What Clothes to Wear for Après-Ski: Your Complete Guide to Mountain Evening Style

Deciding what clothes to wear for apres ski shouldn’t be harder than conquering a black run. Yet every season, we watch guests frantically texting from the slopes: “Are trainers OK for tonight?” (Spoiler: they’re not).  After decades of hosting guests in the Three Valleys, we’ve seen every après-ski fashion style imaginable. From mountain bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, from chalet hot tubs to village strolls, this guide covers exactly what clothes work for those magical hours between last lift and lights out. 

What Clothes Should You Wear for Après-Ski? (The Quick Answer)

Après-ski clothing should be functional and comfortable with a splash of your usual style, tailored to your venue of choice. If you’re heading to a bar straight from the slopes then you’ll just need to peel off your jacket and fleece as the temperatures inside bars are usually toasty. If you head back to the chalet to change, jeans or trousers generally fit the bill, plus trainers or boots with a bit of grip to ensure you don’t have any embarrassing slips in the street!

Essential Après-Ski Clothing Checklist

Planning what clothes to wear for après-ski doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ve broken down everything into must-haves and nice-to-haves, based on years of hanging out in the best bars on the Three Valleys’ evening scene. Print this list, tick off what you’ve got, and you’re sorted for those magical mountain evenings.

Must-Have Items for Every Ski Holiday

✓ Warm, waterproof boots with proper grip The absolute non-negotiable. Snow boots or waterproof walking boots with deep treads will save you from embarrassing slips on icy pavements. Brands like Sorel, Columbia, or Merrell work brilliantly. Alternatively, if you don’t mind having cold, damp feet, then wear trainers like a true seasonnaire!

✓ Comfortable jeans or casual trousers (2-3 pairs) Your evening uniform. Dark jeans hide après-ski spillages better, and they’re accepted everywhere except the fanciest restaurants. Chinos or casual trousers offer a slightly smarter alternative if you fancy trying out one of the local Michelin star establishments.

✓ Cosy jumpers or fleeces (3-4) Layer up in style. Fleeces for casual nights, merino or cotton jumpers when you want to look a bit smarter. Those Christmas jumpers you never wear? Perfect for themed nights in the chalet.

✓ Your ski jacket Does double duty brilliantly. It’s already waterproof, warm, and you’ve already packed it. No shame in wearing your ski jacket to the pub – everyone does it.

✓ Thermal base layers Your secret weapon against the cold. Wear them under your evening clothes for extra warmth without bulk. Uniqlo Heattech or merino wool options are ideal.

✓ Warm accessories A beanie or warm hat, proper gloves (not ski gloves for evening), and a neck warmer or scarf. You’ll need them for the walk between venues when the temperature is below zero.

✓ Underwear and socks for evenings (7+ pairs) Don’t forget normal socks! Ski socks are too thick for regular boots. Pack enough underwear for evenings too.

Nice-to-Have Extras

○ One smart-casual outfit For that special meal out or New Year’s Eve celebration. Men: chinos with a shirt or smart jumper. Women: nice jeans with a dressy top, or a casual winter dress with tights.

○ Proper shoes for restaurants Ankle boots, leather boots, or even clean trainers that haven’t seen snow. Some upscale places won’t let you in wearing snow boots.

○ Swimwear and flip-flops Essential if your chalet has a hot tub or pool. Pack two sets so one’s always dry. Quick-dry material is your friend.

○ Chalet slippers Pure comfort after a day in ski boots. Most chalets don’t allow outdoor footwear inside, and your feet will thank you.

○ Loungewear for chalet evenings Joggers, hoodies, or pyjamas presentable enough for breakfast. Perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to go out.

○ A small evening bag or backpack For carrying essentials on nights out. Something you don’t mind taking into crowded bars.

○ Spare warm layer An extra fleece or light down jacket. This is useful for really cold nights or if something gets wet.

○ Dress-up accessories If your group loves themed nights or fancy dress. Takes no space and adds to the fun.

○ Sunglasses For those sunny afternoon sessions on terraces. March après-ski without sunnies is criminal.

