What is après ski? The best spots and what to wear

Do your friends go on and on about Folie Douce? How about your work mates chattering about that ‘must-hit’ post-shred spot in Japan? Yep, everyone’s crazy about après ski (pronounced ‘ap-rey-skee’), and here’s why.

You might well be thinking: “What is après ski exactly?” You likely have a rough idea (it seems to involve beer), but you’re not 100% certain. Plus, how can something that takes place after skiing and snowboarding be talked about – and loved – so much? 

Well, prepare to have your mind blown. We spill the beans on the ins and outs of this epic pastime in our ultimate guide. And we don’t stop there. We cover what’s best to wear and the world’s top après ski spots. So, buckle up and get ready to become a know-it-all about this beloved mountain phenomenon. 

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The history of après ski

The word ‘après ski’ gives the game away on where it originated: the Alps, baby! Yep, back in the 1950s, commercial skiing was on the rise – and so was the habit of socializing and having a good time after a day on the slopes. Who can blame them? And those 50s rippers made such an art form of post-shred shenanigans that it had to have its own name. And so, après ski was born. 

But what does it mean exactly? Well, après ski is the French for ‘after ski’ or ‘after skiing’. Basically, it’s any and all activities that happen when you unclip from your board or skis for the day. That could be dancing on tables (yes, really), head-banging to live music, ducking into fridges (we’ll get into that later), or chilling in a wine bar. 

Today there are countless infamous après ski venues, such as La Folie Douce, where dancing on tables is 100% expected. Plus, there are ski resorts renowned for their après ski scenes and festivals, such as Austria’s Mayrhofen, which hosts its annual Snowbombing festival. Think of it as après on steroids! 

What to expect at après ski

Après ski is so varied that it’s hard to know what to expect – and that’s the beauty of it. You see, it’s totally up to you how you unwind (or hype up) after a day on the mountain. For example, you can have a hot choccy in a laidback bar, sip beer samples in a brewery, clink champagne-filled crystal flutes slopeside, relax to the max in a spa, or gorge yourself on fine-dining cuisine. Simply put: there are no hard and fast rules on what constitutes après ski. 

Saying that, though, when people think of ‘classic’ après ski, they typically imagine pitchers of beer, live music, downing Jagerbombs at 4 pm, and dancing in ski boots (well, trying to). It sounds hectic, but it’s our happy place. And there’s also the après that goes well into the early hours – we’re talking clubs, DJ sets, and Dom Pérignon with sparklers (we’ve seen it happen). 

No matter how you spend your après, though, one thing’s for certain: you can expect a darn good time. Our top tip? Mix up your après activities – not your drinks! We’re thinking live music and debauchery one night, Kir Royales in a wine bar the next, and finding your zen in a spa on your final night. Parfait.  

When does après ski start and end?

Technically, après ski has no official starting time. However, most ski resorts kick it off around mid-afternoon, around 3 to 4 pm. That’s not to say you can’t start earlier. Or, if there’s a whiteout, how about dedicating a whole day to après instead of riding? Basically, après begins the moment you decide it does – whether that’s 12 pm, 5 pm, or any other time of day. 

Oh, and there’s no official end time, either. Sometimes, people head back to their chalets/hotels for dinner around 7 pm. However, you can keep going into the early hours or decide to have a fresh head for early-morning freshies. There’s zero judgment. Well, unless you hold the crew up the next day because you’re so hungover and miss out on first tracks … 

Of course, certain ski resorts cater to different levels of après ski. For example, resorts like France’s Les Deux Alpes are lined with venues that keep going until sunrise. On the other hand, sleepier and family-focused ski resorts wind down earlier. But that doesn’t mean you can’t carry on the party back at the chalet, of course. 

What to wear at après ski

One of our favorite things about après ski is there’s no official dress code. Wear your Dope setup (what else would you wear, right?), a mankini (more common than you think, or would ever hope to see!), or something in between.  

