With President’s Weekend fast approach, many will head for a holiday in the hills, and we extolled the virtues of Stylish Dressing for the Slopes in our last column, here we will get the real heart of the sporty fashion matter – What to Wear Apres 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 some liquid libation – divine! 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.
Ralph Lauren Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater $268 / Tomkins Skinny Cropped Jeans $168 / Polo Preppy Cat -Eye sunglasses $155 / Glamourpuss Fox Fur Front Vest $518 / Barkston Leather Boot $119
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.
Dale Of Norway Feminine Sweater $279 / Ralph Lauren Suede Skinny Pant $998 / Ralph Lauren Polo Preppy Cat -Eye sunglasses $155 / Glamourpuss Fur Funnel Twilight $225 / Ralph Lauren Leather Tote $590 / Sorel Tivoli Boot $189
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 Apres Ski. But, I always like to spice it up a bit . . . high heeled snow boots, chic outerwear and glamorous shades are a must.”
Canada Goose Down Jacket $795 / Citizens Of Humanity Boyfriend Jeans $200 / Re / Done Knitted Sweater $450 / Sorel Joan Of Arctic Wedges $250
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.
Ralph Lauren Silk Tie Neck Blouse $228 / Bi-Stretch Skinny Pant $198 / Kenneth Jay Lane Filagree Earings $340 / Glamourpuss Rex Jacket $995 / Saybrook Bootie $89
We put together a handy minimum packing list to get you on your way.
Casual Apres Ski: 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,
Accessories: 1 clutch, statement jewelry, 2 wraps
A personal favorite spot is Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell, with an order of truffle fries!
We polled some of our friends to find out their favorite apres haunts:
Vail, Colorado, Helen Cook
The Sonnenalp, The Christiana or Pepi’s, operated by Pepi and Sheika Gramshammer since 1964, always lively with music. Pepi sadly passed away last year but the vibrant Sheika still runs the show.
Sun Valley, Idaho, Hilary Dick,
Grumpy’s Bar & Grill, River Run Lodge at the base, Sun Valley Lodge for a soak in the hot tub, The Round House mid mountain for Cheese Fondue, The Pioneer AKA The PIO.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Stacy Morse
The Mangy Moose at the base of the mountain for good old fashioned local western flavor In town, Bin 22 wine store, full service bar and tapas.
Big Sky, Montana, Stacey Ossario
The Horn and Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch
Deer Valley, Utah, Stein Eriksen Lodge
Taos, New Mexico, Jake Klopp
The St. Bernard is the classic, 192 at the Blake Hotel with super good cocktails, The Bavarian, German style, big steins of beer but caution, you will be skiing down from there.
Telluride, Colorado, Haley Gewher
Brown Dog, Oak
Cortina, Italy, Ottavio Serena & Mita Bland
Hotel de la Poste, Piccolo Brite, El Brite De Larieto
Courchevel, France
Ku de ta in the 1850 Level
Gstaad, Switzerland, Henry & Cathy Nassau
Verbier, Switzerland, Parker Gentry & Caroline Merison
Le Rouge or the Farinet
Whether your winter travels take you east or west, or destinations abroad, enjoy the vigor of the great outdoors immersed in the crisp mountain air – a restorative tonic for body and soul.
Colorado Photos by Isabel Vandeventer #nofilter
This article first appeared on New York Social Diary.
