The End of an Era: The Most Famous Après Bar in St. Anton, Austria, is Bulldozed
The legendary après-ski bar, the Krazy Kanguruh, in St. Anton, Austria, which is located on the mountain at the intersection of run 29 and run 50 at the bottom of the resort, has been bulldozed. The St. Anton institution shared footage of the demolition works on its social media channel, mulling: “What the Krazy Kanguruh is happening here?! Walls down. Chaos up. Après-ski history in the dust. Yeah… we’re emotional too.”
Ever since its founding in 1965, the Krazy Kanguruh has held a special place in the alpine après scene, widely celebrated as one of the birthplaces of modern slope-side shenanigans. Located opposite the famous Mooser Wirt—another St. Anton institution—Krazy Kanguruh has attracted many a skier on their final run home for “just one beer.” For generations of skiers, that “quick beer” turned into table dancing, singing, and a wobbly last ski down into St. Anton village after dark after crawling to their skis or snowboards. Not many visitors to the famous resort in the Arlberg area would have come without at least one stint at either of those bars and the obligatory human dodgem-car run in the pitch black.
In 2009, Austrian Slalom skier Mario Matt took ownership of the Krazy Kanguruh, cementing its legacy under his stewardship. Matt has 15 World Cup victories to his name as well as an Olympic gold medal from Sochi in 2014 as well as two World Championship titles (2001 and 2007). The 47-year-old hails from St. Anton and both of his brothers Andreas and Michael are also World Cup skiers (ski cross and alpine).
St. Anton is located in Tyrol, in the west of the country.
The resort is interconnected with St. Christoph, Lech, Zürs, Stuben and Warth Schröcken as part of the Arlberg ski area. The combined ski resort offers 302km (189 miles) of groomed runs serviced by 85 lifts and gondolas. St. Anton is part of the Epic Pass offering, allowing Epic Pass holders three complimentary days of skiing after a three-night minimum stay at a participating Arlberg resort.
The news of the demolition has shocked many followers, sparking a slew of comments. All were joined by the utter shock at the announcement. Many hope that the demolition will give way to a newer, better venue, as the video ends with the words: “But don’t panic, this isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning.”
Many followed the Krazy Kanguruh’s invitation to share images of their best times at the après bar and it is certainly amusing to read the comments.
We hope that the Krazy Kanguruh will rise again—possibly in a refreshed design that honors its legendary past. We have reached out to the bar for comment. Until then: Vale*, Krazy Kanguruh.
