Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor: Vintage Ski Lodge Style In The Vermont Mountains

As soon as the skis and snowshoes land back on the porch, I want it to feel like a tiny Vermont ski lodge waiting to wrap you in a blanket. This après ski Christmas porch decor is all about vintage skis, snowshoes, a glowing Christmas tree, pots of evergreens, plump pillows, and cozy throws, layered around simple touches like a hot cocoa bar, DIY ice buckets, and ice lanterns. Step outside with a mug in hand, and I will show you how to recreate this relaxed ski lodge style on your own covered porch, whether you live in the mountains or not.

What’s in Our Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor: A Quick Look

Here’s a quick look at everything I styled on our Vermont porch this year for a festive après ski Christmas vibe:

What Is Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor?

Après ski literally means “after skiing,” and après ski Christmas porch decor is all about what happens once the skis and snowshoes are leaned up and everyone is ready to thaw out. Think of it as your cozy landing spot at home, a little Vermont ski lodge right on the porch. With the mountains in the distance, this porch is where vintage skis, snowshoes, and a crate of evergreens meet twinkling retro Christmas lights, blankets, and pillows for that relaxed, after-ski feel.

Instead of feeling formal or modern, apres ski Christmas porch decor is warm, inviting, and a little bit playful. You might spot a French ski bob “pulling” in a fresh tree, urns filled with evergreens and birch logs, and vintage ski sweaters or hand-knit mittens waiting to be grabbed on the next snowy day. It’s the kind of porch that makes you want to kick off your boots, wrap up in a throw, and linger outside just a little longer, even in the cold.

Our Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor In The Vermont Mountains

Welcome to our après ski Christmas porch in the Vermont mountains, where vintage ski lodge decor is just part of everyday life. This is the spot where the tree “arrives” from the slopes, snowshoes and skis lean against the beams, and cozy layers invite you to pause before heading inside. Come take a little porch tour and see how we pulled together a relaxed, vintage-inspired après ski look for the holidays.

A French Alps Ski Bob Delivers Après Christmas to Our Vermont Porch

Last fall, while antiquing in Paris, I stumbled across this vintage French Alps ski bob and instantly fell in love. I had no idea where it would go or how I’d use it, just that it needed to come home with me. This year, it became the heart of our après ski Christmas porch decor, complete with a simple wreath, a burgundy bow, and a plaid wool blanket draped over the seat, as if someone just stepped inside to warm up.

To tie it all together (literally), I added a pair of vintage-style leather reins, thanks to a little creative help from ChatGPT. Now it looks like the ski bob just pulled in our fresh Christmas tree, straight from the French Alps to Vermont.

Vintage Ski Boots and Foot Skis Add a Finishing Touch to our French ski bob

Once the porch came together, I couldn’t resist a little more dabbling. I tucked a pair of vintage black leather ski boots into two red foot skis, an original accessory designed to be worn alongside the vintage French ski bob. These mini skis would’ve kept your feet steady while riding downhill, and now they’re the perfect accent, nestled beside a plaid blanket and a wreath with a burgundy bow. It’s a playful little detail that brings even more vintage charm to our après ski Christmas porch decor.

A Crated Christmas Tree with Retro Lights on Our Après Ski Porch

The tree itself is nestled in an old vintage tea crate I found a few years ago while thrifting. Its faded markings, Choice New Seasons Uncolored Japan Tea, and Pacific Railway tell the story of a time when Japan’s prized first seasonal harvest traveled across the globe to the U.S. via the Transcontinental Railway. Pairing that history with the ski bob’s European charm brought a sense of global nostalgia to this year’s vintage ski lodge-style porch.

I wrapped the tree in retro colored lights for that classic glow and tucked it between two urns filled with fresh evergreens and birch logs. It’s simple, playful, and full of stories, everything I love about decorating for Christmas in Vermont.

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Vintage Snowshoes and Garland Wrapped Beams for Après Ski Porch Style

Every year, I wrap our porch beams with fresh evergreen garland from our local Vermont nursery. Each post takes one 15-foot strand, which I secure with a single nail at the top and bottom to keep it snug, especially important with the mountain winds we get up here. It’s one of those simple touches that warms the entire porch, whether you’re looking out from the house or walking up to it. I’ve done something similar in the fall using corn husks, and it always makes the space feel finished and welcoming.

This year, I added a vintage twist at the entry: one wooden snowshoe on each of the two front porch posts, right above our evergreen urns. I considered crisscrossing them as I did with red skis last year, but I kept it simple with one each, less to battle against the wind, and still just as charming. A single burgundy bow on each snowshoe tied it all together with the rest of the porch’s vintage après ski vibe.

It’s these little details, garland, snowshoes, and a pop of red that bring out the nostalgic Vermont ski lodge feel I love so much.

Evergreen Urns and Birch Logs: Anchoring Our Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor

Right at the entry to our porch, just beneath the vintage snowshoes and garland-wrapped beams, sit two plastic urns overflowing with fresh evergreens, birch logs, and pinecones. They’ve become a holiday tradition here, simple, natural, and so very New England. I found the urns at a going-out-of-business sale and gave them new life with a few coats of Essex Green paint. You’d never guess they started out as lightweight plastic.

To fill them, I pack the base with dirt and tuck in layers of evergreen clippings, standing birch logs in the center for height and structure. Pinecones get scattered throughout for texture, and inside each urn are a few hidden rocks to keep everything grounded against those winter winds. I like them full and overflowing, it’s the Vermont way.

They add just the right balance and anchor the porch with a rustic, welcoming feel that complements all the vintage ski lodge decor around them.

