What is après ski?

A guide to post-ski activities 

When you’re booking a luxury chalet to spend quality time on the slopes, it’s easy to forget that there can be more to your skiing holiday than just the sport itself. Of course, time on the piste is time well spent, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get the chance to enjoy yourself with all the après ski activities your destination has to offer. 

First, let’s take a look at what we mean by après ski.

What does après ski mean?

Après ski is a term originating in the French language which literally translates to ‘after ski’. Traditionally, it was used to describe post-ski parties held in a bar at the bottom of the slopes. Skiers of all abilities could ski down and join their friends and families in the bar for drinks and music lasting most of the afternoon. Many skiers don’t even pop back to their chalets for a change of clothes – you can party in your ski boots and even store your skis at the bar.

However, in recent years, après ski has changed its meaning slightly, often encompassing all activities available to enjoy after finishing up on the slopes, from relaxing spa experiences to adventurous winter sports and everything in between. It even includes less structured activities such as enjoying a delicious meal in a catered luxury chalet.

When does après ski start?

In the strictest sense of the phrase, après ski starts the moment you stop skiing. Whether you’re just heading back to your self-catered chalet for a home-cooked meal or to share a drink with friends, the après ski fun can start whenever you want it to. In fact, you might even choose to take a day off from the slopes and dedicate yourself to après ski activities from the moment you wake up – the choice is yours!

If you’re looking to take part in scheduled activities or enjoy a traditional après ski afternoon in the bar, you’ll likely have to wait until the afternoon. Most resorts tend to cater for après skiing from around 4pm – but it’s always worth checking with your destination to make sure you know what’s happening and when.

When does après ski end?

Similarly, après ski can last however long you want it to. While resorts usually offer entertainment and catering until around 7pm, there’s plenty of fun to be had at your luxury chalet with friends or family later in the evening if you so choose.

What are après ski activities?

When it comes to après skiing activities, the world is your oyster. Remember, there is no one way to après, so take your pick between classic and more unconventional activities or mix it up with a bit of both. Most resorts offer a wide range of things to do once you’ve finished on the piste, including…

Mountainside eating

With stunning views available all year round, you can enjoy meals in the privacy of your booked chalet with your friends and family. Alternatively, you could visit an après ski restaurant or bar to indulge yourself amongst your fellow travellers – and maybe even make some great friends on the way.

Relaxation sessions

After an exhilarating day of skiing, why not let off a bit of steam in a hot tub, on a massage table, or perhaps in the sauna? Some locations even boast thermal springs to help you unwind. If you’d prefer to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the resort, you could also try out meditation, yoga and stretching from the comfort of your own chalet.

Hiking

Ski resorts are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world, so it’s no surprise that many visitors love to explore the scenery at their leisure. From just enjoying the views to taking in hiking trails around the resort, you can revel in the natural wonders of your destination – just don’t forget your camera!

Shopping

And if you’re looking to get some souvenirs of your skiing holiday or buy presents for friends and family back at home, you can of course visit one of the shops at your ski resort of choice. There is a huge selection of products available on an après ski shopping spree – and if you can’t find what you want, resort staff are on hand to help. 

And much more!

In fact, you can incorporate almost anything you want into your après skiing experience – which makes it perfect for just about everyone! With so many options and so much to do, you can have any type of skiing holiday you want, from an exhilarating adventure to a relaxing retreat.

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