Apres-ski

Ski holiday tradition

Apres-ski is a term, which is literally translated from the French as "after ski". In fact, it means the full range of recreation services at ski resorts, which follows directly after skiing. Though, English term "after-ski" is used very rarely. The term apres-ski appeared in the Russian language in its original form.

Shopping, cocktails, excursions, gambling, concerts, fireworks and glamorous parties ... Whether it's a holiday in Ischgl, winter holidays in Mayrhofen, ski weekend in Chamonix, New Year in Val d`Isere or Christmas in Zakopane - at each of these ski resorts will be found its own special set for apres ski holidays.

Some ski resorts are particularly popular for their parties, which take place in the apres-ski format. For example, Austrian Ischgl is often criticized for the fact that glamorous parties in the numerous bars of the resort are more important than the skiing itself.

Before apres-ski became a term meaning the maximum available range of leisure after skiing, it was originally used for only a short period of time, usually from 5 to 7 pm. During this period tired skiers gathered in the saloon not far from the track to drink a glass of mulled wine. Over the time the number of glasses increased, which immediately signaled for the tourist industry at the ski resorts. On the tracks began to be organized special apres-ski halls, where began actions, which then spread to the bars and restaurants of the resort.

Today, virtually every country has its own drink, which is consumed at the apres-ski. During the winter holidays in Austria it can be Jagatee - "hunter’s tea", which is a strong tea with herbal liqueur. For those, who will go for skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is in neighboring Germany, hunter’s liqueur will be also one of the major "warming" elements. But the German version is known as Jägermeister. However, in Austria Jägermeister is also popular.

Of course, we cannot ignore the mulled wine. The familiar name of the mulled wine will vary depending on the country. In France mulled wine is known as vin chaud, at the ski resorts of Spain and Andorra you will be offered vino caliente, and in Austria and Germany it will sound as glühwein.
Some of the most famous European apres-ski areas in Europe:

Apres-ski in Austria

- Apres-ski in Mayrhofen Ice bar, Brücke Bar, White Lounge
- Apres-ski in St. Anton: Krazy Kangaruh, Rodelhütte, Moosewirt
- Apres-ski in Ischgl: Trofana Alm Bar

Apres-ski in France

- Après-ski in Val d`Isere: Folie Douce, Face, Dick's Tea Bar
- Après-ski in Morzine: Buddha Bar, Dixies, Crepescule Indian Bar

Apres-ski in Switzerland:

- Apres-ski in Verbier: Farinet, Fer de Cheval, Le Pub Mont Fort