What Does Après Ski Mean?

July 4, 2024

After an exhilarating day carving up the slopes, there's nothing quite like unwinding with fellow snow enthusiasts over drinks, food, and lively conversation. This beloved post-skiing tradition is known as "après ski" - but what exactly does it entail? Whether you're a seasoned skier or planning your first mountain getaway, here's everything you need to know about the art of après ski.

1. What is après ski? - Definition and origins

Après ski, French for "after ski," refers to the social activities and entertainment that follow a day of skiing or snowboarding. While the term itself originated in the Alps in the 1950s as commercial skiing gained popularity, the concept of celebrating after a day on the slopes dates back much further.

In fact, après ski has roots in ancient Scandinavian ski culture. Norse mythology even features Ullr, the god of snow and patron saint of skiers, who is still honored in some modern après ski traditions. However, it was the French who popularized après ski as we know it today, cementing it as an integral part of ski culture worldwide.

2. When and where does après ski happen?

Typically, après ski kicks off when the ski lifts stop running, usually in the late afternoon around 4pm. However, there are no hard and fast rules - some enthusiasts start their celebrations earlier, while others keep the party going well into the night.

As for location, après ski can happen anywhere from slopeside bars and restaurants to hotel lounges, outdoor patios, and even parking lot tailgates. Many ski resorts have dedicated après ski venues at the base of the slopes, allowing skiers to transition seamlessly from their last run to post-ski revelry.

3. Après ski attire - What to wear

One of the beauties of après ski is its relaxed dress code. Most people head straight to après from the slopes, so it's perfectly acceptable (and even expected) to show up in your ski gear. Just be sure to swap out those clunky ski boots for more comfortable footwear.

If you're not coming directly from skiing, opt for casual, mountain-appropriate attire. Think jeans, sweaters, and warm boots. In more upscale resorts, you might see fashion-forward "ski chic" outfits, but comfort is always key.

4. Common après ski activities and customs

While drinking is often associated with après ski, it encompasses a wide range of activities. Common après ski pastimes include:

• Enjoying drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Sharing meals or snacks
• Listening to live music
• Dancing
• Relaxing in hot tubs or saunas
• Recounting the day's adventures with friends
• Playing games
• Watching ski videos or sports events

In some areas, unique local traditions have developed. For example, in Breckenridge, Colorado, skiers celebrate Ullr Fest with a "shotski" - taking simultaneous shots from glasses mounted on a ski.

5. Après ski in Europe vs North America

While après ski is popular on both sides of the Atlantic, there are some notable differences:

European après ski:

• Often more lively and party-oriented
• Can start earlier and last longer
• May involve dancing on tables in ski boots
• Popular drinks include mulled wine, beer, and schnapps

North American après ski:

• Generally more relaxed and food-focused
• Often includes craft beers and cocktails
• May involve tailgating in resort parking lots
• Typically ends earlier due to driving considerations

6. Popular après ski destinations around the world

Some renowned après ski hot spots include:

Europe:

• St. Anton, Austria
• Val d'Isère, France
• Verbier, Switzerland
• Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

North America:

• Aspen, Colorado
• Park City, Utah
• Whistler, British Columbia
• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Southern Hemisphere:

• Queenstown, New Zealand
• Las Leñas, Argentina

Each destination offers its own unique après ski flavor, from laid-back brewpubs to high-energy nightclubs.

Après Ski Favorites Around the World

• Austria: Glühwein (mulled wine) and Jägertee (spiced rum tea)
• France: Vin chaud (mulled wine) and tartiflette (potato and cheese dish)
• Switzerland: Fondue and raclette
• Italy: Bombardino (eggnog and brandy cocktail)
• Canada: Caesar cocktail and poutine
• USA: Craft beers and loaded nachos

7. Tips for enjoying après ski

• Pace yourself, especially if you plan to ski the next day
• Stay hydrated and eat something substantial
• Be mindful of altitude effects on alcohol tolerance
• Have a plan for safe transportation if drinking
• Embrace the local culture and try regional specialties
• Don't be afraid to socialize - après ski is all about camaraderie
• Remember sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor après venues

Family-Friendly Après Ski

Après ski isn't just for adults. Many resorts offer family-friendly alternatives like:

• Hot chocolate bars
• S'mores by the fire pit
• Ice skating
• Movie nights
• Board game lounges

These activities allow the whole family to unwind and bond after a day on the slopes.

Whether you're toasting with champagne on a Swiss mountaintop or sharing pitchers of beer at a Colorado lodge, après ski is all about celebrating the joy of mountain life. So next time you hit the slopes, be sure to cap off your day with some well-deserved après ski fun. After all, the party is half the reason we climb the mountain in the first place!

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