Après-Ski for Beginners: How to Master the Art of the Post-Slope Party (Without Breaking the Bank)

Apres Ski for Beginners: Guide on a Budget

So, you’ve conquered your first blue run (or just survived the bunny hill). Now what? Welcome to the magical world of après-ski—where the real sport is drinking in ski boots and pretending you're not exhausted.

If you’re new to the après game, don’t stress. We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you soak in the vibes, sip like a pro, and even save some cash while doing it. Plus, if actually booking a ski trip sounds like too much work, we’ve got a sneaky little solution for you at the end. Stick around.

What Even Is Après-Ski?

Après-ski (French for after skiing, but really just an excuse to party) is the glorious tradition of winding down with drinks, snacks, and good company after a day on the slopes. Whether you ski like an Olympian or just went up the gondola for the views, you 100% qualify to participate.

Top Beginner-Friendly Après-Ski Spots

1. Aspen, Colorado: Where Celebs and Ski Bunnies Unite

Aspen is like the Beyoncé of ski towns—glamorous, iconic, and just a little intimidating. But don’t worry, you don’t need an unlimited AmEx to enjoy it. Post-ski, head to Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain for a truffle fries + rosé combo that will make you feel famous. Looking for more of a scene? Our very own Globe Thrivers recommend heading to the Jerome.

💰 GT Tip: Hit Zane’s Tavern for cheap beers and wings instead of dropping $25 on a single cocktail at the fancy spots. Bonus: The locals hang here, so you’ll get the real Aspen experience.

2. Vail, Colorado: The Après-Ski Capital of the U.S.

Vail’s après scene is legendary, and for good reason. This place has everything—from swanky cocktail lounges to rowdy bars where ski instructors dance on tables. Start at the 10th for a bite, then check out the The Red Lion for live music and a solid beer selection. If you're feeling fancy, The Remedy Bar has insane mountain views and craft cocktails.

💰 GT Tip: Order a hot toddy before happy hour ends (usually 4-6 PM), and then nurse it like a pro while soaking in the vibes.

3. Deer Valley, Utah: Boujee But Chill

If you’re into groomed runs and good service (ahem, no snowboarding allowed here), Deer Valley is your spot. Après here is more about classy cocktails than wild parties, so grab a seat on the deck at The St. Regis Bar & Lounge and pretend you’re in a James Bond movie.

💰 GT Tip: Take the free funicular up to St. Regis, enjoy the fancy atmosphere, and then… just order a coffee. You still get the experience and the views, without dropping $$$ on a single drink.

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Rowdy in the Best Way

Jackson Hole is for adventurers—and people who aren’t afraid to après in their ski gear, no matter how sweaty. The best beginner-friendly spot? Mangy Moose. It’s rustic, loud, and full of fun people who won’t judge you for ordering a spiked hot chocolate instead of a whiskey neat.

💰 GT Tip: Beer is always cheaper than cocktails. Go local with a Snake River Brewing option and call it a day.

5. Zurich, Switzerland: When City Life Meets Après

Can’t commit to a full ski resort trip? No problem. Zurich has an amazing urban après-ski scene. After a day trip to nearby slopes like Engelberg, hit up Widder Garage for DJ sets and creative cocktails. It’s après-ski, minus the frostbite.

💰 GT Tip: Instead of pricey drinks, grab a Swiss hot chocolate from a local café and enjoy it outside—the real après-ski vibe is all about soaking in the atmosphere anyway.

Après-Ski Style for Beginners

If you’re new to après, the outfit is just as important as the activity. Here’s what you need to know:

✔ Layer Up – You don’t want to be that person shivering in a thin sweater. Think stylish but functional—like a retro fleece or a chic puffer vest. We’re loving Alo’s Cropped Fleece as the perfect slopes-to-sips wear.

✔ Statement Sunglasses – Après-ski is basically a fashion show for people who refuse to take off their ski goggles. Bring oversized sunnies and fake it. These Quay oversized specs give us the goggle vibes, without the bulk.

✔ Après Boots – Ski boots do not belong in bars. Swap them out for cute but warm après boots (waterproof = key). Thursday Boot’s chunky Reign boots speak to our soles (see what we did there?)

✔ Beanie or Headband – Because helmet hair is real, and we don’t need to talk about it. No need for a splurge - Everlane’s beanie is sweet, simple and a steal.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re really committed to the après aesthetic, wear a bold ski onesie. Yes, even if you never actually skied. No one will question it. Especially if it’s as fierce as Veronica Beard’s Rio Nova jumpsuit.

Final Hack: Skip the DIY, We’ve Got You

We get it—actually booking a ski trip can be a lot. Flights, lift tickets, gear, lodging—it’s enough to make you consider just throwing an après-ski party in your living room instead.

🔥 But here’s the thing: Globe Thrivers is about to make planning an après-ski trip so ridiculously easy that you won’t even need to fall back on the DIY version. No stress, no endless research—just instant après vibes in the best spots.

That’s why you should join the waitlist now. Your future après-self will thank you. 😉 Sign up here.

🍸 What’s your go-to après-ski drink? Drop a comment below!