Packing Pro Tip: Lay everything out and do the “outfit test” – can you make 7 different evening combinations? If yes, you’re golden. If no, add another jumper or pair of jeans. Remember, nobody cares if you repeat outfits – they’re too busy having fun to notice!

What to Wear for Different Après-Ski Venues

Not all après-ski is created equal. What clothes to wear for après-ski depends entirely on where you’re heading – the dress code for La Folie Douce is worlds apart from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Courchevel 1850. 

Here’s your venue-by-venue guide to looking the part without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Mountain Bars and Piste-Side Venues

This is après-ski at its most relaxed. Think La Folie Douce, La Bouc Blanc, or the legendary Ronnie on the slopes above Meribel. The vibe? Anything goes, dress up if you like, or just pull up off the slopes as you are.

What works: Nobody bats an eyelid if you’re still in ski trousers – many people ski right up to the door. Snow boots or even moon boots fit right in. The key is warmth and comfort over style, especially for outdoor terraces where you’ll be dancing on tables in -5°C.

The reality: These venues get packed and messy. Drinks will spill, people will dance in ski boots, and nobody cares what you’re wearing as long as you’re having fun.  

Pro tip: Layer smartly. These places get swelteringly hot inside but you’ll freeze on the terrace. A thin merino layer under a fleece means you can adjust without carrying half your wardrobe.

Resort Restaurants and Fine Dining

Courchevel has more Michelin stars than any other resort, and some establishments expect you to dress accordingly. But don’t panic – mountain smart-casual is more relaxed than city standards.

The dress code decoded: Smart jeans (dark, no rips) with leather boots or proper shoes. Men: add a shirt or smart jumper. Women: nice top or jumper with your best jeans, or casual dress with tights. Your ski jacket can stay, but hang it up when you arrive.

What doesn’t work: Ski trousers, moon boots, baseball caps at the table, or anything that screams “I came straight from the slopes.” Trainers are borderline – clean ones might pass, muddy ones won’t.

Specific venues to dress up for: Le 1947, Baumanière 1850, or L’Ekrin in Meribel’s Le Kaila hotel require your smartest après-ski outfit. La Tania’s restaurants are notably more relaxed – even the nicest spots accept smart-casual.

Insider knowledge: If unsure, call ahead. Most mountain restaurants understand you’re on a ski holiday, not at the Ritz. They want you comfortable, just not looking like you’ve been sleeping in a snowdrift.

Chalet Evenings and Hot Tub Sessions

The joy of chalet holidays? You can properly relax. Our Ski Magic chalets are your home for the week, so comfort rules.

Chalet dinner dress code: Whatever makes you happy. Joggers and hoodies? Perfect. Jeans and jumpers? Lovely. Pyjamas after 9pm? We’ve all done it. Your hosts are creating amazing meals, whether you’re wearing a onesie or your finest cashmere.

Hot tub logistics: The eternal question – what to wear from hot tub to dinner? Quick-dry swimming shorts or bikini, then a towelling robe or oversized hoodie for the dash inside. Keep flip-flops by the door and your warm clothes somewhere dry. Nobody wants to put jeans on when damp.

The slipper situation: It’s boots off at the door here in the Alps, so pack proper slippers or thick socks – your feet will appreciate the comfort after wearing ski boots all day.

Evening entertainment: Games night might involve enthusiastic charades. Movie night requires maximum comfort. If your group loves fancy dress or themed nights, embrace it – where else can you wear that ridiculous outfit?

Village Strolls and Bar Hopping

Exploring La Tania’s bars or Courchevel’s villages requires clothes that work for both snowy pavements and tropical bar temperatures.

The winning formula: Jeans, comfortable boots with serious grip, warm but packable layers. Your ski jacket is perfect – it has pockets for gloves and fits in with the resort aesthetic. Avoid long coats that drag in slush.

Footwear is everything: Those pristine white trainers? Leave them at home. Icy pavements are unforgiving, and one slip can ruin your night (and dignity). Waterproof boots with proper treads are essential if you like dry feet and staying upright!

