Whether you call it après-ski, apéro, or charcuteski, there’s something special about sharing a slope-side victory round of cocktails and tasty comestibles after a brilliant day at your favorite ski resort. The primary goal is to kick back with friends, old and new, after the last chairlift closes—or when you’ve reached your car after an epic backcountry mission. Otherwise, aprés-ski is really whatever you want it to be, ranging from an informal parking lot tailgate to lounging at your favorite watering hole at the base. The only thing resembling a rule when it comes to this hallowed activity is refraining from changing out of your ski gear into civilian clothes—with some recommended exceptions, included below.
We’ve toasted great ski days with sake in Japan, aquavit in Sweden and Norway, and Kir Royales in France. The most memorable times were in St. Anton, Switzerland, where festivities featured dancing in ski boots on tables, and various après-ski props like shot belts, pink mohawk wigs, and brightly patterned Speedos under retro one-piece ski suits. If you’ve reached that level of après-ski-dom, there’s probably not much we can teach you. For the rest of us just trying to figure out how a shot-ski works, here are some essential après-ski items for celebrating your final runs of the season in style and comfort.
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Start your après-ski festivities in style with Snow Peak’s new 250ml Titanium Flask. Titanium is chemically inert, so your Knob Creek or Suerte won’t taste funny. The flask weighs only 3.3 oz (empty) and holds 8.4 oz of liquid. The totally leak-proof flask comes with a stylish wooden cap (metal threads), funnel, and cloth carrying case. You’ll use it for years, and it makes a great gift that keeps on pouring.
Related: This Is the Best Ski Gear We Tested for 2024
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After a rigorous day on the slopes, your feet need some love. Our affection for these boots can’t be overstated. For both comfort and Aspen-ready style, the Phoenix Shearling-Lined Waterproof Leather Boots are unbeatable. The supple, Italian full-grain leather and shearling lining provide warmth without sweat. There’s a foam midsole for shock absorption and a steel shank for arch support and protection. The seven-inch shaft is high enough to thwart snowdrifts when you’re trudging from gondola to pub, while rubber soles keep you upright on icy days.
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It’s impossible to talk about après-ski activities without including our favorite beverages. For tailgates, we’ve developed a fondness for canned cocktails. Founded in Portland, OR, Straightaway Cocktails utilizes high-quality ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Our testers recommend the restorative Oregon Old Fashioned and the tart Margarita. Your best bet is to order the short drink Straightaway Sampler Pack so you can try everything.
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A ski sweater is essential après-ski wear in any country—and this Kavu Retro standout won’t break the bank. Fashioned for making your après-ski mark in a garment that would be right at home today, tomorrow, or in a scene from 1984's Hot Dog, it's 45 percent polyester, 5 percent wool, and 100 percent timeless. Sizes come in XS to XL. We recommend going one size up so you can comfortably fit your base layer underneath.
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Some days, après-ski is as close as your tailgate. You can cool your beer and Jäger in the snow while you fire up the Pi Prime Pizza Oven. Fueled by a propane cannister, the portable Pi Prime turns out pizzas in under two minutes. You can make your own dough—or follow our lead and buy a blob over the counter from most pizza shops. Bring a bag of grated mozzarella, some sauce, and chopped meat and vegetables, and enjoy gourmet snacking without leaving the parking lot.
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While some skiers and riders are content to melt into the nearest barstool or camp chair after a rigorous day on the slopes, others prefer a more active après-ski experience—like, say, retiring to the wax room and getting your boards ready for the next day. The new Mountain Flow IR Waxer is easy and economic. Since the IR waxer uses electromagnetic radiation (the same tech as saunas, space heaters, and thermal imaging), there’s no pesky hot iron. Plus, the IR Waxer helps the base of your skis or board absorb wax. Use mountainFLOW’s plant-based ski wax as it helps in the fight to keep petroleum and fluorocarbons off the ski slopes. May we recommend pairing the IR with shots of Fireball?
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Aspen-based Strafe knows the resort skier, both on the slopes and in the bar. This 8-ounce baselayer, with its 3-D waffle material, is minimalist perfection—a workhorse of a top that’s stripped of everything but essentials. We like the Strafe Basecamp Hoodie as a next-to-skin baselayer, armed with Polartec’s Powergrid material that’s a leader in warmth without weight. The scuba-style hood and collar disappear under your ski jacket, but when weather comes in hard, it slips under your helmet for added protection from the cold and snow. Another lightweight choice is the Nomad 3-Layer Shell Pant ($300), made from Event waterproof/breathable fabric. Testers liked the two vertical chest pockets, 12-inch-long thigh vents, and stretchy waist that extends up to for the top of the bib. You can wear both pieces all day and all night.
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UGG has a reputation for fashion, but this fleece-lined foot heaven made with repurposed wool and recycled polyester is pure comfort and good looks in equal measure. An aggressive Gore-Tex membrane, grippy Vibram Icetrek soles, and durable leather uppers further elevate the brand to the perfect après-ski functional footwear. Part of the brand’s new UGGextreme line, the Shasta Mid Boots are rated to withstand temps as low as negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit—great for standing in Whistler’s Belvedere Ice Room while downing vodka shots.
Related: Avoid Crowds and Crazy Lift Ticket Prices at 2024's Top Local Ski Resorts
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This daily driver for ski days is equally heavenly when warmly chilling after all your runs are done. The Norway-based brand is known for its well-designed, durable apparel. We tested the Lofoten Thermal Pro Hood for a full season in the French Alps. After more than 100 days in the field, it looks like new. It’s the ideal multi-functional base layer with excellent pocketing and a perfect under-the-helmet hood. The blend of Polartec Thermal Pro and Thermal Grid allows for warmth where you need it, and lighter-weight material under the arms and inside the pockets when you're back at the lodge hovering over hot toddies or fondue.
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If you’ve spent much time on the slopes and in the lodge, you know that one-piece ski suits are making a loud comeback. Rather than buying one just for après, we prefer Columbia’s Men’s Wintertrainer, a one-piece snowsuit that’s as comfortable on the mountain as it is winning dance contests in St. Anton. There’s a stowaway helmet-compatible hood, adjustable boot cuffs, zippered chest, and hand pockets—plus a waterproof/breathable shell and solid fleece lining.
With thousands of pieces of ski and snowboard apparel and gear to sift through, including the latest après-ski items, our team of nine testers knows how to do their homework. Collectively, we’ll rack up more than 1,000 on-snow days in a given season just testing out gear to see if it lives up to its promise. Most of us have been testing apparel and gear for over 20 ski seasons. During this time, we've been privy to a range of après-ski traditions across North America and the European Alps to perfect our own post-ski rituals. It's as fun a process as it sounds.
