Cocktails near a fire, warm sweaters, live music, and delicious food? Oui, let's learn how to après ski!
Not only is skiing a favorite French pastime, but so are the socializing events that take place afterwards. While it may look different this year, I’m sure the trend will carry on to subsequent years when we can be around one another again. Today, let’s discuss the French post-ski activity: How to Après Ski.
But first, an anecdote…
A lesson on après ski, from a sweater.
There I was, browsing in a shop sans kids, enjoying every minute of the quietude, when I heard the ladies at the checkout counter discussing something. I heard the word “après,” and so my ears perked up and I started to listen.
“I don’t know why it just says ‘après,’ one of the ladies said. It doesn’t make any sense. I think it’s French?”
“It is!” I replied. Suddenly all eyes in the store were on me.
“Well, what does it mean?” I am asked.
“It means after,” I say, thinking that would be the end of the discussion.
“But, after what? I don’t get it.”
“It’s short for ‘après ski.’ After skiing.” Blank stares in my direction.
“Why would they put that on a shirt?” someone says, looking right at me since I seem to have all the answers.
“Well… it’s the French phrase to describe a social gathering after a day of skiing, where you gather for a delicious meal and drinks after a day on the mountain…”
More blank stares.
“Kind of like a happy hour? It’s a cultural thing in France, and it has been shortened in French to just ‘après.’ So, I guess you’d wear that sweater to such an event…”
“Oh…”
It seems my somewhat random and often not useful realm of expertise comes in handy when you least expect it. I just gave a cultural lesson to a store full of women on how to après ski, and I found a cardigan on clearance for $12. Win win.
Elements of an après ski
The essential elements that constitute the après ski: casual ski attire, live music, cocktails, and socializing with your fellow skiers. May lead to partying into the wee hours, if you’re into it.
When does après ski start?
Usually after the last run of the day. One transfers straight from the slopes to the restaurant/bar, and sometimes beyond there to the night clubs in town if they’re feeling extra festive.
When does après ski end?
The ending time is kind of up to you: how much do you want to party that day?
Customs
Think of an Après Ski as a casual party to celebrate a great day on the slopes. Personally, I could skip the slopes and head straight to the après part, but that’s just me. I’m more of a sit-by-the-fire-and-sip-hot-cocoa while the rest of my group hits the slopes kinda gal. Maybe that’s because I never learned to ski as a kid. But I do know how to enjoy a party. And you too, can learn how to après ski even if you don’t like to hit the slopes.
The customs of après ski can vary, but in France it became a thing because of its difference to a regular social gathering- no need to put on a chic outfit or bring a gift for the host(ess). Show up in your down vest and sweater that you wore on the slopes, with your rosy cheeks from all that exhilarating exercise. Then enjoy a relaxing cocktail and live music near the mountain you just spent the day shredding.
Dress Code
Like I said, show up mostly in what you wore that day. An après ski party transitions straight from the slopes to the bar, so there’s no need to shower, change, or primp. Swap your clunky ski boots for some Uggs or the like, maybe swipe on some deodorant, and you’re ready to après.
Now, being a French tradition, the fashion industry has taken to the social gathering and developed some chic athleisure styles for it nonetheless. In haute resorts like St. Moritz, Aspen, or Mont Blanc, it is not unusual to spot expensive ski style apparel that was not necessarily intended for the slopes.
The choice is yours: remain true to the fashion origins of the tradition, or embellish it with some fashionable off-the-slopes elements. Just be sure to keep it casual either way, and you’ll fit right in.
Menu
Just as the dress code is casual, so is the menu. Bar and finger foods are the usual staple – anything filling that satisfies a ravenous appetite after all that skiing.
Après ski pour tout
With February being close to the end of ski season, I might be a bit late to the whole “après ski” lesson for this year. But, think of it as preparation for next year when we all can actually socialize again (I hope). Or, indulge in the custom right in your own home this Winter, with cocktails, yummy food, cozy sweaters, and the loved ones you feel comfortable around.
And if nothing else, now you will now feel informed and savvy when you see someone wearing a shirt that says “après” with no other explanation.
Have you every participated in après ski? What was it like, and where were you? I would love to hear your input in the comments below!
À la prochaine–
geneviève