunny afternoons can feel surprisingly mild, while the shade can turn icy fast. Dress in easy layers for comfort and movement, and plan your descent well before sunset. The cable car closes early in winter, so make sure to check the times.