Happy New Year! Can you believe it’s 2024 already? Have I got great news for some, it looks like winter just might be on its way (finally)! From the West Coast to the East Coast, snow in the mountains is in the forecast. You know what that means don’t you? Time to get your Après game plan together. Picture this, fellow cold weather enthusiasts wearing vibrant ski gear and the coziest sweaters gathered around the firepit while snow flurries gently flutter to the ground. It’s a magical wintery scene that can turn even the most ardent summer chaser into a chalet lover (at least for a day).

Apres Ski

I love the ski lifestyle and embracing the excitement with my family and friends. Funny, for as much as I love snow, I am no Lindsey Vonn by any means and will most likely spend all my snow days on the bunny slope. My friends and family, however, will be rocketing down the steepest peaks periodically yelling “Hey Vixen” down to me from the lift above.

They'll beat me back to the lodge for sure. It's all good, I've got no shame in my game. Whether you ski or not après is where everyone comes together to enjoy one of the best parts of the snow lifestyle. The sound of ski boots clacking and scuffing along as people gather in the late afternoon to warm their chilled bodies by a crackling fire.

This is après! The vibe is energetic, spirits are high, while music and laughter fill the air. Soon revelers will be swapping tales from the day’s adventures, noshing on hearty appetizers, and of course sipping on a glass of something exceptional.

Top Picks for Après Ski (or après anything)

Bubbles

Toast to the best snowboarding day of your life or that you simply made it from the parking lot to the bar without landing on your booty. This milestone calls for sparkling wine! Those tiny effervescent bubbles tingle your nose and tastebuds and turns any occasion into a celebration. While I am hard pressed to pass up on a brut rosé or Blanc de noirs, I have found its slightly sweeter Italian cousin, Prosecco to be just the ticket after a day of rigorous recreation.

Rosé

Gathering with a crew? There’s always more than one rosé lover in a group, so order a bottle to share. A crisp and refreshing a glass of rosé is perfect after a day of swooshing downhill and pairs well most appetizers.

Albariño

With clean citrus flavors and high acidity, Albariño is a match made for all things of the sea as well as salty snacks. Albariño is a cheerful companion to fish tacos, ceviche, oysters on the half shell, or even steamed clams. So, if your frosty frolics have left you with a hankering for les fruits de me, then this pairing is for you.

Red wine before dinner? Big bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel can be tad aggressive on the palate as such these wines are best enjoyed with substantial meals. When it comes to a sensational scarlet for cocktail hour, Cinsault (san-soh) is your gal! This wine has a soft as cashmere mouth feel, fruity floral notes, and a dazzling light red garnet color that is similar to Pinot Noir.

And if you happen to find yourself feeling a little peckish, you’re in luck! The traditional pairing for Cinsault is escargot which basically means anything buttery and garlicky will be divine with this wine. Cinsault with its smoky character also pairs beautifully with BBQ and spicy dishes making this wine an all-around winner for the après scene.

However, if icicles are forming on your nose, the last thing you want is a glass of cold anything. In that case, you simply must order one of my favorite winter libations, a Hot Toddy! Also known as Hot Whiskey in Ireland or in some locales “southern cough syrup” the Hot Toddy is a hot cocktail made of hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon. Usually served up with additional aromatics like clove studded lemon, cinnamon stick, and star anise or all the above. This classic concoction will warm you from toes to nose lickety split.