Ski clothing is like an onion: There are a lot of layers. When you’re on the slopes, you need to wear base layers and shell layers and insulating puffies and socks and mittens and helmets, oh my. But at the end of the day, it’s time to shed those layers and reach for the fun stuff, like fuzzy boots and cozy sweaters. It’s time for the après-ski scene.
In French, “après-ski” means “after ski,” and that’s when the party really starts. Après-ski is when skiers trade in the pillow drops and face shots for a cozy table or seat at the bar, when we swap out our Gore-Tex jackets and plastic footwear for Norwegian sweaters and fur-lined boots. Where I live near Aspen, Colorado, après-ski is a vibe. Locals often keep it mellow in snuggly sweat suits and beanies, but many tourists like to glam it up in full-white ensembles with lots of glitter and gold.
That’s the beauty of après-ski: It’s whatever you want it to be. Ultimately, après-ski is all about regaling friends and family with ski stories as you rest up and recover for the next day. You can wear whatever you want because there is no dress code. But if you’re looking for ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite après-ski fashion of 2024. Regardless of whether you prefer cozy and casual or glittery glam, we’ve got something on our list.
Après-ski outfits and apparel
This sweater combines alpaca fibers with merino wool, creating a soft and chic blend of natural fibers that are better for the plenty. The longer back hem adds bonus coverage. Plus, the messaging is very clear.
These Japanese fishermen-inspired boots popped onto the scene this ski season, sweeping ski towns across the country, thanks to their vibrant pops of color. “[They’re] super warm, comfy and add a fun little flare,” says pro skier Sierra Schlag.
Straight from its home in Norway, Helly Hansen knows a thing or two about warm wool sweaters. The Arctic Ocean Icelander uses soft and thick lambswool for supreme coziness, and partial neck zipper for a flash of style.
Grab a drink and nestle up by the fire in this snuggly, high-pile fleece kit. The 3/4 neckline with snaps adds a little ventilation when needed (trust us, this set is warm), and the pants cinch at the ankle to create a jogger.
Covering your mop is one of the best ways to stay warm, but it’s gotta be cute. That’s why pro skier Cody Cirillo opts for this soft Polartec beanie made from recycled fleece: “It’s my favorite for fit and made right here in Colorado.”
They’re the do-it-all boot for après. The Rossignol Resort Shoes have a waterproof breathable membrane so your feet will stay dry while tromping through slosh and snow. Yet, their lower cut adds a fun style with both leggings and rolled snowpants.
Like the women’s version, these unisex kicks have a funky street style that works for any after-ski endeavors. Thanks to a rubberized outsole, you’ll have plenty of grippy traction when cruising from slope to restaurant.
These women’s-only pants couldn’t be any comfier. Decked out with thick high-pile fleece and front polyester pockets, the Ane Pile Pants have a jogger ankle that looks good when paired with sneakers — perfect for ponying up to the bar.
In a word, the Ovik is beautiful. Inspired by Fjallraven’s Swedish heritage, the Ovik’s delicate patterning is reminiscent of snowy winter days, making it a perfect choice for your post-snow session.
With a trim cut and reinforced elbows, the Ovik’s design looks good no matter where you wear it — including a day at the office. It’s soft to the touch, so itching isn’t a problem. And, good news: its full-wool design means you can wear it as a midlayer on the slopes, too.
You get both function and style with this shimmery jacket by Orage. The Gilltek Down Jacket is packed with 750-fill-power down, making it a perfect midlayer on the ski hill. Yet, the glam finishing on the exterior pulls double duty for a night out on the town.
The Snow Drop Pants perfectly match the Sierra Jacket, and the diamond-shaped baffles add a touch of flair. They’re filled with 750 grams of responsibly sourced down, though, so they make a burly warm layer to tuck beneath your ski bibs.
The Orage Robbson Gilltek Down Jacket is sleek with plenty of water resistance and down insulation to keep you toasty on the slopes or the streets. When paired with the Monashee Pant, you’ll have a bling-bling style that looks good wherever you take it.?
The Monashee pants complete the après look and 750 grams of duck down keeps you warm by any outdoor fire pit. If you’re skiing on an exceptionally cold day, you can layer up; these Monashee pants are toasty as extreme base layers.
If you’re after maximum lounging, go full-send with these oversized overalls. “Like 4 p.m. and cold bevvies at the après spot, these pair perfectly with my base layers. Plus, they’re always getting me compliments,” says Alli Wright, a Backcountry.com Gear Head.
If elegance is your vibe, the Diamond Pile Jacket is tough to beat with its soft wool exterior and fun ski-printed interior. Small details like the zippered front pockets and classic high collar make this jacket a winner for your Aspen-esque après scene.
Sometimes a puffy is just a puffy — until it is more. The Ora Micro Down Jacket is packed with responsibly sourced down insulation and packs up small enough to fit inside its own pocket. This makes it a great piece to wear on the ski hill but trendy enough for après.
Hidden front hand pockets and a snug hood will keep you warm, but the trendy look on this puffy comes from the beautiful chevron-shaped baffles that add a fun geometric aesthetic that wears well from slopeside to barside.
Made with cowhide suede, rabbit fur and a sheepskin-lined interior, these women’s-only boots are as toasty as they come — they’re rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. More importantly, you’re supporting cultural appreciation by buying from an Indigenous-owned company.
Keep your head warm in style, thanks to this pom-pom beauty. Handmade at the Akinz shop in Fort Collins, Colorado, you can select both your hat color and pom to suit your style. Then, Akinz will custom-make your beanie so you’re looking your best for après.
Keep your digits warm with these classic mittens. Stuffed with 100% duck fill, the mittens are like little puffers for your hands. Yet, the sleek black nylon exterior adds a classy aesthetic that will fit in at an Aspen restaurant.
Okay, it’s not apparel but a bag pulls any look together, so you better make it a good one. This Illustrated Tote has four design offerings, but our favorite is the black-and-white chic ski design that looks good with any outfit.
