What does après-ski mean?

The term après-ski literally means ‘after ski’ in French. The phrase was coined in the Alps during the 1950s to describe socializing after a day skiing. Today, it’s synonymous with the raucous party scene that kicks off every afternoon in many European ski resorts. France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria boast an array of mountainside bars, attracting skiers fresh off the hill, looking for an ice-cold beer and boot-stomping tunes from 4pm.

How does après-ski differ in Europe versus America?

Sinking a cold one after skiing is popular across the globe. However, European skiers have earned a reputation for ramping things up with full-blown parties on the slopes by mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, in the US, there’s less afternoon drinking and more of a late-night bar scene. It’s also worth noting that in Europe, there’s no need to go back to your hotel or apartment to change; you’ll find plenty of folk heading straight from the slopes to the dance floor in ski boots and salopettes.

Where to find the best après-ski bars in Europe

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