Layer management: You’ll be constantly adjusting – freezing outside, roasting inside. A thin base layer, mid-layer you can remove, and a weatherproof outer layer gives maximum flexibility.  

Practical accessories: A small backpack or cross-body bag for layers you remove. Gloves that fit in pockets. A hat that survives being stuffed in your jacket. You’re aiming for functional, not fashion week.

Local insight: La Tania’s compact size means shorter walks between venues – you can get away with slightly less serious footwear. Meribel or Courchevel 1850 might involve more walking, so don’t forget to wrap up.

Remember: Mountain villages are refreshingly judgment-free zones. Whether you’re rocking designer gear or decade-old fleeces (the more retro the better, in fact!),  the only thing that matters is that you’re warm, comfortable, and ready for adventure. The best après-ski outfit? The one that lets you forget what you’re wearing and focus on making memories.

Après-Ski Outfit Ideas by Gender

While mountain style is refreshingly unisex (everyone looks good in a fleece), we know people search for what clothes to wear for après-ski with specific outfit formulas in mind. Here are tried-and-tested combinations that work every time, whether you’re après-ski veterans or complete beginners.

What Should Women Wear for Après-Ski

Forget everything you’ve seen on Instagram influencers posing in Verbier. Real après-ski style is about being warm, comfortable, and confident – not freezing in impractical outfits for the ‘gram.

The Foolproof Formula: When you choose jeans or trousers, be aware that wide legs can get a big soggy by the end of the evening – straight or skinny don’t soak up the slush! Leggings or joggers are more than acceptable in relaxed pubs and bars. Add a vest or thermal top, layer with a cosy jumper or fleece, and top with your ski jacket. Finish with waterproof boots – ankle or knee-high snow boots look great and keep you upright.

What Doesn’t Work: Heels on ice (A&E waiting to happen). Cropped anything when it’s -10°C. Delicate fabrics that can’t handle spilt glühwein. Fancy handbags – most people tend to go for a cross body bag or big pockets.

What Should Men Wear for Après-Ski

Good news, gents: après-ski dressing is blissfully simple. Master three basic outfits and you’re covered for everything from piste-side parties to fancy fondue.

The Universal Formula: Jeans or chinos, layered tops (T-shirt, jumper or fleece), your ski jacket, and proper boots. That’s literally it. The key is quality basics that mix and match.

The Truth About Men’s Après-Ski: You can wear the same jeans every night. Nobody notices, nobody cares. A decent merino jumper elevates everything – worth the investment. Your ski jacket is perfectly acceptable evening wear. Baseball caps are divisive – some bars allow them, restaurants generally don’t.

Common Mistakes: Football shirts (you’re not in Magaluf). Shorts in January (we see you, that one guy). Smart shoes without grip (ice doesn’t care about your brogues).

The Universal Truth

Whether you’re male, female, or non-binary, the best après-ski outfit is the one that keeps you warm enough to enjoy yourself and comfortable enough to dance badly to Euro pop at 2am. Everything else is just details. Pack practical basics, add one slightly nicer outfit for special occasions, and spend your energy on having fun rather than wardrobe anxiety.

Common Après-Ski Clothing Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ painful experiences. These are the rookie errors we see every season – easily avoided once you know better.

The Overdressing Disaster: Packing your best clubbing outfit for Courchevel? Leave it at home. That silk dress or designer shirt will get ruined by spilt beer, and you’ll look hilariously out of place among people in fleeces.

The Underdressing Error: Assuming mountain bars are always warm inside. Some piste-side venues are basically glorified sheds. That T-shirt won’t cut it when you’re heading back to the chalet after midnight in sub zero temperatures.

The Cotton Catastrophe: Cotton kills, as mountaineers say. Cotton socks, cotton base layers, cotton hoodies – they get wet, stay wet, and you’ll freeze. Synthetic wicking layers dry quickly although merino wool is hands down the best option as it somehow stays odour-free even after a sweaty dancefloor!

The Inappropriate Footwear Fail: Heels on ice. UGG boots in slush. Canvas shoes in knee-deep snow. Flip-flops for “quick” walks. We’ve seen them all, and they all end badly.

