Unzip that coat, unbuckle those tight ski boots, and grab a glass of Champagne because it’s time to après ski.
As a recent Central Coast transplant fresh out of the canyons of Salt Lake City, I realized my holiday season in San Luis Obispo would look much different than I’m used to.
My previous winters at home included 20-plus days on the mountain skiing first to last chair nearly every weekend with my best pals. After eight-hour days on the slopes in snow or shine, and a few humbling yard sale crashes, we were often ready to conclude the day by sharing some drinks and laughs.
Sometimes I looked forward more to what came after skiing rather than the actual skiing itself—the drinks, the stories, the winter attire.
That’s the beauty of ski culture and the beauty of “après ski.”
French for “after skiing,” après ski is a broad term for celebrating a day on the slopes, regardless of how the day went. Après ski doesn’t count the number of runs you made, clock your fastest speed, or consider whether you actually landed that one time you caught some air. Après ski is for everyone.
And if après ski is for everyone, why can’t it happen right here in SLO County?
The answer is that it can—and you don’t need to be fresh off the slopes of China Peak Mountain Resort to do it. Just be in the right mindset.
First, in order to après ski, one must look the part.
Traditional ski attire is always appropriate, like ski bibs, sweaters, and matching goggles tan line. However, don’t worry if your snow pants aren’t at the front of your closet. Consider anything casual and comfortable, like your favorite pair of leggings, furry boots, and a winter sweater.
Morro Bay’s vintage store Divers, located at 410 Morro Bay Blvd., offers classic vintage sweaters, jackets, and other apparel perfect for a celebratory night out on the town. Après ski attire options are endless when it comes to shopping secondhand.
Shop ski gear at local shop The Mountain Air located at 667 Marsh St. with options to buy or rent skis, ski boots, poles, and bindings. Or check out REI’s Winter Sale to snag gear and apparel up to 50 percent off through Nov. 25.
Now that you’re looking the part, you’re ready to party.
My absolute favorite spot to celebrate at home was at the St. Regis Bar at Deer Valley Ski Resort. It’s the type of place you’ll spend $12 on a can of Corona beer or $25 on a Bloody Mary. Most notably, you may see a top 1-percenter purchase a $2,000 bottle of Champagne, or rub elbows with one of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. But you don’t need to be at a place like this to enjoy the après ski experience.
The Park and Pine Group is bringing two holiday pop-ups to Paso Robles from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 to help locals get in the holiday spirit by serving themed cocktails under the twinkling glow of Christmas lights.
Sippin’ Santa at Cane Tiki Room, located on Park Street, is taking on a tropical Christmas theme that turns après ski into après surf. General Manager Lily Larkin said there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Curated by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, visitors can order blends of holiday cheer like Frosty the Merman with rye, vanilla clove syrup, pear and apricot, and allspice liqueurs or a Sugar Plum Mai Thai with Haitian and Nicaraguan rums, lime, orgeat, and cinnamon syrup, all served in a themed mug available for purchase.
“For our soft opening, we had people ranging from kids to their grandparents, and everyone had a huge smile on their face and in a great mood. And I think it’ll be a really great thing for North County because we don’t really have anything like that here,” Larkin said.
For a more nostalgic après ski celebration, head to Miracle at 1122 Cocktail Lounge where Miracle, sister of Sippin’ Santa, will serve a Christmapolitan cocktail with vodka, elderflower, vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, cranberry, rosemary, and absinthe mist, among other yuletide-filled beverages.
“We welcome everyone who loves Christmas to come join us at both locations for a magical experience! Bring your friends, cameras, and cheerful holiday spirit to enjoy a jolly good time,” Parks and Pine CEO Donovan Schmit said in a statement.
Sippin’ Santa at Cane Tiki Room is open to all ages, while Miracle at 1122 Cocktail Lounge is 21-plus.
Remember that sweater you bought from Divers? Show it off at Libertine Brewing in Downtown SLO during a Punk Rock Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 14 from 8 to 11 p.m. As a 21-plus event with no cover charge, this fits the bill for fun après dancing.
Whether you’re après skiing simply by wearing some cozy winter apparel, sipping a cocktail out of a merman mug, or shredding it on the slopes, my last piece of advice is to make sure you’re doing these things with people you love. I know my most treasured memories are the laughs and stories I shared with my favorite people, no matter how we were celebrating. Δ
Staff Writer Libbey Hanson can be reached at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Holiday Guide 2024.