Welcome to the après ski party—where the runs end, and the fun truly begins!
So, you’ve survived the slopes—congrats! Now it’s time for the real adventure: après ski. You know, that magical time when you trade moguls for mingling, and ski poles for pints. After all, what’s a day of conquering black diamonds without a little post-run bragging over a frosty brew? But hold your après ski horses! Before you dive headfirst into that après ski drink, let’s talk etiquette. Yes, even après ski has rules (shocking, right?).
Whether you’re reuniting with your scattered ski crew or just trying to impress that cute snowboarder, knowing the ins and outs of après ski culture is key. Think of it as your reward for a day well skied—where tall tales and taller drinks flow freely. So, loosen those boots, grab your crew, and get ready to master the art of après ski. Because if you’re not après skiing, are you even skiing?
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The Art of Après: Where the Slopes End and the Fun Begins
So, what’s après all about? It’s French for “after ski,” but really, it’s the ultimate reward for surviving those leg-burning runs. Picture this: you’ve swapped your skis for a drink, your helmet for a beanie, and now you’re diving into a world of post-slopes revelry. The party starts when the lifts stop, or let’s be honest, whenever you’re ready for some fun off the mountain.
Whether you’re into PBR-fueled table dancing in your ski boots or savoring fine wine with a charcuterie board, après is where everyone unwinds and connects. Sun-kissed faces, new friendships, and epic stories (some more believable than others) are the order of the day. It’s not just a tradition; it’s practically the highlight of the whole skiing experience. After all, the real adventure begins when the skis come off!
Après Style: What to Wear When the Slopes Turn Into a Social Scene
Wondering what to wear to après? Here’s the best part: there’s no dress code! Whether you’re heading to a cozy pub or a swanky wine bar, your ski gear is totally après-approved. Most people stroll straight from the slopes, skis slung over their shoulders, and dive right into the post-ski fun. There’s no need to freshen up—unless you’re itching to show off those stylish ski gifts you’ve been bragging about all season.
Just drop your skis at the rack or stash them in a locker, and you’re ready to mingle with fellow snow enthusiasts. But let’s be real, you probably don’t want to spend the next few hours in a helmet and goggles—talk about fashion faux pas. So, do yourself a favor and tuck a beanie and sunnies into your jacket pocket. Not a skier but still want to join the fun? No worries! Throw on some jeans, boots, a jacket, and a beanie (or toque, if you’re Canadian), and you’ll fit right in. Cheers to après!
Après-Ski Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of Post-Slope Shenanigans
Ah, après-ski—where the slopes meet the social scene. But before you dive into that well-deserved drink, let’s talk about some dos and don’ts. First up, your skis. As much as you love them, they don’t belong inside the bar or propped against your table like some kind of oversized chopsticks. Find a ski rack, or if you’re feeling paranoid about ski theft, drop them off at the valet, your hotel, or even your car. Trust me, your skis will be fine.
Now, onto the boots. Yes, we know, those ski boots were designed by sadists, and getting them off is like winning the lottery. But here’s the deal: if you walk into a bar with your boots on, they stay on. No one wants to see—or smell—your sweaty socks as you parade around like you own the place. If you absolutely must free your feet, stash a pair of shoes in your locker or do a quick dash to your car for a sneaky shoe swap. Your fellow après revelers will thank you!
Globetrotting for the Best Après-Ski
Looking for the world’s top après-ski spots? Spoiler: it’s not just about how many pints you can down! This time-honored tradition kicked off in Norway in the 1800s but really caught fire in the Alps during the 1950s. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find après-ski parties sizzling from Chamonix to Chile. So whether you’re toasting in the Swiss Alps or chilling with a cerveza in South America, après-ski is your global ticket to relaxation and revelry. After all, every slope’s end deserves a drink—no matter where you are!