Budget-Friendly Après-Ski Clothing Tips

Choosing what clothes to wear for après-ski doesn’t require remortgaging your house. Here’s how to nail mountain style without the price tags.

Shop Your Own Wardrobe First

• Those hiking boots? Perfect for icy streets
• Old fleeces are après-ski gold
• Thermal underwear from camping trips works brilliantly
• Your existing winter coat might be fine (waterproof spray helps)

Smart Shopping Strategy

• Decathlon: Thermal layers for under £10, fleeces for £15
• TK Maxx: Brand-name snow boots at half price
• Uniqlo: Heattech thermals and decent merino jumpers
• Charity shops in posh areas: Pre-loved ski gear galore
• End-of-season sales: Buy in March for next year

The Investment Hierarchy

1. Good boots (£60-100) – safety and comfort essential
2. Thermal base layers (£30) – multiply your wardrobe’s warmth
3. One quality fleece (£40) – wears with everything
4. Everything else can be budget-friendly

Borrow Before Buying. First ski trip? Borrow from friends who ski. Most skiers have drawers full of gear they’re happy to lend.  

Multi-Use Magic Buy items that work at home too. Thermal leggings for winter running, fleeces for dog walking, waterproof boots for festivals. The cost-per-wear drops dramatically.

Resort Shopping Reality Emergency purchases in the resort cost triple. That €80 fleece in Courchevel costs £20 at home. Pack properly or pay the mountain tax.

Après-Ski Style in the Three Valleys

Every resort has its own personality, and what clothes to wear for après-ski in the Three Valleys varies more than you’d think.  

Courchevel Evening Vibes

Courchevel isn’t one resort – it’s several villages at different altitudes, each with its own après-ski personality. Your outfit needs depend entirely on which level you’re visiting.

Courchevel 1850:  Enjoy some great après-ski people watching. You’ll find fur trims, shiny outfits and glossy designer gear alongside vintage ski suits (intentional or not), pro freestylers in steezy pants and plenty of ESF instructors fresh from the slopes. Unless you are going really upmarket, usual rules apply

Courchevel Le Praz (1300): The Authentic Village Our home turf and refreshingly unpretentious. Le Praz attracts families and seasoned skiers who value great skiing over glitz. The Brasserie du Praz and Les Peupliers restaurant welcome everyone from ski instructors to holidaymakers. The wonderful thing? Nobody’s judging your outfit.

Courchevel Moriond (1650) & Village (1550): The Happy Medium These villages strike the balance perfectly. Moriond has lively bars like Le Schuss and Le Pelican where ski wear mingles with smart-casual. Village (1550) offers local French dining where residents appreciate you making an effort without expecting fashion shows.

The Universal Truth: Away from 1850’s honeypot venues, Courchevel is surprisingly down-to-earth. Ski instructors drink in fleeces, seasonaires party in whatever’s clean, and millionaires queue for pizza in ski trousers. The mountains are the great equaliser.

Evening Transportation Factor: The free buses between villages run until around 23.00 so you can get back to your chalet from apres-ski and be home in time for dinner, then head out for after-dinner drinks in a different village, changing your outfit for the venue.

La Tania’s Relaxed Approach

La Tania is the Three Valleys’ best-kept secret – a proper ski village without the posing or prices. Built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, it’s compact, car-free, and refreshingly authentic.

The La Tania Uniform: Walk through the village at 6pm and you’ll see the same thing everywhere: jeans, fleeces, snow boots, happy faces.  Everyone’s here to ski hard and party harder.

The Bar Scene: The Ski Lodge and Le Taiga are La Tania’s beating hearts. Dress code? If you’re warm and bought a round, you’re welcome. Ski instructors still in teaching uniforms, families in matching fleeces, groups in fancy dress – all equally at home. If there’s live music for après, wear your ski gear and dance in your ski boots. Or not, the choice is yours (although it might be considered cheating if you go home and change first!)

