après-ski

American  

[ah-prey-skee, ap-rey-] / ˌɑ preɪˈski, ˌæp reɪ- /

noun

1. the period of relaxation that follows skiing.

   menus suitable for après-ski.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or suitable for such a time.

   après-ski clothes; an après-ski party.

après-ski British  

/ ˌæpreɪˈskiː /

noun

1. 1. social activity following a day's skiing

   2. ( as modifier )

      an après-ski outfit

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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

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

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023

Companies specializing in snow apparel and après-ski entertainment flooded in.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2022