An Après-Ski Party is a festive gathering inspired by the cozy, social tradition of unwinding after a day on the slopes. But you don’t need snow-covered mountains to enjoy this tradition. Celebrating an Après-Ski party is about creating warmth, fun, and great memories shared with friends.
The winter season is here, and what better way to unwind after a day on the slopes than with an après-ski themed party. Whether you’ve just returned from skiing the Vermont mountains or enjoyed a simple snowy walk, an après-ski themed party captures that same carefree spirit, cozy, casual, and full of warmth. An après ski themed party doesn’t need to be overthought; that’s the beauty of it.
In this guide, we’ll explore an array of creative ideas to elevate your après ski gathering to new heights, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Let’s start with a standout invitation.
Ski Themed Party Invitation
One of the most important steps in the party planning process is sending out invitations, especially when there’s a theme involved. For a themed party, this is the perfect time to make sure everyone is aware of the dress code, too.
- Ski Pass Invitations: It is a clever idea to design invitations that look as if they are ski passes. To match the theme, you should use sturdy cardstock in wintery blues and whites, and add glitter for a frosty effect.
Ski Themed Party Decorations
Après ski party decorations are a must for this theme, and lighting is crucial to give the cozy cabin feel. Consider decorating with color-changing string lights that will add a touch of comfort and warmth, as well as replicate a ski lodge atmosphere.
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When it comes to creating the perfect après ski atmosphere, the magic lies in layering cozy textures with vintage finds. Think old wooden skis, well-loved ski boots, and vintage poles propped beside the porch rail or nestled into a snowbank. Nothing says winter more than the look and smell of fresh evergreen and pine cones. Incorporate this greenery accent into centerpieces, garlands, or other places throughout your venue.
- Ski Trail Signs: You can create playful ski trail signs that guide guests to different “runs” in your home. An eye-catching, affordable, and easy way to make these signs is with transfer stickers.
- Après Ski Themed Banner: With banners, let’s welcome your guests with ones that include phrases like “Après All Day” or “Welcome to the Lodge” in bold, winter-inspired fonts.
- Snowflake Decals: Clear snowflake stickers are a simple yet excellent way to bring winter indoors. These decals work beautifully on windows, mirrors, glass doors, and tiles.
- Artificial Snow Spray: Spray artificial snow along window frames, centerpieces, or mantle edges to give your space a fresh atmosphere.
- Pine Garlands & Pinecones: Pine garlands bring a natural scent to a ski-themed setting. You can drape them around staircases, doorways, or centerpieces, and add pinecones.
- Vintage Ski Equipment: Why not repurpose ski gear for a decorative and practical item? The easiest way to decorate for your après ski party is to use what you probably already have; skis.
- String Lights: Warm white string lights create a cozy glow for your apres ski party.
- Fireplace or Fire Pit: A crackling fire can be the centerpiece of your après ski party. If you have a fireplace, decorate it with garlands or candles. Bundle up in front of a hot fireplace or outdoor fire pit to defrost after a day in the snow, or have one roaring in the back for added ambiance. A fire checks off two party details in one-lighting and decor!
Outfit Ideas for an Après Ski Party
Ski themed party outfits are about highlighting the warmth and charm of winter fashion. If you're wondering what to wear to an après ski party, you’re going to want to pull out your best snow suit and ski boots for this theme. Puffy jackets, faux fur boots, après ski party goggles, and knit hats will not only fit the theme, but will also keep you warm whether you’re actually skiing or not. If you’d rather not dress in snow gear, après ski allows the perfect opportunity for a pajama party.
Get vintage-style pictures in your après ski attire with a polaroid camera. The excitement of getting a picture automatically printed is something that will never get old.
- Apres Ski Themed Party Outfits: Starting with normal Apres Ski outfits will be a wise choice.
