What Is Apres-Ski? Meaning, Etiquette and What to Wear

Apres-ski means “after skiing”: it is the French term for the drinks, food, music and socialising that follow a day on the slopes. It can mean a drink on a slope-side terrace as the lifts close, a long dinner in the village and dancing late into the night. The dress code sits halfway between skiwear and evening wear, which is why labels such as Perfect Moment design whole knitwear ranges for it, and why the Coveti sweater edit fills up with intarsia knits each winter. If you already know the meaning and just want to get dressed, go straight to our apres-ski outfit formulas.

What Does Apres-Ski Mean?

The word is French. Apres means “after”, and ski means skiing, so apres-ski is simply “after skiing”. English borrowed it in the early 1950s: Merriam-Webster dates its first known use to 1951 and defines it as social activity, as at a ski lodge, after a day’s skiing. Dictionary.com gives a slightly broader reading, the period of relaxation that follows skiing, and dates the word to 1950 to 1955.

It works as a noun (“we went for apres-ski”) and as an adjective (“apres-ski boots”, “an apres-ski party”). In English it is often written without the accent, as apres-ski, apres ski and simply apres. All three mean the same thing.

How do you pronounce it?

Say “ah-pray skee”. The stress falls lightly on the “pray”. The final “s” of apres is silent.

A Short History of Apres-Ski

The timing of the word is telling. It reached English at the start of the 1950s, when the ski holiday was growing from a sport for the few into a winter break for many. Once enough people shared a resort, the hours between the last lift and dinner became an occasion of their own, and they needed a name.

The culture has since split into distinct styles. Austria is known for loud, sing-along hut parties that start in the afternoon in ski boots. France has its slope-side restaurants that turn into open-air clubs. North American resorts lean towards bars and lodges at the base of the mountain. Each one is still apres-ski, and the only rule is that it comes after the skiing.

Famous Apres-Ski Spots

Two venues come up again and again when people talk about apres-ski, and both have a documented history.

MooserWirt, St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria

MooserWirt sits directly on the ski run down into St. Anton and has been running since 1989. The local Arlberg tourism board describes it as one of the most internationally popular apres-ski locations in Europe. Expect live DJs, a crowd still in ski boots and a self-deprecating slogan the bar uses about itself: probably the worst ski hut on the Arlberg.

La Folie Douce, Val d’Isere, France

La Folie Douce is a mountain restaurant above Val d’Isere that reinvented itself as an open-air club. Its founder, Luc Reversade, has said the afternoon and evening parties began there in 2007, with live shows added a few years later. The format has since spread to several other French resorts under the same name.

Apres-Ski Etiquette

Apres is relaxed, but a few habits make it better for everyone.

• Ski down first, celebrate second. If the bar is halfway up the mountain, remember you still have to ski down. Many resorts close pistes at dusk, so check the last safe time to leave.
• Know your limits at altitude. Alcohol, dehydration and tired legs are a poor mix. Drink water between rounds.
• Look after your skis. Rack them neatly outside, and do not lean them against tables where they can fall on someone.
• Boots on tables are a tradition in some huts, not all. Follow the room. If nobody else is dancing on the benches, do not start.
• Be kind to the staff. They are serving hundreds of people in an hour. Order clearly and tip where it is the custom.
• Plan the journey home. Know which lift, bus and taxi gets you back, and when the last one runs.

What to Wear to Apres-Ski

The dress code depends on where you are. On a slope-side terrace straight after the last run, ski pants and boots are normal: just unzip your jacket so your sweater shows. For a village bar, swap technical kit for knitwear and snow boots. For dinner and a club, dress as you would for a winter night out, with warm shoes.

The apres-ski sweater

The single most useful piece is a warm knit. The Perfect Moment Apres Schild Merino Wool Sweater in White has “Apres” knitted into the front and, according to the brand, runs true to size. The Star Dust Merino Wool Sweater in Black carries the house star print. More choices are in our Perfect Moment sweaters guide.

A pant you can sit in

Flared ski pants work at a terrace bar. For the evening, the Mid-Rise Aurora Apres Pant in Black keeps the flared shape in a relaxed wide leg. Our flare ski pants guide explains the fit.

One warm outer layer

A cropped faux fur jacket, such as the Faux Fur Hoodie in Black, is warm enough for a short walk and looks good indoors. For a full winter coat, browse the women’s jackets edit. Yves Salomon fans should also read our Yves Salomon apres-ski looks.

For the hours before apres, read what to wear skiing and our ski trip packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does apres-ski mean?

Apres-ski is French for “after skiing”. It describes the social activity that follows a day on the slopes, such as drinks, food, music and dancing. The term entered English in the early 1950s.

What time does apres-ski start?

Apres-ski usually starts in the mid-afternoon, as the lifts begin to close. Slope-side bars fill up first, and the village bars and clubs take over in the evening. Exact times vary by resort and season.

How do you pronounce apres-ski?

Say “ah-pray skee”. The final “s” of apres is silent. In English the word is often written without its accent, as apres-ski.

Do you have to ski to go to apres-ski?

No. Apres-ski bars are open to anyone in the resort, and many non-skiers join friends after the lifts close. Just dress warmly and wear boots with good grip for icy paths.

What should you wear to apres-ski?

Straight after skiing, keep your ski pants on and open your jacket to show a warm sweater. For an evening out, change into knitwear, a comfortable pant, a warm outer layer and snow boots. A merino intarsia sweater is the classic apres-ski piece.