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après-ski

American  
[ah-pray-skee, ap-ray-] / ˌɑ preɪˈski, ˌæp reɪ- /

noun

  1. the period of relaxation that follows skiing.

    menus suitable for après-ski.


adjective

  1. pertaining to or suitable for such a time.

    après-ski clothes; an après-ski party.

après-ski British  
/ ˌæpreɪˈskiː /

noun

    1. social activity following a day's skiing

    2. ( as modifier )

      an après-ski outfit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does après-ski mean? Après-ski refers to activities done to relax after skiing, like sitting by the fire or socializing at the ski lodge. Après-ski can be a noun, as in I’m most looking forward to après-ski, or an adjective, as in phrases like après-ski clothes or après-ski party. Après-ski is French for after-ski, so après-ski is kind of like the after-party for skiing (or other winter sports, like snowboarding), and it’s part of that culture. It’s sometimes associated in a negative way with the kind of wealthy people who can afford a luxury lifestyle that involves skiing and staying at fancy lodges and going to fancy parties. Example: I’m going to hit the slopes all day, but then I’m going to the après-ski.

Etymology

Origin of après-ski

1950–55; < French, equivalent to après after + ski ski, skiing


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

You are a beginning or intermediate skier, allergic to long lift lines, more interested in peace and quiet than après-ski action.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 29, 2026

Not only was the American star 40 years old at the time—an age when most racers have traded their boots for après-ski.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025

Corporate policies ban barbecues, spontaneous après-ski parties, and mohawks or long beards on lift operators.

From Slate ● Dec. 20, 2023

The Parsenn Gada Club, located across from the Parsenn cable car, offers a more traditional après-ski experience, with a wooden chalet ambience and a more varied snack menu.

From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2023

I’d rather clock a few more runs and replenish at après-ski.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 13, 2023

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