What to Wear for Après Ski – A Beginners Guide

The beauty of ski holidays is the fact they have so many dimensions. After all, it’s not just what happens out on the slopes that makes a good ski holiday. Instead, it’s the broader experience. From relaxing by the fire in your luxury chalet to indulging at your resort’s finest bars and restaurants, knowing how to appreciate the subtle art of après ski is just as important as the skiing itself.

One thing that goes hand in hand with this is ski fashion. However, whether you’re a first-time skier or an experienced snow rider, keeping up to date with the latest après trends is never easy. To help you out before your next getaway, check out our après apparel guidelines below.

What do people wear for après ski?

When it comes to après ski culture, there is no one dress code. In the same resort, you’ll find individuals fresh off the slopes – still in their ski gear with just a beanie to cover their helmet hair – mixing with groups wearing the latest runway fashions. However, in a sea of puffer jackets and ski onesies, après ski can provide the perfect opportunity to show off your style. Below we have listed the essential items all après wardrobes should include.

1. Base layers and sweaters

Whether fashion takes a back seat in your life or you’re a self-professed fashionista, the key to any après ski outfit is layers. Even when you’re off the slopes, the chances are you’ll still end up spending a lot of time outdoors, whether you’re walking around your resort or enjoying a few drinks outside a ski lodge bar. Even on warmer, sunnier days towards the end of the season, the temperature drops very quickly once the sun goes down, so you will need to be prepared to enjoy being al fresco. Remember, staying comfortable is much easier if you can take layers off rather than having to put more on.

When it comes to tops, there are two essential items everyone needs in their après arsenal. These are base layers and sweaters. With many of the best après spots located outdoors, thermal tops are now just as important après ski as they are on-piste. Indeed, nowadays, long-sleeve thermal base layers are not only practical, they are also a must-have component of the après ski look. So, whether you are heading out for a couple of drinks on a rooftop ski bar or just a coffee in a slope-side cafe, check out the offerings from brands such as Icebreaker, Cordova and Patagonia and make base layers the foundation of all après outfits.

The second and third layers are also vital. With this in mind, you can’t go wrong with a traditional fleece or sweater. With 1980s fashion currently in vogue for women, consider opting for knitwear with bold colours and loud prints. If this is your vibe, Goldbergh’s extensive range of luxurious ski sweaters could fit the bill perfectly. Similarly, for men, knitted turtleneck sweaters or quarter-zip fleeces are a great option. When out and about after a long day on the slopes, you’re likely to see a lot of men modelling the likes of Bogner, Canada Goose and Kjus.

2. Trousers

Most après-skiers will still be wearing their ski gear as they will have come straight from the slopes. But if you head back you your luxury ski chalet first, then the world is your oyster to dress for the occasion. The ‘anything goes’ nature of après fashions means both men and women have a good range of trouser options. Women going for stylish comfort may want to consider sports leggings. From Lululemon Wunder Trains to Sweaty Betty gym leggings, these simple items are now stylish ski essentials. Alternatively, for a more formal look, women could opt for faux leather leggings or skinny jeans.

For men, jeans are the ideal après trouser. An evergreen fashion icon, bootcut jeans are warm, practical and look great with a bold statement sweater or fleece and a pair of snow boots.

3. Outerwear

Outerwear is key to making an après statement. For a practical and casual look, you can’t beat a classic ski puffer jacket. These ski essentials are usually waterproof and super insulating, so it’s worth spending that little bit more on a quality item. For that timeless yet practical après style, look no further than Moncler or Canada Goose.

If you are looking for something a little more formal, opt for a traditional wool coat, sheepskin shearling, or faux fur jacket. These old-school coats, mastered by brands like Perfect Moment and Fusalp, scream class while still keeping you warm.

4. Accessories

Après accessories means hats and gloves. If you are skiing during a particularly cold time of year, gloves are a must. For those who love taking photos, touch-screen gloves are a fantastic option. If you are after a smarter style, why not opt for a classic pair of fur-lined leather gloves or thick-knitted mittens?

Hats are also an après ski must-have. This winter headwear serves the dual purpose of keeping out the cold while also hiding the dreaded helmet hair after a long day on the slopes. Classic beanies and knitted bobbles are unisex staples, in this regard. However, if you are looking to make a statement, why not opt for a fur-lined aviator hat or a Peruvian tassel hat? With a style to suit any outfit, the likes of Moncler and Fusalp are unrivalled when it comes to après accessories.