What is après ski? This is a question that has been asked by many people, and it’s not always an easy one to answer.
The definition of après ski can vary depending on who you ask. Some people might say that après ski is all about the clothing – specifically, about wearing fuzzy socks and drinking hot chocolate in a cosy chalet.
Others might say that après ski is all about the food – for example, about eating fondue and drinking beer. And still others might say that après ski is all about the activities after a day of skiing or snowboarding, such as hitting the bars and restaurants in the evening.
No matter how you define it, there’s no doubt that après ski is a lot of fun.
The Meaning of Après Ski
Après-ski is a French term literally meaning after skiing or post-ski. Defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a social gathering of skiers and snowboarders held in a mountain village or resort at the end of the day’s skiing,” après ski is a time to celebrate a day on the slopes with friends.
This popular term is spelt as après-ski in French speaking countries and as apres-ski or apres ski in other parts of the world. Our comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about apres ski, from clothing and food to activities and mountain towns!
Generally, après ski refers to late afternoon and evening social activities, after the last run of the day. However some people choose to only ski in the morning and to enjoy a full afternoon of apres ski activities!
Après Ski Activities
There’s a misconception that après-ski culture is only about drinking and nightlife. However, there are lots of different apres ski activities to choose from, with some of the most popular options including:
- Hiking
- Dog sledding
- Ice skating
- Shopping
- Wellness activities such as a massage or outdoor hot tub
- Eating out at restaurants
- Going to bars or nightclubs
- Watching a movie
- Playing pool or darts
- Visiting a casino
Après Ski Customs
As the final ski run of the day comes to a close, there is no denying the sense of fulfillment that comes with conquering the slopes. Yet, for many avid skiers, the excitement doesn’t end there.
Post-ski activities are just as important as the actual skiing itself. From sipping on hot cocoa by the fireside to dancing on tables with friends, the customs associated with après ski are nothing short of fun.
Here are some common après-ski customs:
- Gathering for drinks – It’s very typical to meet up with friends for drinks after a long day of skiing. Popular après-ski beverages include hot drinks like mulled wine or hot toddies, or alcoholic drinks like beer, cider, and cocktails.
- Relaxing those muscles – Après-ski is about relaxing after a long active day. People may enjoy a spa treatment like a massage, hit the hot tub or sauna, or do gentle yoga stretches.
- Snacking – The combination of cold weather plus physical activity builds up an appetite. Après-ski menus often include hearty finger foods like pizza, chili, wings, and french fries.
- Changing into non-ski gear – It’s common to get out of clunky ski boots and into designer snow boots, and replace snow gear with casual clothing. Many alpine resorts have locker rooms or areas to change and store gear.
- Dancing and music – Live music, DJ sets and dancing on tables are staple activities at many après-ski bars and clubs, especially in European resort towns.
- Socializing – The communal, lively atmosphere facilitates meeting new people and relaxing with friends. Après ski culture is about being social after a day of skiing.
Après Ski Drinks
When looking for the best après ski drinks, you want to find something that will warm you up and help you relax. Whether you prefer a warming hot chocolate, chilled Champagne or a cool beer, there are usually plenty of options. A bloody mary is a popular drink for the morning after a night of partying.
Some of the most popular choices during the ski season include hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. If you’re looking for a festive drink to celebrate the end of a great day on the slopes, try a mug of gluhwein, aka mulled wine. In France, it’s known as vin chaud, which translates as wine served hot.
Gluhwein is a mulled wine that is popular in Europe and can be found at most apres ski bars. It’s made with red wine, sugar, spices, and fruit juice.
If you’re not into red wine, there are plenty of other options available, including spiked hot chocolate and apple cider. The infamous schnapps is a strong distilled spirit, flavored with herbs, spices or fruit – it will definitely warm the back of your throat!
Be careful if ordering kirsch – this colorless cherry liqueur might seem like an innocuous après-ski drink as it tastes so sweet, but it’s very potent!
Whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy it while sitting by the fire and taking in the amazing views. Although there are some après ski bars on the slopes themselves, we prefer to ski safely back to the resorts before letting our hair down.
Après Ski Food
When it comes to après ski food, everyone has their own preference. Some people like to stick to classic comfort foods like pizza or burgers, while others enjoy trying out new and exciting dishes.
Traditional après ski foods in Europe are all about local produce and seasonal specialties. Cheese is included in many recipes, such as tartiflette (with Reblochon cheese, potatoes, lardons and onions), raclette (a Swiss dish cooked in a tabletop appliance) and cheese fondue.
