Cross-Country Skiers’ Guide to Après-ski Activities

Après-ski activities are the social events and festivities after a day on the slopes. Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder or just enjoy the winter atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to unwind and make lasting memories. Even if you don’t partake in winter sports, you can still join the post-skiing fun.

This article rounded up the perfect après-ski activities tailored to every type of traveler, so you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and style.

For the Social Butterflies

For those who thrive on social energy and love meeting new people, après-ski is the perfect time to mix and mingle. Here are your options:

#1 Online Social Platforms

These days, you don’t even have to be on the mountain to connect with fellow skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Online social platforms and chat roulette online apps let you video chat with random travelers to swap stories, share tips, and make new friends without leaving the lodge. It’s a great way for social butterflies to mingle with like-minded snow enthusiasts from the comfort of the après-ski lounge.

#2 Group Activities and Events

For the ultimate social experience, seek group activities and events during après-ski hours. Many ski resorts and towns host lively happenings like live music performances, trivia nights, and group dinners that bring people together. These provide a fun atmosphere for meeting new friends and allow you to bond over shared interests and make lasting connections with fellow travelers who love hitting the slopes as much as you do.

#3 Après-Ski Bars and Pubs

You can’t go wrong with the classic après-ski hangouts — bars and pubs. After a day of mountain skiing, head to the liveliest spots where skiers and boarders gather to socialize over drinks. The energetic atmosphere and buzzing conversation make it easy to create new friendships over warm cocktails or cold beers. Bars and pubs are the social butterflies’ playground for après-ski.

For the Relaxation Seekers

For those seeking relaxation after a thrilling day on the slopes, après-ski provides the perfect opportunity to unwind.

#4 Spa and Wellness Centers

Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering at the resort’s spa or wellness center. After pushing your body to the limits on the mountain, let the professionals work out any residual tension with a therapeutic massage. Many spas also offer a variety of rejuvenating treatments like hot stone therapy, body wraps, and facial treatments to help you fully recharge.

#5 Hot Springs

For a truly rejuvenating après-ski experience, seek local hot springs near the ski resort. There’s nothing more soothing than slipping into the warmth of natural mineral waters after a long day of activity on the slopes. As you submerge yourself, feel the tension melt away from muscles worked hard during your outdoor adventures. Many hot springs offer stunning mountain views, allowing you to see scenic beauty as you enjoy your bath.

For the Adventure Lovers

If you can’t get enough of the thrill and adrenaline, après-ski is just the start of more adventure. Try these activities:

#6 Night Skiing and Snowboarding

For adventure seekers, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the ski day ends. Night skiing and snowboarding offer a unique experience under the stars. The trails are well-lit, but the atmosphere feels quieter and more secluded without the bustle of daytime crowds.

However, you must have proper lighting sources and visible outerwear for safety reasons. Rather than an adrenaline rush, the night sessions allow you to take in the peaceful solitude of gliding down slopes in the evening hours.

#7 Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Snowshoeing and winter hiking offer adventurous yet tranquil ways to experience the winter landscape off the groomed ski trails. Snowshoes distribute your weight evenly, allowing you to walk comfortably over deep, untracked snow. Winter hiking follows compacted trails and requires properly insulated boots with traction.

Both activities provide an aerobic workout while granting access to serene forestscapes, frozen lakes, and mountain views obscured from the downhill slopes. Many resorts provide guided tours for beginners and trail maps for self-guided excursions into the winter wilderness.

Conclusion

No matter your travel style, après-ski offers a world of possibilities to complement your time on the slopes. From lively social scenes to relaxing wellness retreats and outdoor adventures, you’re sure to find the perfect activities to unwind, indulge, and create lasting memories. Embrace the full ski experience by planning your après-ski agenda tailored to your unique interests and sense of adventure.