- Custom Beanies: Do you want a fashion statement that doubles as a party favor? Creating custom beanies for guests using iron-on DTF (Direct to Film) transfers is perfect. This method allows you to print detailed designs, like names, ski icons, or party slogans, directly onto fabric. Get everyone into the après ski party mood with custom beanies for each guest. Whether you’re planning an après ski themed bachelorette or birthday party, guests will love this accent to complete their après ski party costume.
- Scarves: A soft, oversized scarf adds instant après ski energy to any outfit.
- Mittens: Mittens add an element of cuteness while keeping your hands warm.
- Sunglasses: A stylish pair of sunglasses can elevate your style even in a winter setting.
- Oversized Boots and Big Winter Socks: Finally, you can complete the look with oversized boots paired with thick, patterned winter socks. Absolutely you need the boots.
Ski Themed Party Food & Drink
When it comes to après ski food and drink ideas, you can always leave it up to the pros. Comfort food should be the meal of choice on any snowy day, and how delicious does a piping hot meal made by a caterer sound?
Any type of hot drink is perfect to warm you up during this winter get-together. Hot chocolate, hot toddies, and mulled apple cider is definitely the way to go.
3 Hot Toddy Recipes - Scotch, Rum, & Mezcal!
- Macaroni and Cheese: A big tray of baked macaroni and cheese offers the ultimate comfort food. Macaroni and cheese on a snow day just always tastes better, so why not add it to your après ski themed party menu? To elevate this creamy pasta favorite, try adding fun ingredients like truffle mushrooms, spinach and artichoke, or even butternut squash.
- Caterer: If you prefer to relax and enjoy the party, hiring a caterer is a smart choice.
- French Onion Soup: French onion soup is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a winter gathering.
- Chili & Cornbread: A hearty chili pairs perfectly with warm, buttery cornbread. Chili and cold weather go hand in hand. Warm up after a day in the snow with variations like vegetarian chili, Mexican chili, or creamy white chicken chili. Set up a station with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for guests to dress their bowls to their liking.
- S’mores Shooters: How about serving up mini s’mores in a glass? You’ll already have the fire going, so s’mores are necessary for an après ski party dessert. Of course, you can stick to the basics of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, but level things up with different chocolate candy, flavored marshmallows, or even savory s'mores if you're feeling adventerous.
- Hot Cocoa: Games and hot chocolate can make an apres ski party family friendly! After a long cold day, a hot and cold drink option is ideal! Maybe brandy and hot chocolate? It’s totally a thing.
- Cocktails: Another ideal drink idea is signature cocktails with wintry flavors like cranberry, cinnamon, or vanilla. This classic cocktail only requires vodka, Kahlua, and a splash of heavy cream. Mix these ingredients together for a decadent beverage option that will transport you to the mountains.
- Spiked Cider: Warm spiked apple cider with cinnamon and cloves will certainly delight your guests.
Activities for an Après Ski Party
To keep the energy high and guests entertained, planning lively activities that match the après ski theme is important.
If you’re not able to actually be up in the mountains during this après ski themed party, bring the snow fun to you! Get plenty of fake snowballs, form teams, and build forts for the most epic indoor snowball fight ever.
- Live Music: Live music will fill the space with an energetic mood. You can hire an acoustic band for warm, lodge-style vibes or a DJ for a more upbeat party atmosphere. If you want calm and relaxing vibes at this après ski themed party, an acoustic band is the way to go. Après ski is all about celebrating after a long day on the mountain, so if you want more of the party vibes, you'll need a DJ.
- Wine Tasting: Why not host a casual wine tasting with a variety of reds and whites? A laid-back activity for an après ski themed party is to host your own wine tasting. Research different food pairings online or open your favorite bottles of wine for guests to sip and enjoy.
- S’mores Bar: Some guests will love making their own treats, so a DIY s’mores bar is both interactive and delicious.
- Ski Lodge Photo Booth: If you and friends can’t make it to the mountains for this celebration, hire a photo booth to provide the picture-perfect snowy backdrop.
- Ski Chalet Movie Night: Why not turn a simple party evening into something special with a relaxing movie night? Channel the feeling of a ski chalet with a movie screen rental during your après ski party.