Six Rules of Après Ski
Skiing or riding is super fun, but I like to say its made even more fine by a good après party with your friends. Whether it’s a powder day or bluebird skies, we all know that that dose of extra fun kicks off when the lifts close and the party vibes start flowing—whether you’re sunning yourself on the patio, cozying up in a dive bar or lounging in a base village with a cold draft and live music.
The tradition of après-ski comes from a refined practice of ending a long, cold day with spiked cider or mulled wine, huddling with friends to unwind before heading home for household responsibilities. Granted, it later shifted into the more raucous scenes of the popular Alps and the Andes, where some skiers went the way of massive parties, swanky clubs, and even the practice of all-day après. Today it can take on many forms: from a Glühwein on a slopeside hut in Chamonix to shotskis on a bar in Colorado. Regardless, après ski is a part of ski culture to be enjoyed by all. When it comes to après skiing like a pro in North America, there are some key things to consider to ensure the best possible experience. Keep reading for our top 6 rules of après ski.
6. Look for live music.
I’ve always said that the best après parties are the ones with live music – always. I highly recommend a party at The Longhorn Saloon in Whistler Blackcomb where you can expect legendary après with DJ sets, live bands and a bodacious outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying a sunny spring afternoon. Although, if you’re feeling a bit braver, (or tipsier, whichever comes first!), you may enjoy the raucous fun at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub! Let’s just say that it’s pretty raucous for a reason. You like singing? You will after a few drinks and everyone else around you is singing too! At my old stomping grounds in Vail, The Red Lion can’t be beat! They have a delicious menu and a large selection of beers on tap, in addition to live rock music.
If you happen to be in Europe, you’ll find a lot more of the “untz untz” rather than rock. My favorite? Its La Folie Douce at Val Thorens in France. I am a witness to its wild outdoor parties, where you can really feel the bass and high energy with live music, DJs and performers in an open-air setting. It’s one of the most iconic après venues in the Alps. The mix of high-energy beats and panoramic views ensures a raucous good time.
5. Follow a local.
By this point, it’s a well-known fact that the best way to find the most happening spots on a ski getaway (or any vacation, for that matter) is to simply follow the locals. Ask around. I know it’s more comfortable to sift through reviews and insider guides on your iPhone, but this is the time to strike up a conversation instead. In mountain towns, the residents who live and breathe the skiing lifestyle always have the low down on the best places to après on any given day – and trust me, this can shift weekly. One slopeside bar may have been “the place to be” last Friday, but a little-known hole-in-the-wall dive tucked away somewhere in the base village may have the best specials this week. If you want the hottest party, this is your best shot.
4. Get the bar’s best drink.
At the Spur in Jackson Hole, it’s the spicy margarita, at J Bar in the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, it’s a craft beer or an upscale vintage-inspired cocktail, and anywhere out West, it’s the PB&J: a shot of Jameson whiskey and a Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boy. Wherever you are, resist the urge to get your usual happy hour libation and opt for the bar’s specialty cocktail. It’s the best way to (literally) get a taste of the mountain town culture, and probably the story behind the drink as well.
3. Bring your sunnies – and maybe your shoes.
Back in the day, après was always enjoyed boots still on. These days, après can be an all-day (or all-night) affair, and it’s best to be prepared. Stash sunglasses for sunny spring days, warm layers for chilly evenings when the sun goes down, and comfortable shoes so you can party long into the night sans clunky ski boots. In some swanky spots – like 39 Degrees in Aspen – you’ll even want a swimsuit. The T-Bar at Breckenridge is a great place I like to visit. It was nice to put my sunnies on and people watch while sipping on a delicious beer and enjoying mini tamales. If you prefer checking out the luxury lounges, there might be a boot check and slippers available. Most resorts have small day lockers where you can stash your stuff – snag one early before they run out on busy weekends.
2. Know the way home.
When I was a kid, I remember watching in awe from Vail Village as hard-core après skiers made their way down from the mid-mountain lodge – more than a little tipsy in their turns down the mountain as the sun went down. Towards mid-March especially, you’ll find more and more après happenings on the mountain: whether they’re official gatherings at lodge decks or unofficial shindigs in secret woodsy spots. Regardless, remember that you need to ski down – and if you’re in a slopeside rental that requires lift access, be sure you’ll be able to get there after lifts close. My best experience as an adult was when I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch near Beaver Creek. It’s the perfect place with a homey mountain lodge vibe, where you can snuggle up with hot chocolate and feel exactly like you were at home. I prefer to hang out around the Fireside Bar to enjoy the sun, a beer and people watch some more. I just put on my music and enjoy the warmth of the central fire.
1. Kick back, connect, be happy.
As you know, après ski started with the sole purpose of connecting with friends after a great day on the slopes, reliving the good moments and laughing about the others. Après is the time to let go, to recognize that a day on the slopes is a good day, to enjoy good music, good drinks, and good stories with great company. Let the tradition live on.