Chamonix: Après-Ski Extravaganza at the Triple-Border Party Hub
Welcome to Chamonix, where France, Switzerland, and Italy meet—and so do epic après-ski vibes! This resort isn’t just sprawling; it’s a party haven. After shredding the slopes, kick back with a drink on Chambre Neuf’s sunny terrace at the Langley Hotel Gustavia. Prefer something a bit wilder? Head over to La Folie Douce Hotel, where cocktails flow as freely as the snow. Chamonix proves that after a day on the mountain, the only thing better than the views is the après-ski scene. Cheers to a triplet of alpine fun!
Colorado’s Aspen-Snowmass: The Pinnacle of Après Ski Fun
When it comes to après ski, Colorado’s Aspen-Snowmass is practically the gold standard. With one lift ticket giving you access to four mountains between Aspen and Snowmass, you’re in for a snowy treat. After a day of conquering the slopes, you’ve got options.
For a laid-back après ski experience, head to Zane’s Tavern in Snowmass Village for a cold beer and a friendly game of pool. Craving something a bit zestier? Venga Venga serves up margaritas and tableside guac that’ll have you saying “Olé!” When the sun sets, make your way to Ajax Tavern in Aspen for cocktails on a sun-soaked patio. Après ski at its finest—cheers to that!
Portillo, Chile: Après Ski Bliss in South America’s Iconic Resort
Portillo, Chile—South America’s original ski resort—isn’t just about epic slopes; it’s a mecca for après ski aficionados. When it’s time to trade your skis for a drink, head to Tío Bob’s deck, where après ski gets a Chilean twist. Here, you can kick back, sip on something delightful, and soak in views that are as stunning as your après ski tales. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of conquering the mountains. In Portillo, après ski isn’t just a tradition; it’s a celebration of high-altitude relaxation!
St. Anton am Arlberg: Après Ski Royalty in Austria
Welcome to St. Anton am Arlberg, where après ski isn’t just an activity—it’s practically an art form. As the birthplace of the Arlberg Technique, this Austrian gem knows how to throw a post-ski party. For a true après ski experience, snag a table at the legendary MooserWit or the Krazy Kanguruh, a hotspot since 1965. Whether you’re looking to dance on tables or sip on après ski drinks with a side of Alpine flair, St. Anton’s vibrant scene will ensure your ski day ends with a bang. Après ski here is less a tradition and more a full-on celebration!
Park City: Utah’s Surprising Après Ski Paradise
Think Utah can’t party? Think again! Park City, home to the largest ski resort in the U.S., is also a haven for après ski fun. After a day of tackling those epic slopes, head over to the ski-in, ski-out High West Distillery. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and toast to your day. In Park City, après ski isn’t just a tradition—it’s a reason to celebrate. So grab a drink, kick back, and let the good times roll in this unexpected après ski paradise!
Whistler Blackcomb: Canada’s Après Ski Wonderland
Whistler Blackcomb isn’t just the largest ski resort in North America—it’s an après ski haven! After a thrilling day on the slopes, head to Dusty’s Bar & BBQ for some rustic charm and live music that turns every drink into a mini celebration. Prefer a scenic sip? The Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill offers brews with a view that’s as stunning as the runs you’ve conquered. At Whistler Blackcomb, après ski means blending breathtaking scenery with unbeatable relaxation. Cheers to that!
Alta Badia: Après Ski in the Dolomites
Deciding when to end your day in Alta Badia might be as tough as picking your favorite run, but we assure you, the après scene is a worthy contender. In the charming village of Corvara, kick off your evening with an aperitivo at Caffe della Posta, where the only thing more delightful than the drinks is the ambiance. Feeling like a fiesta? Head to L’Murin, a beer garden that pairs epic mountain views with a party vibe that’ll make you think the slopes are calling you back!
Also Read: Best Ski Trips in Europe: What Are the 11 Most Incredible Places to Hit the Slopes?
Queenstown: New Zealand’s Après Ski Extravaganza
Why bar hop when you can start your après adventure in style? In Queenstown, after conquering The Remarkables, soak up the sun on the patio at The World Bar. Enjoy a drink with a view while the day’s last rays cast a golden glow. Then, trot over to Rhino’s Ski Shack across Church Street for a pre-party drink that’ll get you in the mood for the night ahead. In Queenstown, après ski isn’t just a wind-down; it’s a full-on celebration!
