That's La Plagne

Embrace the Alpine Spirit: Host an Après Ski Party at Home!

Thanks to La Plagne ex-seasonnaire, Sarah, for sharing her après ski hen party pics!

Living and working in the picturesque French ski resort of La Plagne, I understand the excitement of winter holidays and the desire to experience the après ski atmosphere. Unfortunately, not everyone can go skiing yet or may have to wait for their winter holiday. But fear not! You can still embrace the après ski spirit by hosting a fabulous party at home. Gather your friends, create a cosy ambience, and let's dive into the world of après ski right from your living room.

Discover the Magic of Après Ski from Your Living Room!

Après ski, derived from the French term meaning “after skiing,” refers to the social activities that take place after a day on the slopes. It's a celebration of the skiing experience, a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of friends. The atmosphere is festive, with lively conversations, music, and indulgent food and drinks. Recreating this vibrant ambience at home is the key to a successful après ski party.

Join behind the scenes today and get the insider scoop

1. Create a Winter Wonderland: Transform Your Home into an Après Ski Haven!

Setting the right atmosphere is essential for an authentic après ski experience. Create a cosy and inviting space by incorporating rustic alpine elements. Hang string lights, use wooden accents, and drape faux fur blankets over furniture. Add winter touches with snowflake decorations, ski-themed art, and vintage ski gear. Place skis or snowboards in the corner as decorative props. Don't forget to set up a warm and welcoming fireplace or light candles to enhance the cosy ambience.

2. Get Cosy and Stylish: Dress the Part for Your Après Ski Soirée!

Encourage your guests to dress the part to enhance the après ski vibe. Think warm and stylish winter attire:

Sweaters
flannel shirts
ski jackets
thermal leggings
Big winter socks

Are all great options. Accessorise with:

Beanies
Scarves
Mittens
Sunglasses
Oversized boots

Encourage everyone to wear their ski gear if they have any.

The goal is to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, so don't worry too much about formalities—focus on warmth and fun.

If you're wondering what to wear, check out this top après ski style post.

3. Indulge in Alpine Delights: Mouthwatering Treats for Your Après Ski Feast!

When it comes to après ski party food, think hearty, comforting, and indulgent dishes. Offer a selection of delicious bites that are easy to eat and share. Traditional alpine favourites like fondue and raclette are always a hit and can be served as an easy, low-maintenance sit-down après ski meal or as a buffet option.

Then, serve an array of cheeses, bread, cured meats, and pickles for dipping. Other popular choices include hot soups, particularly French Onion Soup, cured-meat sausages, pretzels, and crispy fries. Don't forget to have some vegetarian and gluten-free options available to cater to everyone's preferences.

There are some great Alpine food (cheese!) recipes here to try if you're feeling creative.

4. Warm Up with Alpine Elixirs: Festive Beverages to Elevate Your Après Ski Experience!

No après ski party is complete without a selection of warming beverages. Mulled wine and hot chocolate with marshmallows are classic choices that evoke winter cosiness. Prepare a DIY hot chocolate station with various toppings and liqueurs for adults. Serve vin chaud, a spiced wine, in mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks. For those who prefer something stronger, offer a range of cocktails. You can keep it super simple by taking classic cocktails but mix up the names to be inspired by the slopes. For example:

Aperol Spritz becomes Ski Patrol
Bombardino becomes a Snow Bunny
Sex on the Beach becomes Sex on the Piste

Or you can get more inventive and try some Alpine Cocktails, such as Alpine Martini’s or Alpine Gin & Tonic.

And then, of course, no après ski party would be complete without some Genepi, Chartreuse, Jagermeister, Flugels or Eau de Vie!

5. Dance to the Beat: Curate the Perfect Après Ski Playlist to Keep the Party Going!

Creating the right playlist is crucial to set the mood and keep the energy high. Mix up your selection with a blend of après ski classics, current hits, and upbeat tunes that make people want to dance. Choose songs that capture the spirit of skiing, winter, and celebration. If you’ve got time, ask your après ski party attendees to give you their top après ski hits and add them to a personalised playlist.

Popular choices include “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, and “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey. If you want a hassle-free option, you can find pre-made après ski playlists on streaming platforms that will keep the party going. For example, here is this winter’s playlist from top La Plagne après ski bar, La Bergerie.

6. Lights, Camera, Ski! Film Selections to Add a Cinematic Touch to Your Après Ski Party!

To further immerse yourself in the après ski atmosphere, consider screening ski-themed movies during the party. You can go for the classic ski and snowboard films like AfterLame, Legend of Aahhhs and the Art of Flight. Or you can go for the more mainstream movies like Out Cold, Chalet Girl, Hot Tub Time Machine or even Dumb and Dumber.

If you’re looking for a more family-friendly après ski party, opt for a lighter touch with animated films like “Frozen” and “The Snowman”. Create a cosy movie corner with blankets and pillows, and let the films add an extra layer of enjoyment to your soirée.

7. Après Ski on a Budget: Hosting an Unforgettable Party Without Breaking the Bank!

Hosting an après ski party doesn't have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can create a memorable experience on a budget. Opt for homemade decorations using materials like twine, pinecones, and recycled ski magazines. Thrift stores often have affordable winter clothing options, so encourage your guests to check there first. Ask your friends to contribute their favourite après ski recipes or drinks. By sharing the responsibilities, you can keep costs down while creating a diverse menu. Remember, the most important element is the company and the atmosphere, so focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment.

That’s La Plagne & 7 Top Tips for Hosting an Epic Après Ski Party!

With my top après ski steps, you're ready to host a memorable après ski party at home. Embrace the spirit of the slopes, gather your friends, and enjoy a night of laughter, good food, and winter celebration.

Even if you can't make it to the mountains just yet, you can bring the mountains to your home and create an après ski experience that will have everyone longing for their next winter adventure. Cheers to the perfect at-home après ski party!