Picture this: You’ve just spent a day carving through powder, your legs are telling tales of slopes conquered, and now it’s time for the real magic to begin — the apres ski. Ah, the delightful ritual where skiers and snowboarders swap tales of mountain mastery over steaming mugs and spirited drinks.
Hold onto your ski hats, because we’re about to reveal that apres ski isn’t just about tantalizing your taste buds. These spots aren’t only about warming your insides with a gourmet meal or a hot drink; they’re about unique experiences that capture the spirit of the mountains. Or, they’re just downright fun (think: snowball chess).
Related: The best ski resorts in the U.S. for your next trip to the slopes
Get ready to unbuckle those boots because these nine unique apres-ski experiences are where the end of the ski day is just the beginning of the fun.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland
Tschuggen Grand Hotel takes the après-ski to a whole new level by incorporating the Swiss Alps’ beauty with local traditions. Can you envision going for a torchlit walk through peaceful, snow-blanketed landscapes, finished off with a soul-warming wine and cheese tasting at the top of a mountain?
Swiss Snowball Chess is another of Tschuggen Grand’s playful twists on traditional après ski that tests skill and marksmanship in the snow. You can also get a feel for how locals live by being part of an outdoor fondue and snowshoe hike — a mix of nature, snowshoeing and fondue! Finally, baking the Twist Bread on Swedish Fire Logs is an enjoyable way to combine homespun artistry with outdoor fun. Rates at Tschuggen Grand in winter start from $687 per night.
Airelles Val-d’Isère, France
Airelle France has a surfeit of interesting and adventurous apres-ski experiences at Airelles Val-d’Isère.
Here intrepid guests can try free diving beneath the ice of Tignes Lake in the capable hands of an expert instructor. Snowshoeing tours and husky sled rides for children are a wonderful introduction to mountain life for all the family. Or, why not try paragliding? You will launch yourself from the top of the Solaise mountain on skis and be carried by your parachute down the mountain.
The resort’s luxury concierge guarantees all your apres-ski needs are taken care of, including organizing once-in-a-lifetime activities, booking treatments in the Guerlain Spa, and making reservations at local restaurants. Winter season at Airelle France rates start from $1,368 per night.
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The Lodge at Spruce Peak, A Destination By Hyatt Residence, Stowe, Vermont
The Lodge at Spruce Peak delivers an after-ski experience that one will not find at any other Hyatt Residence. At the end of every day on the slopes at the resort, guests are spoilt for choice with interesting activities such as sliding elegantly on the open-air ice skating pond or scaling the indoor cliff wall.
Those seeking to sip craft cocktails in a cozy yet chic environment can retreat to the resort’s underground speak-easy, while art aficionados will love the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, which offers a variety of entertaining events throughout the winter season. And it would be remiss not to visit the hotel’s on-site Healing Lodge for a relaxing massage or treatment. Rates during ski season start from $367 per night.
AutoCamp Catskills, New York
The AutoCamp Catskills is a special apres-ski place near popular ski areas such as Hunter, Windham and Belleayre. Think of returning to a classic upscale Airstream, complete with your own private patio and fire pit (the perfect setting for s’mores and hot chocolate), after a day skiing in Hunter Mountain, just half an hour’s drive away.
The ski experience at this destination is creative and refreshing. Guests can partake in cozy movie nights, engage in the artful practice of indigo dyeing, find peace through meditation or explore their creativity with pottery and candle-making workshops. Rates at AutoCamp Catskills start from $139 per night.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole pretty much nails it when it comes to apres ski, whether it’s food or inspired winter experiences.
To start, be part of the Mountain Whiskey Ceremony — an aromatic delight where hors d’oeuvres are paired with fine whiskies. Wildlife lovers can watch the wild gray wolves of Yellowstone, or go on a private flight safari in search of bison and grizzly bears. You can also visit the National Elk Refuge and enjoy clay shooting, archery and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Head over to the ice-skating rink in Teton Village, go on a dog-sled adventure or ride through the mountains on a snowmobile tour. Then there are more classic, family-friendly options like snowshoeing or tubing.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland offers such a captivating array of activities that you might find yourself skipping the slopes altogether. Sleep under the mystical northern lights, an experience made possible in the resort’s glass cabins.
This magical opportunity is available for eight months of the year, offering an unparalleled view of the Arctic sky. The daytime at Kakslauttanen is just as enthralling. Embark on unique husky safaris, where you glide across the snowy landscape, led by a team of spirited huskies.
Alternatively, reindeer safaris offer a more serene journey through the Arctic wilderness, letting you witness the beauty of Finland’s natural landscapes in a truly enchanting way. Rates at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in winter start from $504 per night.
Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
This resort is not just about amazing ski-in/ski-out access. Backcountry snowmobiling, naturalist-guided hiking and snowshoeing are just some of the adventure opportunities to explore. There is also an alpine coaster, sleigh rides, dog sledding and ice skating, among other pursuits.
At the end of an exciting day, guests can relax at Slope Steam, an Airstream transformed into an elegant street food establishment. Meanwhile, the renovated Yama Sushi offers a 16-course Omakase journey where every dish is inspired by Japan’s beautiful landscapes to guarantee an artful dining experience. To top it off, the resort has a four-lane bowling alley on-site, which is sure to be a hit with kids and teens. Rates during ski season start from $687 per night.
Related: A new ski-friendly Grand Hyatt is coming to Utah’s Deer Valley
Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colorado
The luxurious “Champagne and caviar” experience at Hotel Jerome this winter redefines après-ski luxury. Imagine soaking in your private hot tub, enjoying the “Hotel Jerome Selection” of French Petrossian Caviar, accompanied by the finest Krug and Dom Pérignon Champagne. And, if you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at some of the more obscure Olympic winter sports, join the special Curling and Cocktails experience in the hotel’s winter garden.
Related: Best ski resorts in Colorado for everyone from beginners to experts
Creative types can enjoy a dose of nostalgia while working with local photographer David Clifford on tintype portraits, leaving their own silver-toned memory. Also, explore the art of knife work with Jackson Hole-based New West KnifeWorks. For over 25 years, they have been turning everyday tools into functional art pieces. A private shopping experience involving knife crafts is also accompanied by bourbon tasting. Rates in ski season at the Hotel Jerome start at $1,867 per night.
Miramonti Boutique hotel, Merano, Italy
At Miramonti, you’re not only in close proximity to some of the best skiing in Italy, but you can also arrange winter hikes and ski tours where you stop at charming alpine huts along the way. Equestrians won’t want to miss horseback riding in the snow. On Wednesday evenings, the property hosts legendary wine tastings led by the owner, Klaus Alber.
The Sunday evening screenings of James Bond classic flicks will be a hit with film buffs. Bonus: There is homemade popcorn in the Tea Room. Of course, you can’t forget about the apres-spa experiences. Relax and unwind in the Finnish sauna, onsen or spa after an action-packed day filled with outdoor fun. Rates at Miramonti Boutique Hotel start from $390 per night during the peak winter season.
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