Restaurant Reality: Even La Tania’s nicest restaurants maintain the relaxed vibe. La Ferme de La Tania (excellent steaks) and Bistrot Machet (proper French cuisine) appreciate smart-casual but won’t turn away comfortable casual. 

The Hot Tub Culture: With many chalets featuring hot tubs, the evening dash from bubbles to dinner is La Tania tradition. Robes over swimwear, flip-flops in snow, nobody bats an eyelid. It’s a village that understands priorities.

Family-Friendly Factor: La Tania is full of families, making evenings earlier and more relaxed. Kids in onesies having snowball fights, parents in whatever’s warm watching from the pub terrace. The family-resort vibe means comfort trumps fashion every time.

The Compact Advantage: Everything’s within five minutes’ walk. Staying in a Ski Magic chalet, you’re never more than a stumble from a change of clothes (or your bed!). This proximity breeds casualness – why dress up when you can pop back to change if needed?

The La Tania Philosophy: This is a village built by skiers, for skiers. Posers head to Val Thorens or Verbier. La Tania attracts people who measure successful evenings in laughs, not looks.  

Practical Considerations: The village is genuinely car-free and compact, but ice builds up on paths. Grippy soles are the sensible option for walking between the chalet and the bars. Whilst it is of course, winter, a lot of people say it’s a different cold – the dry air means it’s less damp – so although you’ll want your warm jacket and beanie, you’ll be surprised that you might not feel chilled to the bone like winter at home.

Ready for Perfect Après-Ski Evenings?

So there you have it – everything you need to know about what clothes to wear for après-ski in the Three Valleys. The truth is, once you’ve got warm boots, comfortable layers, and ditched those ski boots, you’re 90% there. 

Now you’re sorted for what to wear, all that’s left is choosing where to stay. Picture yourself returning from an epic day on the slopes to a warm chalet, hot tub bubbling, dinner cooking, and your evening clothes laid out ready for whatever the night brings.

Ready to Experience the Three Valleys?

Browse our catered chalets in Courchevel and La Tania, perfectly positioned for epic skiing and legendary après-ski moments.

Our family-run chalets offer the perfect base for your mountain adventure – walking distance from the lifts for first tracks, stumbling distance from the bars for last orders. With hot tubs for sunset soaks, boot warmers for the morning after, and our legendary hosts making sure your glass is never empty, we’ve got your perfect ski holiday sorted.

 Explore Our Chalet Collection →

Frequently Asked Questions About Après-Ski Clothing

Q: Can I Wear Jeans Après-Ski?

A: Absolutely! Jeans are the unofficial après-ski uniform. Denim works everywhere from mountain bars to nice restaurants. Just ensure they’re comfortable enough for dancing and warm enough for winter evenings.

Q: Do I Need Special Clothes for Après-Ski?

A: No, you don’t need special après-ski clothing. Your normal casual winter clothes work perfectly – jeans, jumpers, and warm boots. The only essential is proper footwear with grip for icy streets. Leave the specialist gear for the slopes.

Q: What Shoes Are Best for Icy Streets?

A: Waterproof boots with deep rubber treads. Brands like Sorel, Columbia, Timberland, or hiking boots work brilliantly. Avoid flat soles, trainers, or anything without grip. Ice doesn’t forgive poor footwear choices.

Q: Are There Dress Codes in Mountain Restaurants?

A: Most Three Valleys restaurants are relaxed – smart-casual covers 95% of venues. Only Michelin-starred restaurants in Courchevel 1850 expect properly smart dress. When in doubt, dark jeans and a nice jumper work everywhere.

Q: Can I Wear My Ski Clothes in the Evening?

A: Your ski jacket? Absolutely – everyone does. Ski pants and ski boots are fine in piste-side bars, but not for restaurants, where you should probably head home and change before dining.

Q: What If I Don’t Ski But Want to Enjoy Après-Ski?

A: Join in! Wear exactly what we’ve described – warm boots, jeans, cosy layers. Nobody knows or cares if you’ve been skiing. Après-ski is about the atmosphere, not proving your ski credentials. Non-skiers are always welcome.