With President’s Weekend fast approaching, many will head for a holiday in the hills. And while we extolled the virtues of Stylish Dressing for the Slopes in our last column, here we will get to the real heart of the sporty fashion matter — What to Wear Aprés Ski!
It is that delightful time in late afternoon when the lifts are closed, skis are stowed and you head to find a fire and enjoy a libation. Many skiers will keep their ski suits on for the festivities but we prefer a quick change into a cozy, classic ensemble of jeans, oversized turtleneck sweater, boots and fur or faux fur vest.
In the States, the great resorts have an iconic Western atmosphere that lends itself to casual cowgirl wear. For this, we consulted American fashion icon, Ralph Lauren, who, after celebrating his 50th year is still creating the chicest Western inspired fashion.
Suede and Leather pants are ideal for packing and traveling. You can wear them again and again without washing. Just sponge off any spots and make sure to hang them or fold them flat in a drawer.
This Sateen Cape has an incredible WOW factor. Wear over suede pants and silk shirt for a night out in Aspen.
When schussing the slopes in Europe, the alpine vibe is very popular, with Nordic sweaters and crisp piped-wool jackets setting the style stage.
Usually there is a break between après-ski and dinner. This is the time set aside for naps, massages, catching up on emails, shopping and other off piste activities. If you are heading to a laid back resort like Steamboat or Stratton, the après-ski look and the evening attire are the same. Hilary carves the perfect turn with her stylish choices.
“My most recent ski holidays have been spent in Sun Valley, Utah. The western town calls for a relaxed sense of style for aprés ski. But, I always like to spice it up a bit … high heeled snow boots, chic outerwear and glamorous shades are a must.”
For evening wear in the tonier resorts such as Aspen, St. Moritz, or Gstaad, you will want to glam your wardrobe up with some suede and fur or faux, and pack a cocktail dress just in case. We suggest taking along some statement jewelry for added nighttime verve.
We’ve put together a handy minimum casual Aprés Ski packing list to get you on your way:
• 2 sweaters, 1 shirt, 3 pairs of jeans; denim, suede or leather, 1 vest, down or fur, 1 pair of low heel or wedge boots, 1 belt, gloves, 1 hat, 2 wraps.
If going to a more chichi resort, add:
• 1 cocktail dress, 1 pair black pants, 2 silk blouses, fur or faux jacket, pair of pumps, pair of high heel boots, 1 clutch, statement jewelry, 2 wraps.
We also polled some friends to find out their favorite aprés haunts …
Helen Cook: Vail, Colorado — The Sonnenalp, The Christiana or Pepi’s, operated by Pepi and Sheika Gramshammer since 1964, always lively with music.
Hilary Dick: Sun Valley, Idaho — Grumpy’s Bar & Grill; River Run Lodge at the base; Sun Valley Lodge for a sock in the hot tub; The Round House mid mountain for Cheese Fondue; The Pioneer (aka The PIO).
Stacy Morse: Jackson Hole, Wyoming — The Mangy Moose at the base of the mountain for good old fashioned local western flavor. In town go to Bin 22 wine store for full service bar and tapas.
Deer Valley, Utah — Stein Eriksen Lodge.
Jake Klopp: Taos, New Mexico — The St. Bernard is the classic; 192 at the Blake Hotel with super good cocktails; The Bavarian for German style big steins of beer (caution: you will be skiing down from there).
Haley Gewher: Teluride, Colorado — Brown Dog; The Oak.
Stacey Ossario: Big Sky, Montana — The Horn and Cantle at Horn Mountain Ranch.
Ottavio Serena & Mita Bland: Cortina, Italy — Hotel de la Poste; Piccolo Brite; El Brite de Larieto.
Courchevel, France — Le KuDeTa in the 1850 Level.
Henry & Cathy Nassau: Gstaad, Switzerland — Alpina Hotel.
Parker Gentry & Caroline Merison: Verbier, Switzerland — Le Rouge or the Farinet.
So whether your winter travels take you East or West, or destinations abroad, enjoy the vigor of the great outdoors immersed in crisp mountain air — a restorative tonic for body and soul.