Generally, though, the vibe is to go straight from the slopes to the bar. So that means wearing exactly what you’ve worn on the mountain — even your ski boots. Don’t worry about dancing in your goggles, though – just tuck them into a goggle sleeve and place them in your helmet to keep those lenses scratch-free. Oh, and make sure you’ve brought your sunnies for al fresco après. 

You don’t have to balance your beer and helmet, either. Simply clip your helmet onto a chair, and you’re free to boogie. Worried about helmet hair? That’s what beanies are for! Paranoid someone will pinch your planks? Split your skis with a friend to make them mismatched. Then, place each pair at either end of the ski and snowboard rack – and don’t get so tipsy you forget where they are! 

The world’s best après ski resorts

Wherever you ride in the world, you’ll find things to do for après. Each country has a different style, though – from the cabaret and late-night Euro tunes throughout France to hot spring soaks under the stars in Japan. 

Okay, it was super hard to whittle down the top après resorts, but we think we’ve chosen a varied bunch. Just pick your poison and don’t forget to have the best time. Like, ever. Oh, and not to put a downer on things but don’t drink and ride – especially in the US and Italy where it’s illegal to ski and snowboard after sinking a few. Luckily, most ski resorts plant their après bars at the base. 

Chamonix, France

We all know Chamonix is the mecca of big mountain riding. But did you know it holds virtually the same epic status for après ski? Head to iconic spots like Les Marmottons and Chambre Neuf to witness bandana-wearing, hardcore ski mountaineers letting loose to nightly live bands.

If you’re after après with a twist, aim for ChaChaCha. It’s a wine and spirit merchant serving wine, beer, and spirit tasting every weeknight. Sample the drinks, find your fave, and mellow out with a bottle on the sun-filled terrace. Bliss.  

St. Anton, Austria

Freeriding is mega in St. Anton. But – if you can believe it – their après scene is even bigger. In fact, it’s pretty much off the chain! Yep, you might have hit the most epic line of your life there. Still, no brag is complete without saying you sank a pint of the local Fohrenburg beer at Krazy Kanguruh – before dancing your legs off on the tables, of course. 

Oh, and you can’t miss MooserWirt, an après institution! From 3.30 pm every day, the beats of Austro/German pop lure you to the terrace, where you can drink hard (it’s said to sell the most beer per square meter in Austria!) and party harder. Just remember you have to ride back down the mountain, though …

Verbier, Switzerland

Can’t decide between craft beer or champagne? Both flow non-stop throughout Verbier and guarantee an après sesh you won’t forget (well, depending on how much you drink). And talking about unforgettable après, you have to try the Ice Cube Bar. It’s pretty swanky – think Ibiza on snow – but offers a perfect chance to soak up sunshine, drinks, and music on the piste. 

Le Farinet offers the raddest après in Verbier – if not the planet! The atmosphere here is freaking awesome, and you can dance till you drop with locals and out-of-town riders. Worried about overheating? No sweat (literally), as the roof opens up to let air in and steam out. Then, if your legs can still move, set your sights on the Farm Club. Here you can show off your epic moves alongside ski bums, royalty, and celebs (Leo D is a firm Farm fan).  

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, US

Aspen Snowmass: one lift ticket, four mountains, and near countless après options! Yep, Aspen offers everything – from the laidback vibes of Zane’s Tavern in Snowmass Village, where you can play pool, to the sun-drenched tunes n’ terrace atmosphere of Ajax Tavern in The Little Neil, Aspen. The Little Neil is where you’ll also find The Wine Bar for indulging in fancy, rare wines. A DJ spins vintage vinyl, too.  

And Aspen is home to another form of après: deckchair après. Just head for The Sundeck, Aspen Mountain’s oldest après spot, pull up an Adirondack chair, and sip cocktails while working on your goggle tan. For a more raucous sesh, though, it’s got to be Lynn Britt Cabin: a staple of Snowmass. You can’t leave without downing a shot ski! 

Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Canada

After a day of charging big faces, you’re gonna need to unwind properly. And Whistler Blackcomb definitely delivers the goods. Dusty’s Bar & BBQs at the base of the 2010 Olympic downhill runs is hands-down one of our favorite places in the world. Sure, it’s rustic, but, man, does this place have charm – and some killer live music. 

For upping the tempo, there’s nowhere like Merlin’s Bar & Grill. This place is famous for its off-the-hook party scene, stunning scenery – and sky-high nachos. Oh, and speaking of food, how can we forget the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC)? SKI Magazine named it one of the best après bars in North America. And it’s easy to see why with its all-season patio, endless beer, and killer views of the bike park’s GLC drops – three cliff drops leading to a dirt landing pad. Watching MTB riders stomp it here during summer is like the TV show you never knew you needed. 

Ski Portillo, Chile

Not bad to ride ‘n’ après in South America’s first ski resort, right? Yes, Ski Portillo serves up some epic post-ski drinks (honestly, it rivals Aspen) after a day of riding some of the continent’s biggest lines. Our top pick is definitely Tio Bob’s, a mountain refuge. People come here for the views but stay for the vibes – and mouth-watering Chilean barbecue, of course. 

If you’re into your vino, go during one of Ski Portillo’s Wine Weeks. For no extra cost, you can sip samples at après ski from some of Chile’s most revered vineyards. But if you want to do something without alcohol, try the Portillo Ice Plunge at Laguna del Inca. Loved by pro skier Sierra Quitiquit, you’ll hold your nerve by sinking into freezing waters with other riders at après. Don’t worry if higher temperatures are more your thing – relaxing in hot tubs is also a respectable après activity in Ski Portillo. 

Queenstown, New Zealand

Okay, the après options in Queenstown are so good you could easily create a bar crawl and be out all night. For starters, it’s got to be an outside table at The World Bar for teapot cocktails near the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Then, it’s onto Rhino’s Ski Shack, an après-themed bar that brings the hip hop and party vibes. 

If you’re in it for the long haul, The Bunker is where things are at. It’s a bit of a hidden gem but serves up insane espresso martinis and negronis. Oh, and speaking of under-the-radar spots, don’t forget to discover Blue Door. You might have to hunt to find it, but once you do, you’ll be greeted with low ceilings, a roaring fire, and cozy seating in this one-room bar. It sounds laidback, but come here on Wednesday Jam Nights, and things get rowdy!

Niseko, Japan

How about après in onsens (geothermal hot springs)? Yep, in Niseko, bathing in your birthday suit is the standard post-shred activity. And we can’t think of anything better than soaking in mineral water from Mount Annupuri after floating through Japow. 

And how about a refrigerator after recharging? Venture down a little Hirafu side street to find an old-fashioned, sticker-covered red fridge door. Then, step through it. As you wander into The Fridge (real name Bar Gyu+), you’ll be met with rad speakeasy feels thanks to the candlelit wooden tables, jazz tunes on vinyl, and a selection of rare, old Japanese single-malts that changes each season. Once you’ve documented your trip on the ‘Gram, head to Toshiro’s for a truly unique cocktail. Then, it’s on to Powder Room for more cocktails, Japanese cuisine, and clubbing. And the best hangover cure? Japow face shots the next morning. Trust us. 

Wrapping up 

Après really does have something for everyone, and you decide whether to go low-key or high-energy. It also opens the door to meeting amazing new people and living your best life. Plus, those après stories stay with you for a lifetime – but thankfully, they only last 24 hours on ‘Gram Stories. 

Now that you know your stuff, you can confidently say après is so much more than just a post-ride activity. Rather, it’s a vital component of the ski and snowboard experience – and no trip to the mountains is the same without it! Speaking of mountain trips, who’s already counting down to next season? Us too! Follow @dopesnow on socials, and let’s get stoked for this winter’s après sessions (and the riding, of course). Bring it on. 

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