Après-Ski: The Ultimate Guide to Post-Slope Celebrations
A French term meaning "after skiing," après-ski refers to the social activities, entertainment, and relaxation that take place after a day of skiing or snowboarding. While skiing originated thousands of years ago, the modern ski resort culture—complete with lively après-ski traditions—owes much of its development to France, Austria, and Switzerland. Given that La Clusaz, France, has hosted winter sports since 1907, it’s no surprise that the French played a significant role in shaping the après-ski experience.
Today, après-ski is a global phenomenon and an essential part of the skiing and snowboarding lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned expert, après-ski offers a well-earned reward at the end of a long day on the slopes.
What Makes a Great Après-Ski Experience?
Après-ski varies from resort to resort and can range from laid-back gatherings by the fire to high-energy parties with live music and dancing.
Here are the key elements that define a classic après-ski experience:
Cozy Lodges, Chalets & Bars
At the heart of après-ski culture are warm, inviting spaces where skiers and snowboarders gather to recount their adventures from the day. These venues can be:
Traditional wooden chalets with crackling fireplaces.
Rustic mountain lodges offering scenic views.
Vibrant bars and clubs with live music and DJ sets.
Top après-ski destinations worldwide:
La Folie Douce (Val d'Isère, France) – Legendary for its high-energy parties and live performers on the terrace.
MooserWirt (St. Anton, Austria) – One of the wildest après-ski bars in the Alps, known for its beer-fueled singalongs.
Gondola Pub & Grill (Steamboat, USA) – A relaxed but lively spot with craft beers and great food.
Drinks & Specialty Cocktails
Après-ski is often synonymous with warming drinks, ranging from traditional hot beverages to craft cocktails and local brews.
Classic après-ski drinks include:
Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine) – A warm, spiced red wine enjoyed across Europe.
Hot Toddy – Whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices make this a perfect post-slope warmer.
Spiked Hot Chocolate – A rich hot cocoa mixed with Baileys, Kahlua, or rum.
Local Craft Beers – Many ski towns have microbreweries serving unique seasonal ales.
Schnapps & Génépi – In the Alps, après-ski often includes a shot of local herbal liqueur.
Live Music & DJ Sets
A great après-ski sets the tone for the evening, and many resorts feature live entertainment, including:
Live acoustic performances – Perfect for chilled-out après sessions.
DJs spinning house & electronic music – Ideal for high-energy après-ski parties.
Folk & traditional music – Common in Austrian and Swiss après-ski culture.
Popular venues like Cloud Nine in Aspen and Trofana Alm in Austria are known for their dance-until-you-drop parties.
Happy Hour & Après-Ski Menus
Many ski resorts offer special après-ski deals on drinks and food.
Après-Ski Snacks & Comfort Food
A day on the slopes burns a lot of calories, so après-ski menus often feature hearty comfort food, including:
Raclette & Fondue – Melted cheese dishes that are après-ski staples in Switzerland & France.
Poutine – A Canadian favorite of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
Bratwurst & Pretzels – Classic German and Austrian après-ski fare.
Pizza & Burgers – Always a crowd-pleaser, especially in North American resorts.
Outdoor Patios & Fire Pits
Cold air, warm drinks, and stunning mountain views make for an unforgettable après-ski setting. Many resorts feature:
Outdoor fire pits where skiers gather to warm up and socialize.
Heated terraces offering panoramic mountain views.
Ice bars & igloo lounges for a truly unique après-ski vibe.
For example, Le 3842 (Chamonix, France) is one of the highest-altitude bars in Europe, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
Relaxation & Wellness: Spas & Hot Tubs
Not every après-ski session involves partying—some prefer to relax and recover after a long day on the slopes. Many ski resorts offer:
Outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.
Saunas & steam rooms to soothe sore muscles.
Massages & spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.
Resorts like Zermatt (Switzerland) and Aspen (USA) are famous for their luxurious post-ski spa experiences.
Unique Après-Ski Activities
Besides eating and drinking, après-ski can include a variety of activities to wind down or keep the adrenaline going:
Night Skiing & Torchlight Descents – Some resorts offer evening skiing under the stars.
Games & Competitions – Pool, darts, and trivia nights are popular in après-ski bars.
Tobogganing & Snow Tubing – A fun way to extend the excitement after sunset.
Shopping & Boutiques – Many resort villages have shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and ski gear.
Après-Ski Culture Around the World
Après-ski traditions vary by region, but each destination has its own unique style:
Austria – High-energy après-ski with lively bars, beer gardens, and schnapps-fueled celebrations.
France – A mix of elegant wine & cheese nights and wild terrace parties at places like Val Thorens.
USA & Canada – Cozy lodge gatherings with craft beer, whiskey, and fireside storytelling.
Japan – Après-ski often involves soaking in an onsen (hot spring) after skiing in places like Niseko.
Switzerland – Fondue feasts and luxury spa treatments are a staple of après-ski in resorts like Zermatt.
The Spirit of Après-Ski
Après-ski is more than just a tradition—it’s an essential part of the skiing and snowboarding experience. It’s a time to:
Celebrate a great day on the slopes.
Enjoy good food, drinks, and music.
Connect with fellow skiers and snowboarders.
Whether you prefer wild après-ski parties in Austria, relaxing hot tub sessions in Canada, or sipping mulled wine by the fire in France, the fun doesn’t end when the skiing stops!
