What Is Après-Ski? A Comprehensive Guide to Global Experiences

What does après-ski mean?

Après-ski, a term originating from French that translates to 'after ski,' gained popularity in the Alps during the commercialization of skiing in the 1950s. Today, it encompasses a variety of beloved post-ski activities, from toasting with champagne on the terraces in Chamonix, France, to enjoying craft beers around a firepit in Breckenridge, Colorado.

While there's no strict timeline for 'après-ski,' it typically begins in the late afternoon, around 4 p.m. after a day on the slopes (insider tip: avoid saying it's your last run, as it's considered bad luck). The festivities can extend well into the night, with some nightclubs in ski regions of Austria known to keep the party going until 6 a.m. Consider it a happy hour with the possibility of lasting into the wee hours. Although après-ski customs vary by location—ranging from relaxed to extravagant—your ski attire often suffices, just swap your bulky ski boots for something cozier. You can keep it simple by trading your helmet for a beanie and storing away your skis.

Top Destinations to Enjoy Après-Ski Activities

Different countries showcase unique ski cultures, with variations even found between neighboring mountains. From lively table-top dancing to soothing hot baths, there exists a vast array of après-ski experiences across resorts once the skis are set aside.

The European Alps

Ski chalets and luxurious hotels, paired with fondue and mulled wine, lined cobblestone streets, and exquisite cuisine—Europe's Alpine ski towns are renowned for their sophisticated charm. However, within many parts of the Alps (from Austria to France), the après-ski culture has a lively side that could make *Hot Tub Time Machine* seem mild. Picture cabarets, underground clubs, and vibrant Euro-pop dance parties late into the night.

Prime ski season: approximately late November to April

The wildest ski scene: St. Anton, Austria
In St. Anton, expect sing-alongs and 3 a.m. dance parties fueled by oversized beers and shots of Jägermeister, along with all the oompah music you can imagine. Don’t miss MooserWirt, known for the “epitome of oompah après.” Other lively contenders include Ischgl, Austria; Val d’Isère, France; and Verbier, Switzerland.

The see-and-be-seen scene: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Ferraris typically line the entrance of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, while elite athletes gather at the Kulm Hotel, recognized as the birthplace of modern winter sports. For a more relaxed vibe, visit Grindelwald’s seasonal Bus Stop Bar—a converted 1960s bus that serves their house-made, zesty ginger liqueur called Gingerbombs—at the foot of the Grindel downhill piste. Interlaken features several ice skating rinks, and on Lake Brienz, you can find a unique “hotpot” that combines a hot tub with fondue. How delightful!

Best all-around après-ski: Chamonix, France
A mountaineering haven, Chamonix is a legendary spot for serious skiers who also enjoy a hearty drink afterward.

The best food: The Dolomites of the Italian Alps
The Dolomites of the Italian Alps is the ultimate destination for food lovers who ski—plan for a few hours on the slopes after indulging in a cappuccino, aperitivos, and a leisurely two-hour lunch, potentially at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Visit the South Tyrol village of San Cassiano for some of the finest dining and lodging in the region.

The Southern Alps of New Zealand

Prime ski season: late June to mid-October
After an exhilarating day on the slopes of Remarkables or Coronet Peak—two of New Zealand’s most popular ski fields on the South Island—return to Queenstown for a lively after-party. Recharge at Fergburger with their signature burger (about the size of your head and made from top-quality New Zealand beef) before enjoying some “late-night antics” at Yonder, a venue that offers live music and comedy until closing. Families can also visit the Minus 5º Ice Bar, where you’ll don Ugg-style boots, gloves, and coats to brave the frosty atmosphere indoors.

Prefer to ski directly to the bar? Coronet Peak offers night skiing from 4 to 9 p.m.; to start the après-ski experience early, Cardrona Alpine Resort‘s Vista Bar at the top of the gondola serves champagne and craft beer until 3 p.m. (If you miss that, check out the cozy firepit scene at the historic Cardrona Hotel, just five minutes away.)

Japan

Prime ski season: mid-December to March

Niseko, Hokkaido, attracts a vibrant mix of skiers, snowboarders, and seasonal workers from Japan and beyond, creating an après-ski scene that beautifully blends Western and Japanese influences. Visitors can either enjoy a lively evening of shots and table dancing at the energetic American-style Freddies or relax with a craft beer at Niseko Taproom. For a more traditional Japanese experience, unwind with a soothing soak in an onsen at Hilton Niseko Village, savor hearty soba noodles at Rakuichi (reservations recommended), or explore Japanese whisky flights at Bar Gyu+, known as “the fridge bar” due to its unique refrigerator door entrance.

