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Val Thorens
From Geneva – €49.50
Tignes
From Geneva – €49.50
Morzine
From Geneva – €24.50
Les Gets
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Meribel
From Geneva – €44.50
Courchevel
From Geneva – €49.50
Val d’Isere
From Geneva – €49.50
Avoriaz
From Geneva – €24.50
La Plagne
From Geneva – €49.50
Les Arcs
From Geneva – €49.50
Verbier
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
La Rosiere
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
Les Menuires
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
Les Deux Alpes
From Geneva – €54.50
Alpe D’Huez
From Geneva – €54.50
Chamonix
From Geneva – €24.50
Val Thorens
From Geneva – €49.50
Tignes
From Geneva – €49.50
Morzine
From Geneva – €24.50
Les Gets
From Geneva – €24.50
Meribel
From Geneva – €44.50
Courchevel
From Geneva – €49.50
Val d’Isere
From Geneva – €49.50
Avoriaz
From Geneva – €24.50
La Plagne
From Geneva – €49.50
Les Arcs
From Geneva – €49.50
Verbier
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
La Rosiere
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
Les Menuires
From Geneva – 49.50 CHF
Les Deux Alpes
From Geneva – €54.50
Alpe D’Huez
From Geneva – €54.50
Chamonix
From Geneva – €24.50

What is Après Ski?

What is Après Ski?

Skiing has long been one of the most popular types of holidays for people around the world. 

 

In fact, it’s predicted that around 400 million people visit ski resorts each year, with The Alps accounting for around 50% of that traffic alone. 

 

In addition to taking to the slopes to ski, snowboard or take part in other alpine activities, the tradition of après ski is another reason why many of us opt to embark on this type of trip.

 

But what is après ski?   

 

In this article, we’ll explore this question, outlining exactly what après ski is, what its origins are and where you can find some of the best après ski resorts in the world.

What-Is-Apres-Ski

What is après ski?

Après ski, or in English – after ski,  is the term used to refer to the social activities and entertainment that tend to take place after a day out on the slopes. A place for skiers and snowboarders to unwind and relax at their chosen ski resort, typically this activity will involve larger groups of friends and incorporate the social drinks and live music. 

 

While everyone’s ideal après ski will differ, there are a few common themes and elements that tend to go hand in hand with the experience. 

 

This includes:

Bars and drinking

As mentioned above, one of the most commonly enjoyed après ski activities is drinking in bars or lounges based at the ski resort. In some cases, people will plan entire trips around this aspect of après ski and the skiing itself is almost an after thought! 

 

Many venues will include bars at the base of mountains or within resort villages which will offer a cosy atmosphere, rustic vibe and a whole lot of drinking options. This will include everything from your regular draught beer, to specific hot cocktails like mulled wine, or as the french say Vin Chuad, or spiked hot chocolate.

Live music

Where drinking goes music often follows and live music is another popular feature of après ski gatherings. 

 

Many resorts will have live bands or DJs performing, adding to the festive and lively atmosphere. 

Fire pits

Even though it’s cold outside, many resort visitors will like to have their après ski gathering outdoors to make the most of the scenic views that are unique to these parts of the world. 

 

With this in mind, many resorts will install fire pits, a great way to keep warm in the brisk mountain air. They’ll often incorporate plush furnishings and comfy seating options to add to the cosiness, making them a great place to relax and socialise.

Food

Most ski resorts will offer a whole host of après ski dining options. Whether you want some casual snacks or a fine dining experience, resorts will often cater for every taste and preference. Plus, you’ll also likely see alpine classics like fondue and charcuterie in vast supply. 

Hot tubs and saunas

Continuing with the outdoor theme from earlier, some ski resorts will also provide hot tubs and saunas for après ski gatherings, allowing visitors a relaxing place to soak their aching muscles after a day on the slopes.

Games and activities

It’s common for après ski venues to provide games and activities for guests. Pool, darts, table football and other classic pub games will normally be available in drinking venues. 

Great views

It’s no accident that lots of après ski venues will have stunning mountain views as their backdrop. Lots of these places will install their bars and restaurants in places where these views can be maximised, encouraging socialising. 

Special events

Some après ski venues will host special events, typically in the evening. These can include wine tasting, art exhibitions and even movie nights for guests to enjoy.

 

Now you know what the popular phenomenon entails, it’s worth knowing how to pronounce après ski.   

A French term that loosely translates to ‘after skiing’ it is simply pronounced ap-rei-ski.

The history of après ski

The tradition of après ski is thought to go back as far as skiing itself, meaning it’s likely to have started sometime between 3,000 BC and 4,000 BC. This is when the first markings of humans on skis were made in Scandinavia, and while it wasn’t like après ski as we now know it, there is clear historical evidence of socialising after hunters returned from skiing.

