My buddy and I are planning a ski trip to Europe this coming February. We're both advanced intermediate skiers, single, early 30's, and we're looking for great piste skiing *and* lively apres-ski. We've considered:
Ischgl
Meribel
Zermatt
Courchevel
Cortina
Saalbach-Hinterglem

I've heard great things about the skiing and apres-ski for all these places, but advice from those who've "been there" would be great! Any advice on these or other places would be welcomed. Thank you!

Ischgl, no question. Ischgl is where you want to be. The party starts at the outdoor bar in front of the Hotel Elizabeth with the last run of the day and continues until the lifts open the next morning. The skiing is unbelievable, the mountain restaurants are fantastic, the lifts all look like they were built yesterday, and skiing covers a large and varied area that spans the Swiss/Austrian border. I've skied all over Europe and I've never seen anything like Ischgl. I can't understand why it's not better known in the US - the area is primarily a playground for the Germans. Go to Ischgl, seriously.

It's not Europe, but if you want a life changing skiing experience, then I suggest Whistler/Blackcomb in Vancouver. It was amazing in every way, and the apres ski scene is hopping. I remember my husband and I skiing in giant, empty bowls. Awesome!

I agree with flyfish regarding Ischgl.
It usually has ideal skiing and has a good network of lifts including the ability to cross the border into Switzerland and back.
Good hotels and remarkable nightlife.

Third for Ischgl - great skiing and fun times afterwards. However, Zermatt is fun too - Roger Moore was there when we went (he was next to me on the gondola, saw him out at the clubs etc) and apparently he goes quite often, so if you are into seeing stars, Zermatt is apparently the place - other starlets go all the time too. But my FAVORITE place, esp for the skiing, is Whistler-Blackcomb. Not only are the trails FAB but where else on Earth can you literally ski from top to bottom of the mountain and it take almost 2 hours without stopping??

Ischgl is on my must do list! With regards to your list I have only skied Zermatt. I found the Apre-Ski a bit tame in that area! Basically some hotel bar fun with dressy Swiss/Germans

I hear some good things about Saalbach Apre Ski

Of the places I have been I would rank:

St Anton (slopes and nightlife cannot be topped!)
Kitzbhuel ( wonderful town if snow is good. Great nightlife

Have Fun!
John

flyfish, gulliver, molker, anissa, bmw:

Thanks so much for your advice and recommendations, all are really helpful. I have been to Whistler-Blackcomb (last March) and I agree; it is wonderful. If its altitude were a bit higher, I might go noplace else. Definitely go before March or you will get wet (like we did).

Again, thanks you guys, and happy schussing!

If you haven't gone already, my recommendation on your list would be Ischgl. Off your list good ones are St. Anton and Verbier. All have awesome apres-ski. Ischgl (the Elizabeth pub), St. Anton (Mooserwirt - I know I misspelled that), and Verbier is filled with tons of fun bars (I like Mont Blanc). btw, all are great skiing as well.