Après-Ski Guide: What It Is, and Where to Enjoy It

While mastering the art of the parallel turn on winding wintry hills is vital to the skiing experience, après-ski is where the resort towns come to life, and you can relax after a long day on the slopes. It only makes sense that the luxury sport has an equally luxurious counterpart, where the bitter chill is replaced by toasty fires, and the hot chocolate makes room for mulled wine.

Although most post-ski activities don’t tend to provide as much of an adrenaline rush, après-ski keeps the merriment going with your friend group all night long. Here’s where to go to enjoy the best après-ski—and how to make the most of your après-ski experience.

Photo: Courtesy of Michael DeYoung

What Is Après-Ski?

Après-ski literally translates from French to “after ski,” essentially encompassing all the activities people tend to do after a ski run. There’s no set time to determine when it begins, but après-ski enters full swing after the lifts make their final spin (although any time after lunch is fair game). Some say the activities wrap up by dinner, but the après-ski scene is flexible, and can sometimes go on through the night. These post-ski customs vary by location, some might look for burgers and beer at the pub and seek to make new companions, while others might prefer Champagne and caviar amongst a small group of good friends.

Depending on where you’re staying, your après-ski could have a night of dancing and live music, storytelling, or even hot tubs. In the end, it’s all about bonding from the satisfied exhaustion of a day on the slopes, whatever that may look like. Just be sure to dress in a warm après-ski outfit and put those sporty accessories to good use.