First time doing apres ski and not sure what to expect? No worries. Apres ski is the moment the skiing day ends and the real fun begins — and with a little preparation, you'll be right in the middle of it from the first mulled wine, not just watching from the side. This apres ski guide for beginners explains what apres ski actually is, what to expect, what to wear, how to behave, and how to get the most out of your first night at the hut.
Last updated: 7 August 2024
What is an apres ski night? The lively celebration after skiing: skiers and snowboarders gather in huts and bars along the slopes to sing along to Schlager hits, drink mulled wine, and let the day wind down in good spirits. Things often kick off in the early afternoon — frequently still in ski boots.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the Party Bundle — everything for the party in one matched set. More on that below ↓
What to expect at apres ski
So you know what you're getting into — these are the typical ingredients of an apres ski night:
- Music to sing along to: Schlager hits and party anthems like "Anton aus Tirol" play on repeat, and the whole hut sings along.
- Dancing on the benches: In many slope-side bars, people dance on benches in their ski boots — give it a try, everyone does.
- Hearty food & hot drinks: From cheese spätzle to mulled wine and Jagertee, there's everything to warm you up and fill you up after a day on the slopes.
- Community: Strangers quickly become party neighbours — apres ski thrives on togetherness.
Singer Almklausi takes an ApresAllstars Shotski shot in … – @apresallstars
If you'd rather not piece it together yourself: the Party Bundle combines the Shotski, the Shot Slope Slalom ice luge, ski boot glasses and corks in matched sets, sized by group: Starter for four, Hausparty for six to twelve, Go Big for up to twenty people.
The right outfit for beginners
The essentials: warm, comfortable and a little tongue-in-cheek. For your first night, keep this in mind:
- Warm layers: Even indoors it can get draughty — layering is your best friend.
- Comfortable shoes to change into: Ski boots are fine for dancing, but a pair of warm boots for later will save your feet.
- The fun factor: A Norwegian sweater, a bobble hat or ski goggles are always welcome here — cheesy is a compliment.
You'll find all the details in our guide to the perfect apres ski party outfit.
Where to go? Finding the right location
Whether it's a loud party hut or a laid-back sun terrace — your choice sets the tone for the whole night. St. Anton and Ischgl stand for the big party scene, while smaller resorts suit a more relaxed crowd. You can spot a good apres ski location by three things: a sun terrace, good music and a crowd that's up for celebrating. You'll find an overview of the best destinations in our guide to the best apres ski spots.
Activities: music, games and traditions
Alongside dancing and singing along, small games are part of the deal. Shot roulette, beer pong or ski boot throwing bring the group together and break the ice. You'll find the full rules in our guide to the best apres ski games, and the matching playlist in our ultimate apres ski hits.
Apres ski etiquette: the basic rules
To keep the night enjoyable for everyone, stick to a few simple manners:
- Drink responsibly: Know your limits and drink water in between — it's a long night.
- No skiing under the influence: If you still need to get down into the valley after the party, stay sober or take the gondola or ski bus.
- Respect others: Being loud is fine, being pushy isn't. Respect other people's boundaries.
- Get home safely: Sort out how you're getting back beforehand — ideally as a group.
Tips for the perfect first apres ski night
- Arrive early: The best spots on the sun terrace are gone by 3pm.
- Plan as a group: Agree on a meeting point in advance in case you lose each other in the crowd.
- Bring cash: Not every hut takes cards — small notes make ordering easier.
- Keep valuables safe: Keep an eye on your phone and wallet in the crowd.
- Just join in: The fastest way to have fun is to sing along the moment the first Schlager hit plays.
Apres ski vocabulary for beginners
So you can join in the conversation right away — the key terms explained briefly:
- Jagertee: Hot black tea with rum — the warming hut classic, with quite a kick.
- Shotski: A ski fitted with several shot glasses, from which a group drinks at the same time.
- Hüttengaudi: The lively, boozy fun inside the hut.
- Sonnenterrasse: The outdoor area of the hut where people party in the afternoon sun.
- Talabfahrt: The final run down into the valley — best done sober (or not at all) after the party.
- Schirmbar: A small bar under a large umbrella, often right in the middle of the ski area.
The Party Bundle is the shortcut if you want to kit out the whole group.
More apres ski feeling
Deepen your knowledge with the best apres ski spots, the best apres ski food and the question of what apres ski actually means.
FAQ
What do you do at apres ski?
After skiing, people gather in huts and bars to celebrate with Schlager music, mulled wine and hearty food, dancing, singing along and playing small games — often still in ski boots.
What do you wear to apres ski?
Warm, comfortable and happily a bit cheesy: layered clothing, warm shoes to change into and fun accessories like a Norwegian sweater, a bobble hat or ski goggles. Better overdressed than underdressed.
When does apres ski start?
Usually from around 3pm, when the first skiers come off the slopes. In many huts the party carries on seamlessly into the evening.
Do you need to be able to ski to enjoy apres ski?
No. Many people come just for the party and the atmosphere. The only thing that matters: if you drink, don't get back on the slopes afterwards.
How should I behave as a first-timer?
Drink responsibly, respect other people's boundaries, don't ski under the influence and plan a safe way home. Beyond that: just join in and have fun.
Can you celebrate apres ski at home too?
Yes — with Schlager music, hearty food, winter decor and gear like a Shotski, any living room turns into a hut, no ski trip required.
Related articles:
The best apres ski spots ·
The best apres ski games ·
The perfect apres ski party outfit