The United States

Prime ski season: November to April
Where to start? East Coast or West Coast? Northwest or Southwest? The après-ski landscape in the U.S. is as diverse as its states, though a common thread of affordable beer and cozy fleece runs through. Hearty meals at mountaintop lodges or ski bars—think chili, cornbread, soups, nachos, and hot chocolate—provide fuel for full days of skiing and snowboarding nationwide. Yet, the experiences vary widely.

The best in the Northeast: Vermont
In Killington, skiers tackle steep, icy slopes and celebrate their adventures with lively nights at the Pickle Barrel nightclub.

The place to see and be seen: Montana
Big Sky attracts a crowd of tech moguls and celebrities—though you may not spot them during your visit. With nine square miles of skiable terrain offering runs for every skill level, the atmosphere is more about relaxed burger-and-brew enjoyment.

The top choice for wellness enthusiasts: Idaho
Sun Valley features classic lodges, expansive spas, and wide-open trails—everything is big in this stunning locale.

The favorite for film buffs: Utah
Park City hosts the renowned Sundance Film Festival and the cherished High West Distillery. At the Montage Deer Valley ski resort, visit the vibrant orange yurt known as The Après Lounge for a taste of champagne and caviar.

Best overall après-ski: Colorado
Aspen is famous for its upscale charm, complete with luxury resorts (including The Little Nell, The St. Regis, and Hotel Jerome), a fur-vest dress code, and Veuve Clicquot bars. Just two hours away, Breckenridge provides a variety of après-ski experiences, catering to families and dive-bar enthusiasts alike.

The wildest après-ski scene: Wyoming

Jackson Hole attracts expert skiers for its challenging chutes and affordable drinks at the Mangy Moose, a beloved local bar and live music venue since 1967.

The ideal destination for families: California

Everything feels positively Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe, where skiers and snowboarders can easily stroll from the gondola base to Azul Latin Kitchen for live music and margaritas. A short drive away at Northstar, don’t miss Tōst for champagne après-ski in the snow.

Canada

Optimal ski season: late November to late April

Whether you’re hitting the slopes with Aussies in Whistler, British Columbia, or enjoying the company of French Canadians at Mont-Tremblant in Québec, the après-ski vibe in the Great White North has a uniquely Canadian charm. It's relaxed, beer-centric, and refreshingly straightforward. Whistler Village, created for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, is one of our favorite après-ski scenes globally. It's easily walkable, filled with shops, and conveniently accessible from the Longhorn Saloon & Grill at the base of Whistler Mountain to the famous barbecue spot, Dusty’s, or—essential for beer lovers—High Mountain Brewing Co.. At the summit of Whistler Mountain, Garibaldi Lift Co., known as GLC, serves up a memorable Caesar (refer to “The drinks” section below) and remains family-friendly until 10 p.m. Don’t forget: you can never have too much poutine.

South America

Optimal ski season: mid-June to mid-October
Skiing in Argentina offers stunning vistas, from Cerro Catedral in Bariloche to Las Lenas in Mendoza. With breathtaking lakes and granite spires, the après-ski atmosphere at Cerro Catedral is vibrant—expect to kick off the festivities around 1 a.m.—so consider taking a siesta after an exhilarating day on the slopes.

In Las Trancas, Chile, Dinogo contributor Zoe Baillargeon shares some top tips: “After a day filled with off-piste skiing, snowshoeing, or dog-sledding, indulge in a soothing soak at the famous Termas de Chillán thermal hot springs located right by the slopes. Then, swing by the charming Snow Pub, the local après-ski hotspot, or Oliva’s Restaurant for laid-back dining and delicious pisco sours. To wind down for the night, choose stylish accommodations like the chalet-chic MILodge or the modern, Scandinavian-inspired Las Trancas Hideaway, where you can soak in the friendly local atmosphere.”

Après-ski attire

For your après-ski style, there's no need to rush home for a complete outfit change after your last run. Just swap your ski boots for waterproof ones that are comfortable for walking, throw on a beanie to tame your helmet hair, and you'll blend in perfectly from Jackson Hole to Zermatt. While worn-in fleeces are common in casual ski towns like those in California and Vermont, you'll encounter the epitome of après-ski fashion in places like Aspen, Colorado, and St. Moritz, Switzerland.

To assist you in discovering your own après-ski style, we consulted locals about what to wear in the most fashionable ski towns across the United States and Europe.

