Ultimate Après Guide for Beginners

1. What is the meaning of “Après Ski”?

So it’s your first ski holiday and you’ve vaguely seen or heard about après ski. Maybe it’s cropped up a few times in your ski holiday group chat on WhatsApp, and you’re left scratching your head wondering what on earth it could possibly mean – or even how to pronounce it (to clarify, it’s pronounced “apray ski”).

First coined in the Alps in the 1960s, aprés ski directly translates from French to English as “after ski”. Put simply, après ski by definition refers to the social activities and entertainment after skiing or boarding.

Depending on which ski resort you go to, there’s usually a whole host of bars that open as early as 2pm to provide all sorts of entertainment. Nothing beats skiing from slope to slope in search of the hottest spots, such as La Folie Douce, a legendary establishment that has cropped up in various ski resorts across France over the years.

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3. Clothing

Packing can be overwhelming, so we’ve decided to highlight the absolute ski essentials. Base layers, ski jackets, salopettes and ski socks are some of the many items you’ll need to pack, as well as a good hat and a pair of ski gloves. It’s a good idea to make a list and start early to make sure you’re one step ahead. Here are the basics you’ll need:

Base layers: Base layers are an absolute must, whether you’re skiing in January or March. Your ski holiday is going to be cold, no matter how much exercise you’re doing. Base layers sit underneath normal clothes to regulate your body temperature and wick away body sweat. Trust us when we say it’s worth investing in the base layers. They are 100% skiing essentials.

Ski jacket: Choosing the right ski jacket can be quite the task. Just remember that they are designed to be lightweight, practical and agile rather than a fashionable item. A lot of ski apparel is admittedly about fashion these days, but if you find a jacket that ticks all the boxes for your level and needs, which takes time, patience and a bit of research, then it’s likely to be a winner. Top tip: make sure to go for a ski jacket that has plenty of pockets for storing your ski pass and valuables. 

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5. What are the best resorts for après-ski in France?

Val Thorens

This spectacular ski resort in France has a superb après-ski culture. The crowds go wild for La Folie Douce, the place to be for thumping tracks and dancing on tables. Red Fox is another great spot once you’ve stashed your ski equipment away for the day. Head here for happy hour and a karaoke session, before continuing the night at Klub Summit, Europe’s highest club which plays a mix of rock classics, house hits, and disco tunes until 4am.

Reberty 2000

If you’d like to avoid the crowds on your ski holiday, Reberty 2000 has a more relaxed après scene compared to some of the other ski resorts in France. Otherwise you can pop over to Les Menuires to check out the nightlife there. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to discover in La Croisette, one of five districts in Les Menuires, including Bar Le Challenge, Moose Bar and Le Kube, a piano bar with live music and DJ nights.

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FAQs

What is après ski?

Après ski refers to the social activities you do after a ski run. There’s no set time, but most places begin to kick things off around mid-afternoon – say, around 3pm or 4pm after the last run, lasting until around 7pm.

What Are Après Ski Essentials for Beginners?

There’s no dress code for après-ski, which means you can turn up in your ski gear straight from the slopes. Packing warm base layers is an absolute must for your ski holiday to wick away sweat and regulate your body temperature. You’ll also need to purchase a ski jacket before your trip, salopettes (ski pants), warm gloves, a hat and waterproof boots. Remember to do some research ahead of the trip so that you can take time to pick the right items. 

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