The 20 BEST Options For Apres Ski Food and Drinks

Après ski is one of my favorite things to do in the winter, and it’s the ultimate reward after a long day on the slopes, where hearty comfort foods and tasty beverages come together to cap off the adventure. 

Discover twenty après-ski essentials that every skier and snowboarder will love. These dishes and drinks offer the perfect blend of hearty bites and celebratory sips to round out a day on the snow-covered slopes.

The Best Apres Ski Foods and Drinks

Keep reading as I highlight the best apres ski food and drink options worth enjoying this winter.

1. Mac and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy American classic is a crowd-pleaser at après-ski gatherings. For an extra tasty twist, opt for a gourmet version with truffle oil or bacon.

2. An Espresso Martini

The espresso martini combines caffeine and cocktail, perfect for an energy boost after skiing, keeping the night alive. It’s one of my personal favorite cocktails, and there’s no better place to drink one than in the mountains!

3. Cheese Fondue

Nothing says après-ski like dipping chunks of bread, veggies, or cured meats into a bubbling pot of melted cheese. While you can indulge in fondue in the United States, this one is more common in Europe in the Alps.

4. Chili

One of my all-time favorite mountain foods is chili. A hearty bowl of chili topped with cheese, sour cream, and green onions is the ultimate comfort food, satisfying even the biggest appetites after a long day on the slopes.

5. French Fries

Crispy and golden, French fries are a staple. You’ll find them at almost every United States ski resort and throughout most of Europe, too. 

6. Mulled Wine

This spiced and warm red wine drink is a winter classic, perfect for relaxing by the fire with its cozy flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. You’ll mainly find this unique drink in Europe, where everyone tends to make it a bit different.

It’s one of my favorite warm beverages and a great way to get toasty after long hours out in the cold. 

7. French Onion Soup

Rich beef broth topped with caramelized onions, crusty bread, and a gooey layer of melted cheese makes this soup a wintertime favorite in both America and Europe.

8. An Aperol Spritz

For a lighter, refreshing beverage, the Aperol Spritz is a fizzy option that perfectly balances sweetness and bitterness. This cocktail is especially popular in Europe, but it’s also available throughout the U.S.!

9. Raclette

This Swiss specialty involves melting cheese and scraping it over boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. You’ll generally find this in Europe, in countries like Switzerland. It’s one of the best apres-ski foods for those venturing abroad. 

10. Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer in America. They are made by stuffing fresh jalapeño peppers with a creamy filling and generally wrapping them in bacon. They’re the perfect bite for those who don’t mind a bit of heat. 

11. Pizza

My favorite food in the world is pizza, and it’s delicious for almost every occasion, including après-ski! Pizza is simple yet satisfying and is always a great choice. Go for wood-fired or specialty toppings to bring an après-ski twist to this classic. 

12. A Glass Of Champagne

Celebrate your ski day with a touch of elegance by sipping on a glass of bubbly champagne.

13. Cheeseburger

Topped with your choice of fixings, a juicy cheeseburger is a protein-packed way to refuel and indulge in après-ski comfort food. It’s an American classic you simply can’t go wrong with.

14. A Bloody Mary

This savory tomato cocktail doubles as a snack, garnished with everything from celery and olives to bacon and shrimp.

15. Pasta

I don’t know about you, but I could practically eat pasta for every meal. Post-slope, you can generally find creamy or tomato-based pasta, and you really can’t go wrong with either one.

16. Nachos

Nachos are another American classic you’ll find at many restaurants for apres-ski. Loaded with melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños, they are ideal for sharing and satisfying post-ski cravings.

17. Wings

Spicy, tangy, or sweet chicken wings are always a hit. Pair them with your go-to dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a flavorful après-ski snack.

18. An Old Fashioned

This classic whiskey cocktail offers a smooth, warming experience, ideal for winding down after an active day.

19. Oysters

For a touch of luxury, indulge in oysters paired with a crisp white wine or a classic mignonette sauce. This is definitely more popular in Europe than in America, and it’s not uncommon to see them on the menu at restaurants for post-slope snacks. 

While you might think it’s a bit weird, considering you’re in the mountains and not by the ocean, you’ve got to try it to see what all the hype is about.

20. Poutine

Last but certainly not least, I know we talked about french fries, but we have to talk about these staples and take them to the next level. Poutine is french fries covered in gravy with cheese curds. 

It originated in Canada and spread to places around the world, including its neighboring country, the United States. If you want something tasty, warm, and filling, you’ve got to try poutine. 

FAQs About The Best Apres Ski Food and Drinks

Continue reading as I answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding apres ski.

What to serve at an après-ski party?

You should serve delicious appetizers at an après-ski party. This could be meats and cheeses, wings, or nachos.

What is après-ski dining?

Après-ski dining is laid-back, slopeside dining. It can be fancy with oysters and champagne or it can be buckets of beer with wings. It’s a celebration after hitting the ski slopes.

What is a good meal for skiing?

A good meal for skiing is hearty, warm foods. My favorite is chili but you can’t go wrong with cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, French fries, or soups.

Does après-ski mean drinking?

Après-ski can mean drinking but not exclusively. Après-ski means light food and drinks after spending time on the snowy mountains.

Can you go to après-ski if you don’t ski?

Yes! Many people enjoy après-ski, even if they don’t ski. It’s meant to be a gathering and celebration to bring people together in the mountains to enjoy music, food, drinks, and community.

Final Thoughts On The Best Apres Ski Food and Drinks

As someone who adores skiing and can’t wait to enjoy apres after a long day on the mountain, I know all about the best apres ski food and drinks. While it can differ based on country, apres usually is casual and involves light food and drinks.