* Updated on August 20, 2021
In last week's Apply These Five Secret Techniques to Improve Après Ski At Home, I discussed the importance of planning and preparation when bringing the après ski party back to the house.
Most of the crew that I roll with these days have families with children.
Après skiing at home has become a more common occurrence on our trips these days.
There are, however, ski trips throughout the winter months that are adults only and none of us are adverse to staying out and keeping the après ski party going.
Staying Out for Après Ski Just Takes a Little Bit of Planning
Just like in the previous case of bringing the après ski party home, staying out at the mountain or around the ski resort requires a bit of planning and preparation. Where to go, what to wear and how to get home are just a few of the important points to consider beforehand.
Failure to plan is planning to fail.
No one wants to stop when the post pow fun begins, so here are our five tips to a successful night of après ski out at the ski resort.
1. Secure a Ride Home
The simplest way to ruin the perfect ending to the perfect day of skiing and snowboarding is to not have a safe plan on how to get home.
Don't be dumb when it comes to drinking and driving.
Have a designated driver or, in the age of Uber, use one. Most ski resorts even have transports back to the area hotels.
For example, the one by my Mount Snow AirBnb runs until 11 PM.
Transports like this are invaluable and require little thought other than know what time and where they pick up. Bottom line, après ski is supposed to be fun. Keep it that way by being safe and smart.
2. Heading Home to Change Could Mean the End of the Night
Skiing and snowboarding all day is exhausting in ways that other activities are not. Being active, outside in the fresh cold air is exhilarating but can also suck the life out of you. If you have ever gone home to clean up and tried to go back out, there is a good chance that you passed out on the couch in the process. It has certainly happened to me (see photo above).
It is rare occasion now that I ever go back to where I'm staying unless I'm done for the night. Head right from après ski on the mountain to the restaurant or next ski resort bar. This is the safest guaranteed way to keep the good times rolling.
3. Choose the Best Après Ski Clothing
Based on #2, you are probably thinking...
"Rich...what am I supposed to wear, if I'm going out right from the mountain?"
Relax! You're in a ski town. It's not that bougie
There have been many a nights that I wear my ski pants with a flannel over a cool après ski t-shirt or even just a ski hoodie on top.
Nobody cares. Everyone is all wearing the same thing and if they are not, chances are they didn't ski or ride that day anyway.
The only caveat is if you are going out to a high end dinner. In that case, you will need to change. Budget a few extra minutes for that cat nap, I promise it will happen.
4. Do Your Après Ski Research
Ski resort towns are fun and they offer some of the best and most creative bars and restaurants you will find. Weeding through them and discovering the best ones for you and your crew takes some research and planning.
Prior to heading on your trip, jump on websites like All About Après, listen to the Beyond the Après podcast or even reach out to us personally. We'll get you the goods on where you need to go and what you need to eat and drink while you are there.
Bottom line is, wherever you end up, keep it local. The freshest food and drinks are going to be sourced right from the surrounding areas. Dining and imbibing on dishes and après ski drinks from that location will insure that you have the best local experience possible.
5. Be Social at Ski Resorts
Being social is an integral component to après ski.
Socializing is a major part of the ski and snowboard culture in general.
The locals know what's up, so talk to them. They are sure to have the 411 on the best ski bars and restaurants featuring fun live music to really amp up the après ski party.
There is also no doubt that they can tell you what craft beer, drinks and food to order once there. I can't tell you how many times I've come across great post shred info just by chatting up a local on a ski lift or at the bar.
They are more than happy to share so give it a try.
Après ski Tips Make Your Day Fun
Obviously skiing and snowboarding is fun. That's why we all do it. However, there are many who simply hit the slopes knowing that at the end of the day, they'll be hanging with friends, drinking craft beers and dancing to live music.
Après ski...it's the best part of any ski day.
When it comes to partaking, tips like the five above are guaranteed to have you partying like a true certified après ski instructor, just like our popular ski t-shirt says.
What are some of your best après ski tips? Let us know in the comments section below.
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