Immortalized by Slim Aarons and perfected by style giants like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, there’s no culture quite like après-ski culture. After hours of doing parallel turns on scenic trails, it’s high time to trade in the snowy chill for alpine decks and gooey fondue (accompanied by a glass of Champagne, of course).
Where should go you go to have a memorable post-powder experience? Here are the mountains with the best après-ski scene—as well as the history of the time-honored winter tradition.
Photo: Getty Images
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 prefer Champagne and caviar amongst an intimate group of friends.
Depending on where you’re staying, your après-ski could have a night of dancing and live music, or just a really great meal at a cozy slopeside restaurant. In the end, it’s all about bonding from the satisfied exhaustion of a day on the slopes, whatever that may look like.
The Origins of Après-Ski
As with many cultural traditions that have evolved over time, the precise origins of après-ski are tricky to pinpoint. Skiing itself is ancient (the oldest known skis were found in Russia and date to approximately 6000 BCE), but the custom of socializing after a day on the slopes is generally traced to mid-19th-century Norway, particularly among groups such as the Christiania Ski Club (founded in 1877). Après-ski eventually migrated to the Alps, where the concept of winter tourism was beginning to emerge. Hotels such as the Kulm in St. Moritz were among the first to promote skiing as a recreational pursuit, and by the early to mid-20th century, après was inseparable from ski culture in destinations all around the world.
How Après-Ski Culture Varies Around the World
When you think of après-ski, Alpine visions of fondue picnics and Fair Isle-clad skiers come to mind. While this snapshot very much still exists, the social custom of après looks a little different depending on which mountain region in the world you are. For example, in legendary destinations such as France and Switzerland, it’s not unheard of for skiers to freshen up before heading toward the bubbling flutes of Champagne, while in more relaxed regions like Canada, heading straight from slope to après for a beer and poutine is the norm. And in locales where luxury wellness reigns supreme, integrating treatments into your wind-down ritual is perfectly acceptable. “The shift towards quieter, more reflective winter vacations is becoming increasingly apparent,” says Carlton Lehnort of Carlton Hotel St. Moritz. In recent seasons, he’s observed skiers and guests increasingly seeking mindfulness as part of their après-ski experience. Japan follows a similar script, with an après scene that’s less focused on glamorous setups and more around soothing onsen (hot springs).
Après-Ski Etiquette
Après-ski is famously advertised as having no strict boundaries, but when it comes to etiquette, there are certainly a few guidelines to keep in mind. First, there is research that suggests alcohol might impair your body more quickly at higher altitudes, so pace yourself with the mulled wine. Next, be mindful of your ski gear, and avoid taking up space on the table with your helmet or accessories. And if you’re traveling to a foreign country, brush up on a few helpful phrases to greet and show gratitude to your server.
What to Wear to Après-Ski
What is après without a chic look? Unfortunately, ski gear tends to eat up much of the real estate in your suitcase, so packing for après requires cold-weather essentials that work hard for you. From double-duty ski sweaters you can wear both on the mountain and by the fireplace, to stylish bib pants and base layers crafted in flattering silhouettes and hues. And don’t forget the alpine accessories. A furry mitten, shearling hat, or cashmere snood can go a long way in helping to curate an après outfit that sings.
Top Après-Ski Destinations
Verbier, Switzlerand
Margarita Almpanezou