 

The modern-day après ski really started to take off in 1950s France when the commercialisation of skiing holidays began to become more widespread. The rise in aviation technology such as aeroplanes also made it easier for people to physically get to ski resorts during this time, meaning tourists looking for a good time became more and more common. 

 

Soon, après ski had started to gain prominence at resorts around the world, and while customs may slightly differ the purpose of relaxation, socialising and, of course, drinking, very much remain universal. 

What to wear to après ski?

For many visitors to ski resorts, après ski is just as important as the skiing itself. With this in mind, much consideration is often taken over what outfits to wear for the post-ski gathering.

 

However, there is no need to dramatically change the clothes you wore while out on the slopes. While you might want a quick refresh after all that activity, some simple adjustments are likely to suffice. 

 

For example, switching from your oversized coat to a bomber jacket or taking off your large ski boots for smaller, waterproof ones that will still allow you to walk on the wet snow. Maybe also consider adding a beanie hat to hide your helmet hair, and ditching the skiing goggles for some stylish shades to make sure your eyes are still protected from the harsh UV rays that are often extremely bright in the mountains. 

 

If you’re keen to keep up with the fashion of the locals at your chosen resort, it might also be worth checking online to see what people tend to wear before your trip. 

 

For more details on the appropriate clothes to wear for après ski or skiing in general, check out our previous blog on the topic. 

The best après ski resorts

Choosing the right ski resort can be a bit of a minefield. 

 

With so many great options out there, knowing what is best for you and your group can be tricky. And if après ski is among your priorities, this can add another element to the mix. 

 

Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the best après ski resorts in the world to help you decide what’s best for you. 

 

As the Alps is home to some of the largest and most popular ski resorts on the planet, we’re going to focus on these destinations. 

  • Val ThorensThis is considered one of the best resorts in the Alps if après ski is high on your agenda. Known for its lively and vibrant nightlife, the resort also sits at 2,300m which is the highest in Europe. This means that you’ll be enjoying your après ski festivities from one of the most spectacular views on Earth.   
  • TignesBased in the iconic Espace Killy area of the Alps, Tignes was specifically designed to offer stunning views and place guests as close to the pistes as possible. This means that its après ski options all have stunning backdrops that can be enjoyed long into the evening once you’re done on the slopes. 
  • Val d’lsèreThe French ski resort of Val d’lsère is synonymous with après ski with some of the best live bands in the Alps regularly playing here. Combined with a great selection of bars that stocks everything from your classic beer to high-end champagne, it’s no surprise it’s a big hit with visitors to the region. 
  • La PlagneOne of the Alps’ highest resorts, there are remarkable views at every turn in La Plagne. It features a fully pedestrianised ski village that is packed with a great selection of bars, restaurants and chalets which you can enjoy with loved ones.  
  • MeribelNestled in the heart of the French Alps, Meribel is a popular choice among families and singles alike. Here, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the world’s largest ski area, the Three Valleys and is surrounded by a whole host of nightlife options that is sure to make your après ski experience extremely memorable.  
  • Avoriaz – a charming winter destination situated high in the mountains at the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area. This purpose-built village is entirely pedestrianised with over 40 bars to choose from, finding a great après-ski spot is a breeze

 

All of these resorts are easily accessible from Geneva, with a great selection of private or shared transfers available in the area.  

 

For a more extensive look at some of the resorts in the area, click here to check out our guide to some of the highest resorts that are perfect for après ski. 

 

There’s no doubt that après ski is one of the highlights of any skiing trip, providing you with a great way to socialise and relax with friends and family once you’re finished on the slopes. We have a number of great blogs and content on our website discussing every aspect of a skiing trip, from tips for beginners to private and shared transfers to help you get to resorts once you arrive. Be sure to check them out before planning your next alpine adventure!     

What to wear to après ski?

For many visitors to ski resorts, après ski is just as important as the skiing itself. With this in mind, much consideration is often taken over what outfits to wear for the post-ski gathering.

 

However, there is no need to dramatically change the clothes you wore while out on the slopes. While you might want a quick refresh after all that activity, some simple adjustments are likely to suffice. 

 

For example, switching from your oversized coat to a bomber jacket or taking off your large ski boots for smaller, waterproof ones that will still allow you to walk on the wet snow. Maybe also consider adding a beanie hat to hide your helmet hair, and ditching the skiing goggles for some stylish shades to make sure your eyes are still protected from the harsh UV rays that are often extremely bright in the mountains. 

 

If you’re keen to keep up with the fashion of the locals at your chosen resort, it might also be worth checking online to see what people tend to wear before your trip. 

 

For more details on the appropriate clothes to wear for après ski or skiing in general, check out our previous blog on the topic. 

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