In Verbier, you can even eat at the highest fondue restaurant in Europe during the daytime! The miniscule Igloo du Mont Fort is located at an altitude of 3,300 meters and we thoroughly enjoyed the fondue there.
Dessert lovers will enjoy blueberry tartlets and chocolate and marshmallow fondue. Although it can be rather heavy, après ski food has also evolved over the years and there are now some healthier options available in most international ski resorts such as sushi and salads.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next apres ski meal, here are a few of our favorite recipes:
– Après ski nachos: This easy and tasty dish is perfect for a group of friends. Simply layer chips, cheese, and your favorite toppings like chicken or beef in a baking dish, bake until melted and bubbly, and enjoy!
– Ski slope skillet: This one-pot meal is both hearty and delicious. Sautéed onions, peppers, sour cream and potatoes provide the perfect base for chicken, bacon, and sausage.
– Après ski slider sandwich: This easy sandwich is a great way to use up any leftovers you might have. Simply layer ham, cheese, and your favorite veggies on a slider bun and bake or grill until warm and melted.
Après Ski Clothing
There’s generally no official dress code in après ski bars and restaurants. When it comes to apres ski outfits, the most important thing is to be comfortable. That means wearing clothes that will keep you warm, while still allowing you to move around easily.
Some of the best items of après ski clothing include fuzzy socks, cozy sweaters, warm boots, hats and scarves. Many people wear their ski jacket again in the evening, to cut down on packing.
Check out this handy ski packing guide for a full list of what ski gear to bring with you and what to leave at home. Some luxurious après ski clothing brands include:
- Perfect Moment
- Bogner
- Moncler
- We Norwegians
- Cordova
- Fusalp
Best Après-Ski Resorts in the World
One of the best things about après ski is that there are so many great resorts all over the world where you can enjoy it. Choosing the top après-ski resorts worldwide is quite subjective and depends on your preferred activities.
There are many luxurious ski resorts with high-end restaurants if you like a classy atmosphere. If you prefer vibrant nightlife after a day on the slopes, there are also quite a few options.
Best Après Ski Resorts in the United States
North America boast a lively après-ski scene and some resorts with hot springs where you can soak after a long day on the pistes. In the United States, some of the best après-ski spots include:
- Aspen Snowmass, Colorado – this ski resort is known for its live music and luxurious hotels like Little Nell with its Ajax Tavern casual dining spot.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – the Mangy Moose bar has been going strong since 1967.
- Whistler Blackcomb, Canada – a fun atmosphere with several craft beer establishments.
- Killington, Vermont – a family friendly ambiance on the East Coast.
- Park City, Utah – there are many dining establishments right on the slopes.
- Vail, Colorado – the town’s bells ring at 4 pm to remind you that it’s apres-ski time!
Best Après Ski Resorts in Europe
In Europe, some of the après ski towns include:
- St. Anton, Austria – known for its live bands and umbrella bars which provide cover while you party outdoors.
- Val d’Isere, France – head to the famous La Folie Douce on the slopes.
- Zermatt, Switzerland – plenty of apres ski options at the base of the Matterhorn mountain.
- Ischgl, Austria – their toboggan evenings are popular.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – elegant piano bars and several casinos.
- Kitzbuhel, Austria – dance on the tables at the Londoner pub.
- Chamonix, France – picturesque French alps resort with a huge ski area, wine bars and the MBC microbrewery.
Best Après Ski Resorts in Australasia
If you’re looking for the best après ski in Australia, then Thredbo is the place for you. With its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, as well as its abundance of restaurants and bars, Thredbo is the perfect place to spend a winter holiday.
And with temperatures that regularly exceed 20 degrees Celsius even in the middle of winter, you’ll be able to enjoy all the après ski fun without having to worry about the cold.
Over in New Zealand, Queenstown has a lively après ski atmosphere and interesting activities such as the Onsen Hot Pools and iFLY indoor sky diving.
Conclusion: What is Après Ski?
Whether you’re an expert skier or a beginner, the après-ski experience is all part of the fun of a snow vacation. This unique form of recreation takes place at ski resorts around the world and is all about enjoying good food, drinks, company, and music with friends after a day on the slopes.
Ready to hit the après scene? Check out our list of the best après ski destinations above and start packing! And if you need any more inspiration, be sure to read our post on what to wear when skiing.
No matter where you go, though, you’re sure to have a good time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next après ski trip today!
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