Après-ski fashion comparisons: St. Moritz, Switzerland vs. Aspen, Colorado

“In St. Moritz, you’ll see everything from stylish ski gear to high-fashion looks,” shares local Barbara Granetzny-Görtz, who has been part of the fashion industry since the early ‘90s. A typical outfit in St. Moritz might include cashmere from the local Cashmere House Lamm, Italian handmade Santoni leather boots, a vibrant long scarf, and a chic Borsalino hat to complete the ensemble.

Lee Keating asserts that Aspen boasts the finest ski fashion globally, and she certainly has the expertise to back it up, owning three upscale ski-wear boutiques in Colorado that feature high-end European brands like Moncler and Frauenschuh. One observation she's made while styling skiers is that women, in particular, confidently express their unique styles.

“Aspen fosters independent thinkers, and the locals are unconcerned with outside opinions,” Keating remarks. Recently, she has observed a growing trend among women favoring stretchy one-piece ski suits over traditional separates on the slopes.

Keating states, “The black stretch suit has evolved into the après-ski little black dress.” Skiers typically wear a ski jacket over the one-piece while on the slopes and switch to a long shearling vest for après-ski activities.

Another emerging trend is the shift from bulky jackets to cropped bomber styles that not only perform well on the slopes but also look chic for après-ski and layer perfectly over one-piece stretch suits.

For men, Aspen's own Aztech Mountain produces exquisite plaid shirts made from luxuriously soft brushed cotton, featuring magnetic collars designed to block out the cold; these shirts transition seamlessly from the slopes to après-ski and then to dinner.

For the complete narrative, check out Who Wears It Well? The Top Choices in Après-Ski Fashion.

The beverages

The Alps of Europe

Mulled Wine (France, Austria, Switzerland): a warm spiced red wine beverage, referred to as vin chaud in French and Glühwein in German.

Bombardino (Italy): a hot winter drink made from eggnog and brandy, topped with whipped cream.

Jägermeister (Austria and Switzerland): a herbal liqueur crafted from 56 different herbs and spices (commonly enjoyed as a shot dropped into Red Bull or beer to create a Jägerbomb).

Aperol Spritz (Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria): a refreshing cocktail made with prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.

The Southern Alps of New Zealand

Craft Beers: Don't miss the Powder Day Pilsner from Altitude Brewing in Queenstown or the Kiwi Pale Ale from Wanaka's own Ground Up Brewing.

Central Otago Pinot Noir: Treat yourself to a glass (or even a bottle) of the Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir from the renowned Rippon Vineyard in Lake Wanaka.

Japan

Japanese Hot Toddy: A cozy winter drink crafted with Japanese whisky, lemon, and hot water.

Sapporo Classic: A unique local beer exclusive to Hokkaido, though we also enjoy the craft options from Niseko Taproom.

The United States

Bloody Mary: A zesty cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and—if you're adventurous—hot sauce, bacon, and even asparagus as garnishes.

Craft Beer: Expect robust IPAs and porters from coast to coast. Standout selections include The Alchemist’s Heady Topper Double IPA from Vermont and the Bavarian-style Skiesta Lager from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

Veuve Clicquot: As a nod to European après-ski culture, you can find slopeside champagne bars sponsored by this esteemed French house at premier U.S. ski resorts like Deer Valley in Utah and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado.

Canada

The Caesar: Canada’s take on the Bloody Mary, crafted with vodka, Clamato (a mix of tomato and clam juice), Worcestershire sauce, a blend of spices, and often adorned with extravagant garnishes.

Canadian Beer and Cider: Kokanee, the top-selling lager from British Columbia, is a quintessential après-ski choice, while Lonetree Cider Company in B.C. is the go-to for hard cider.

South America

Pisco Sour: A cocktail originating from Chile (or Peru, depending on your source), made with pisco (a spirit derived from fermented grape juice), mixed with fresh lime juice, sugar, egg white, bitters, and ice.

Après-ski at home

If the buzz of bars and restaurants isn’t your style, you can still host your own après-ski gathering at home or in your Airbnb. After a day filled with outdoor adventures that leave your feet sore and your cheeks flushed, unwind with warm winter cocktails and cozy alpine-inspired dishes. Don't forget some fun après-ski accessories to set the mood. Here are some of our top picks:

• Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintops (Ten Speed Press, 2019), $47, bookshop.org
• Ski Trip Candle, $38, homesick.com
• Boska Raclette Party Set, $100, food52.com
• L.L. Bean Mini-Waffle Onesie, $40, llbean.com
• Danish Glerup Slippers, starting at $70, huckberry.com

This article was first published in 2020; it was updated on October 11, 2024, with the latest information. Sarah Buder, Lyndsey Matthews, and Jessie Beck collaborated on this piece.