Get Through the Winter With an Après-Ski Attitude
Try these 10 easy ways to bring the pleasures of a ski vacation home
For those of you who have been stuck in the snow for a while, it can be hard to continue to embrace the season. But when you’re a skier, you wish for fresh powder all winter long. And after a day at the slopes comes the best part — après-ski time. Today that term is often affiliated with hitting some crazy clubs, bungee jumping and drinking too many local craft beers. But to me, it was always about hanging out and relaxing with family, soothing our aching muscles while drinking hot concoctions and having fun together. So work some après-ski attitude into your wintry evenings and weekends whether you’re anywhere near a mountain or not.
Sneak in some daytime reading. There’s always one person in the group who sneaks off to the lodge after lunch and reads a book while the rest of the family take snowboarding lessons. Be that person — snowboarding lessons are overrated.
Strip down and dry out. When you come in from the cold, hang your outerwear and place your boots where they can drip and dry quickly. Do this near the door so that you won’t drag all of that stuff through the house. And keep your favorite slippers or fuzzy socks here so you can change right into them.
Take a soak. You may not have a hot-tub time machine on your deck, but who cares? Treat yourself to a hot bath like the one you’d have after a day of tearing up black-diamond trails.
Get comfortable. Coming in from the cold and thawing out indoors is one of the best parts of après-ski time. It also works after driveway-shoveling or even after a long commute home in the cold. Grab your comfiest fuzzy slippers and swaddle yourself in fleece and flannel.
Keep the home fires burning. A glowing fire is a must. Gather near the hearth and get toasty.
Cozy up your sofas and chairs. Sinking into plush furniture is such a great feeling after a day of slipping on ice patches. Go nuts with the throw pillows and blankets. Then stream a classic ski movie, like Hot Dog, Better Off Dead or Hot Tub Time Machine. If you want to see superdirector Peter Berg’s early acting work, go for Aspen Extreme.
Make time for games. When I was a kid on our yearly family ski trip in New Hampshire, all of us cousins would convene in the game room at The Storybook Inn. We loved to play some terrible rounds of pool, play checkers and pretend we knew how to play chess. There’s something about old-school games that makes après-ski time more fun.
Get back out there. I know it may sound crazy, but one of the most fun parts of being in a ski town is hanging out in all of the great spots set up outdoors. Once you’ve dried out your outerwear, it’s fun to bundle back up and enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate or a hot toddy next to the warmth of an outdoor fire, even when there’s snow on the ground.
Fire up the grill. Barbecuing isn’t just for summer. Get some of that hot dog and hamburger fun back by clearing off the grill and striking those briquettes. If you have a covered porch like this one, you’re ahead of the game.
Enjoy a little adult time with a nightcap. After the kids are tucked in and you finally have some grown-up time, add a final warming touch with an adult beverage. You’ve earned it.
Your turn: What are some of your favorite après-ski activities? Please share them in the Comments section.
More: Houzz TV: 144 Gorgeous Homes Around the Globe
Your turn: What are some of your favorite après-ski activities? Please share them in the Comments section.
More: Houzz TV: 144 Gorgeous Homes Around the Globe