30 Whimsical Après Ski Party Ideas
Lauren Miolene
Editor
You’re probably thinking: “what is après ski?” If you're not familiar with hitting the slopes, it’s a way for skiers to relax and celebrate after a long day on the mountain, which could arguably be better than skiing if you ask us. If you’re looking for a fun party theme, these après ski party ideas are sure to do the trick.
The best part about an après ski-themed party is that no actual skiing is required. Call us hypocrites, but how perfect does sipping hot cocktails with your friends on a cold winter day sound? Of course, you are more than welcome to ski if you’d like!
Snowy weather, bold outfits, and good vibes are the basics you’ll need for an après ski themed party, all you have to do is add the finishing touches, and we’re here to help! Host a whimsical après ski party for a winter time bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday, or New Year’s Eve celebration.
1. Après Ski Party Invitations
One of the most important steps in the party planning process is sending out invitations, especially when there’s a theme involved. Distributing invites will provide guests ample time to find their best snow day attire based on your plan and activities.
If celebrating a bride or groom-to-be, include a brief itinerary of the occasion, which will be an important resource if it’s a multiple-day ski trip. For a themed party, this is the perfect time to make sure everyone is aware of the dress code, too. Find virtual and paper après ski party invitations available to download on Etsy.
2. Acoustic Band
If you want calm and relaxing vibes at this après ski themed party, an acoustic band is the way to go. Rewind by listening to top-tier acoustic bands to serenade you and your guests during the festivities. Browse their repertoire and request songs everyone would love to hear played live.
3. Après Ski Themed Party Outfits
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. On the slopes, it’s best to wear bright colors to contrast the white snow, so think neon and throwback workout wear to have an 80's après ski party.
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 this party is indoors, we recommend wearing layers to be as comfortable as possible.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
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. For a more party-friendly option, serve mac and cheese bites.
5. Champagne Cheers
Après ski is all about celebration, so champagne just makes sense for this occasion. Toast to a day on the slopes or a day dancing by the fireplace and pop open a bottle of bubbly at this après ski themed party.
6. Roaring Fire
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! If your venue doesn’t allow fires, many streaming services have their own for you to play on a television screen that is just as aesthetically pleasing.
7. Ski Chalet Movie Night
Channel the feeling of a ski chalet with a movie screen rental during your après ski party. Watch your favorite winter time movies on the big screen like Aspen Extreme, Ski Patrol, or even Frozen for a cozy après ski themed party activity.
8. DJ
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. Work with a DJ to create a playlist special for your après ski themed party that will keep the energy high.
9. Ambient Lighting
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. Plus, with color-changing lights, you can easily switch between cozy vibes and a party atmosphere.
10. Wine Tasting
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. Download and print these wine tasting flight maps from Etsy for people to keep track of their favorite pours.
11. 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. Pose in front of the ski scene with props including winter hats, après ski party goggles, and maybe even vintage skis that will enhance the theme.
12. Custom Beanies
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. Plus, they’ll be able to wear them after the party is over.
13. Snowball Fight
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. This après ski party activity is sure to bring out everyone’s inner child.
14. Party Bus
Transportation can tend to become a hassle, so leave it to the professionals. A party bus makes a safe, fun, and reliable way to transport guests between a meeting point and the venue, or make bouncing between ski lodges a breeze. This is the perfect way to spend the most amount of time together, especially a wedding party.
15. Fondue
Enjoy a throwback with a 1970s après ski party meal—fondue! The choice is completely up to you for this one; melt down your favorite cheese to cover bread and veggies, or if you need something sweet, chocolate-dipped fruit makes a delicious dessert combination. Purchase a fondue kit from Amazon to get started for this retro party detail.
16. Coffee Cart
For an après ski themed party, cozy vibes are necessary to complete the aesthetic. Take inspiration from a warm ski lodge and book a coffee cart to brew delicious drinks for guests. From cappuccinos and cold brew, to chai and Irish coffee, a coffee cart will be able to make your favorite caffeinated drink.
17. Evergreen and Pine Cone Accents
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. This winter decor will add the finishing touches to the ski themed party.
18. Pajama Dress Code
If you’d rather not dress in snow gear, après ski allows the perfect opportunity for a pajama party. Get warm and cozy by dressing in your best matching PJ set, onesie, or fluffy robe and slippers.
If getting together for an après ski-themed bachelorette, we love these cozy sweatshirts from Etsy so the bride-to-be and bridal party can match.
19. S'mores Bar
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. Guests will have fun customizing their own sweet treat with a s’mores bar full of different add-ons.
20. Polaroid Pictures
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. Order a polaroid camera and film off of Amazon so guests can take home the spontaneous pictures as a keepsake.
21. Shot Ski
A shot ski is an après ski tradition! Consisting of 3-5 shot glasses attached to a ski, it’s designed so all friends can take the drink together at once. Shot skis are an easy DIY project with a long piece of wood and several shot glasses, but Etsy has custom shot skis available. Design with classic drinking phrases like “cheers” and “bottoms up,” or with a last name for an upcoming wedding or anniversary.
22. Snowflake Decor
Whether there’s snow on the ground or not, easily turn your venue into a winter wonderland with shining snowflakes. Hang these beautiful decorations from the ceiling to help tie together the winter après ski theme.
23. Chili
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. A warm bowl of chili is a perfect way to bring the snowy vibes to the après ski themed party.
24. Bartender
Shake things up—literally, and impress guests by booking a bartender. Find one in your area to craft and serve drinks so you don’t have to. After all, an après ski party is meant for relaxing!
25. Après Ski Themed Banner
A snow-covered surrounding would be the final touch to this celebration. If snow isn’t in the forecast during your event, channel that energy with a “let it snow” banner available on Amazon. For a birthday party or bachelorette, check out this “up to snow good” banner available on Etsy.
26. Caterer
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? Browse caterers local to your area that will serve a custom menu of all your favorite snow day meals.
27. Hot Toddies
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. If you’re feeling a little more creative, take a look at our favorite winter holiday cocktails that will elevate your drink menu.
28. Ski Decorations
The easiest way to decorate for your après ski party is to use what you probably already have; skis. Incorporate other snow day activities like snowboards and tubes that will act as props for photos and background decorations.
29. White Russian Cocktails
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. Get creative with your bartending skills by using vanilla or peppermint vodka for a fun addition.
Serve your cocktails in these reusable après ski drink pouches from Etsy!
30. Ski Lodge Signs
Help recreate the mountain aesthetic with classign signage in your party space. Use wooden signs with phrases like “Ski Patrol,” “Chalet Check-in,” and “Hot Tub Ahead” that will turn your venue into a ski lodge.
Find more party ideas for every occasion here on The Bash.
