The ultimate après ski packing tips, must-haves & extras

A BEACH BUM’S GUIDE TO SKIING

last updated: November 2023

Even if you are a complete novice in the world of skiing, you probably know what après ski is. It is the magic of the snow-capped mountains lingering on long after the last chairlift has stopped. Afternoons at the spa or swimming pool, drinks in the village bar, cosying on the sofa playing board games… Indulging in hearty home-made food, tasting traditional alpine cuisine in a family restaurant or fine dining in elegant surroundings… Ice-skating, horse-drawn carriage rides in the snow, and, of course, partying well into the night… The list goes on and on.

Accordingly, A Beach Bum’s Guide to Skiing series would not be complete if I didn’t jot down all the tips, packing essentials and some special extras I have picked up along the way to ensure that your time off the slopes is as perfect as the time on them. And here it is.

This is the ultimate après ski packing list and a collection of the best tips for relaxing or living it up on the mountains.

VILLAGE STROLLS, APRÈS SKI DINING & PARTYING

We all know about the cosy jumpers in retro ’70s ski style, the chic woollen or cashmere classics, the faux fur hats and knit beanies. Further to those après ski wardrobe staples, I recently discovered the joy of weather resistant trousers. I particularly like the thermal skinny outdoors trousers by Acai (link below) because they are suitable for the city and the mountains. They are shower proof and have a fleece lining and are perfect for a snowy evening walk to the restaurant.

Having been amazed at this discovery, I looked for their male equivalent and bought the AT slim pant by Western Rise for my boyfriend. I am happy to report that he loves them and looks forward to many après ski adventures, no matter the weather.

It’s also worth considering packing thermals to wear under your normal clothes. This is especially important if you are going somewhere very cold or you are planning to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors. Or if you feel the cold easily. As I mention in my ultimate ski packing list, it’s best for ski thermal bottoms to be 3/4 length so that they don’t overlap with the ski socks. Therefore, it’s worth having one pair of full length bottoms and a few thermal tops fresh and ready to be worn under a fancy wool jumper and your ‘normal’ trousers.

Lastly, another great addition to your après ski wardrobe is a lighter pair of gloves (not to be confused with your ski gloves. Ski gloves are quite bulky and stiff and they can get cold, sweaty or wet. I have, thus, definitely found value in having a pair of lighter tech compatible gloves to wear in the evening while letting my ski gloves dry.

TOP TIP FOR THE NEWBIES: WHAT TO PACK FOR APRÈS SKI?

There is a relaxed vibe in the vast majority of ski resorts when it comes to après skiing wardrobe. Warmth and practicality are key, so there is no need to pack a second jacket with you. Most people wear their ski jacket during the evening along with cosy knitwear and any bottoms that can be worn with après ski boots. Après ski boots can be as fancy or utilitarian as you would like. There is a wonderful variety of styles for every budget; look out for any performance ratings with regards to warmth and sole ‘grippiness’. 

If you are staying in a hotel on a half-board basis, you may also wish to pack a pair of normal shoes if you don’t fancy dining in snow boots, even though no one will judge you if you do. If your hotel is super fancy, you may wish to pack a smarter outfit or two, especially if you are staying during Christmas / New Year’s. Having said that, I stayed at 5* Hotel Daria-I-Nor in Alpe d’ Huez, France over Christmas and didn’t really need evening wear*. Nevertheless, no matter the occasion, I would always recommend that you change out of your ski fleece and into a nice quality jumper and accessorise accordingly. No one should look like they have just come out of the chairlift at 8pm in the evening while dining in a nice restaurant!

*If you, however, partake in super exclusive social events and wine and dine next to royalty on your ski trips, you may wish to allow for the appropriate formalwear. But I guess you don’t need me to tell you that!

SPLASHING IN THE WATER: THE JOY OF THE APRÈS SKI HOT TUB

Most of us remember to bring a swimsuit and flip flops, but even packing pros often forget to bring something to wear over their bathing suit. If your hotel offers robes, you are in luck. However, if they don’t and you don’t feel like walking down long corridors semi-naked, make sure you pack a T-shirt or two. For girls, specifically, a long T-shirt could do the trick but, if you’d like a more fancy cover-up, I’d recommend a lightweight dressing gown like the one below. 

TOP TIP FOR THE NEWBIES: WHY DO I NEED A BATHING SUIT FOR A SKI TRIP?

As counterintuitive as it may sound, you are very likely to find yourself in need of a bathing suit in the mountains, in winter. Indeed, even in modest ski resorts and hotels you will be able to find a swimming pool and / or a hot tub. Why is that, you may ask? Swimming is a great form of recovery after a long day on the slopes. Being in the water relaxes the muscles of your achy body, so, don’t forget your swimming paraphernalia!

WELLNESS & SELF-CARE AFTER A DAY ON THE SLOPES

On the subject of wellness, these items may seem a bit extra but taking care of your overworked body is definitely not. I have found that a bath soak and muscle gel really help me sooth those achy muscles during and after a long bath. If you are more of an active recovery type of person, then the trusted release and recover ball set as well as a travel yoga mat will help you stretch before and after a day on the slopes. 

TOP TIP FOR THE NEWBIES: APRÈS SKI MASSAGES, BUBBLE BATHS & MORE

Especially as a beginner, spending the whole day skiing is a hard workout. Stretching before and after your time on the slopes and taking care of those overworked thighs either with a massage or a hot bath can really make a difference. It will definitely help you wake up the next day refreshed rather than achy and stiff. 

RELAXING IN THE CHALET

If you are staying in a chalet, après ski will likely be in the form of casual homemade meals and watching movies while snuggled up on the sofa. No one wants to do that in stiff jeans (as the pandemic has taught us). Invest in some cosy loungewear that deserves to be seen and snuggly slippers that can handle a snowy porch. For those who love their cosy extras, a travel blanket, a portable essential oil diffuser or travel candle are great add-ons.

TOP TIP FOR THE NEWBIES: LIVING THE CHALET LIFE

It’s all about amplifying those hygge vibes, folks. Plus, that beautiful chalet is definitely worth being featured on your IG grid, with you in it. Make sure you look the part!

IN THE EVENT OF CHAIRLIFT CLOSURES

Slopes are shut due to weather conditions. Refrain from binging on Netflix (again) and be prepared for a fun time by packing portable board games; I am obsessed with Monopoly Deal. Also, a hip flask with cups to share some liquid gold will definitely lift your spirits and help you socialise on a stormy day. If you are not one for fun and games, an e-reader is a must (but you probably don’t need me to tell you that!). 

TOP TIP FOR THE NEWBIES: WE CAN STILL HAVE FUN WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD

Partial or complete resort closures happen more often than you think due to weather conditions. Sometimes, this can last for more than a day. Make sure you don’t ruin your mood by doing a tiny bit of prep beforehand; especially if you are not into spending the whole day eating and drinking.  

FINAL THOUGHTS 

It is a universal truth that there are few things that can compare with après ski. But as with all things in life, even the best of situations can fall apart if you haven’t put a tiny bit of thought beforehand. Whether a newbie or a seasoned skier, preparation is key for a successful ski season! So, leave a tiny bit of space in your luggage for some comfort and fun goodies and let the good times roll!