Après-ski outfit: what do you wear after skiing?
Last updated: October 2026 · By Slope Goons
For après-ski, swap your helmet and goggles for a casual look but keep your layers. Most people wear snow boots, fleece-lined or casual warm pants, a mid-layer, and a puffer or ski jacket. Slope Goons recommends keeping a balaclava in your pocket — outdoor après terraces can drop below -5°C once the sun goes down.
What is après-ski and what's the dress code?
Après-ski literally means “after skiing” in French — it's the social tradition of drinks, food and music at bars and restaurants near the base of the mountain. The dress code sits between casual ski village and outdoor bar: warm enough to survive on a terrace, relaxed enough to feel comfortable. You'll see everything from full ski suits to jeans, but snow boots and warm layers are the universal baseline.
Après-ski outfit options: from terrace drinks to dinner
| Setting | Outfit | Footwear |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor terrace (slope-side) | Ski jacket + ski pants or warm trousers | Ski boots or snow boots |
| Bar or pub in the village | Puffer jacket + fleece-lined pants | Snow boots or warm ankle boots |
| Casual restaurant | Mid-layer + smart jeans or casual trousers | Snow boots or warm shoes |
| Nicer restaurant or club | Clean top + tailored trousers or dress | Smart shoes (change at venue) |
The one thing most people forget for après-ski
Everyone packs ski kit and dinner clothes, and forgets the transition layer. Outdoor terraces are glorious in the late afternoon sun — and then the sun drops behind a mountain and it goes from 5°C to -5°C in 20 minutes. A compact neck gaiter or balaclava stuffed in a jacket pocket adds nothing to your bag and rescues the end of many evenings.
Which Slope Goons product is right for you?
- LegoFace Ski Mask — compact hard-shell mask that fits in a jacket pocket; pull it out when the après terrace gets cold after sunset
- Frosty Face Ski Mask — soft fleece that doubles as a neck warmer; works from first run to last drink on the terrace
- The Slope Stitches Balaclava — classic knit balaclava that looks at home on the slopes and in the village; pull it down as a neck scarf for the après vibe
Frequently asked questions
What shoes do you wear for après-ski?
Snow boots or mukluks are the classic choice — warm, waterproof, and comfortable after a day in ski boots. Many people also wear their ski boots to the first stop, then change at the bar. Avoid thin trainers — mountain terraces can be icy.
Do you need to change clothes for après-ski?
Not necessarily. A clean mid-layer and casual pants work fine for most après venues. If you're heading somewhere nicer in the evening, pack a quick-change outfit in your bag — ski pants and helmet hair only goes so far.
What's the best après-ski outfit for cold evenings?
Layer a puffer jacket or heavy fleece over a base layer or mid-layer, add warm trousers or ski pants, and keep snow boots on. Outdoor terraces in ski resorts are colder than they look once the sun drops.
Can you wear your ski jacket for après-ski?
Yes, absolutely. A ski jacket is warm, often stylish, and perfectly normal in any ski resort setting. Wet or snow-covered jackets are best shaken off first — some bars have drying rooms you can use.