If you’re styling your own evergreen displays for après ski Christmas porch decor, don’t be afraid to keep it simple and go heavy on the greens. Whether you’re using a painted urn, a weathered bucket, or a vintage galvanized tub, it’s all about layering texture, height, and nature’s best cuttings to welcome guests in from the cold.

DIY note: Want to see how I transformed these simple urns? Check out my These DIY Plastic Urn Planters Fool Everyone—My Vermont Porch Secret post.

Cozy Pillows, Vintage Throws, and Ski Lodge Style with Thrifted Finds

When it comes to après ski Christmas porch decor, layering in cozy textures is what makes everything feel warm and lived-in, like you’ve just come in from the slopes and want to stay outside just a little longer. This year, I pulled out some of my favorite ski lodge-style pillows and throws to create that welcoming look on our covered Vermont porch.

The pillows? All Chandler 4 Corners hand-hooked wool and made right here in Manchester, Vermont. I’ve loved their designs for years and have their rugs in both our homes, but believe it or not, I found all three of these pillows at our local thrift store for just $8 each. Talk about a vintage win. Their textures and playful motifs add just the right touch of lodge charm to the porch furniture.

How Vintage Ski Clothing Adds Personality to an Après Ski Porch

For an extra bit of character, I always bring out some vintage ski clothing, thrifted wool sweaters, old jackets, hand-knit mittens, Wellie boots, and a few quirky ski hats I’ve picked up over the years. Even when they’re not being worn, they make great props. I’ll hang a sweater over the arm of a chair, place a pair of mittens on the table, or toss a few hats in a basket for guests to grab. It’s a fun way to layer in that ski lodge personality without spending much.

Whether it’s a big wool throw, luxury sheepskins, a vintage ski hat, old boots, or just a single hooked pillow, these are the kinds of details that turn a porch into a true après ski gathering space. And the best part? Most of it was found secondhand.

Ice Lanterns and a DIY Ice Bucket for Après Ski Christmas Porch Glow

Even the coziest après ski Christmas porch decor can use a little sparkle, and for me, that usually comes from ice. I love creating simple ice lanterns and DIY ice buckets to set the mood, especially when fresh snow is in the forecast. They add a soft glow and a touch of winter magic to our small après ski table without taking over the space.

This year, I’ll be adding a few classic ice lanterns to the porch, made from water, greens, and a light tucked inside. They’re quick to make and always a hit when the sun goes down, and the snow starts falling. I’ll also create a small DIY ice bucket to place on the table, just enough to keep a bottle chilled if we decide to stay out a little longer.

If you’re looking to go bigger with your outdoor entertaining, I have a full après ski outdoor gathering post with vintage bar cart ideas, drink station setups, and even a cocoa bar with all the cozy extras:

Even one lantern or ice bucket can bring that inviting glow to a porch decorated for the season. It’s simple, beautiful, and the kind of detail that makes winter evenings feel extra special.

Retro Christmas Lights That Complete Our Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor

No après ski Christmas porch decor is complete without the magical glow of retro lights. Along the top of our porch, I strung warm white Christmas lights with a vintage-style yellow hue, softer than bright white, and perfect for that nostalgic lodge look. I also added a second strand in colorful bulbs for our outdoor tree, creating a playful, old-fashioned glow that feels right at home in the snowy Vermont mountains.

Both styles are affordable, reusable, and found on Amazon. We put them on timers, so they come to life every evening, just one more reason this porch has become our favorite place to celebrate the season. These twinkling lights bring the whole après ski look together, and our neighbors agree, it’s a Christmas classic.

Vintage Finds to Collect for Après Ski Christmas Porch Decor

One of the best parts of creating an après ski Christmas porch is the thrill of the hunt, collecting vintage pieces that tell a story and bring cozy ski lodge style to life. Whether you’re styling a full winter porch or just want to add one standout piece this season, here are some of my favorite vintage finds to look for:

Vintage Skis and Snowshoes for Ski Lodge Porch Style

The foundation of any ski lodge porch. Hang them on the door, hang them on beams, or crisscross them over your entryway. I pick mine up at yard sales and flea markets, much cheaper than antique stores, but just as charming.

Vintage Sleds, Jack Jumpers, and Ski Bobs for Après Ski Decor

Wooden sleds are easy to find and work well propped on a table or used as a riser. Jack jumpers and ski bobs (like my French Alps ski bob from Paris) add instant character and a sense of nostalgia. Bonus: Jack Jumpers have roots right here in Vermont.

Vintage Ski Boots and Poles for Winter Porch Styling

I love scattering old ski boots around the porch or using them as centerpieces filled with greens. They’re harder to find, but antique stores often have them if you keep an eye out.

Vintage Ski Sweaters, Mittens, and Hats for a Cozy Touch

Whether worn or simply displayed, vintage ski clothing adds personality and a playful touch. Thrift stores are the best spots to score these at low prices.

Leather Reins or Harness Straps for Decorative Details

These make a great prop to “connect” vintage sleds or ski bobs to a tree or crate, like a winter delivery in motion. Look for them in tack shops, antique stores, or even online.

Crates, Buckets, and Galvanized Tubs for Rustic Container Styling

Perfect for holding a Christmas tree, kindling, evergreens, or pinecones. My tree sits in an old tea crate from the Pacific Railway, which adds another layer of story and texture.

Wool Blankets and Hand-Hooked Pillows for Vintage Lodge Style

Add warmth, color, and texture. I found my Chandler 4 Corners pillows at a local thrift shop, and they’ve become a porch favorite every winter.

Vintage Basket Backpacks for Winter Porch Displays

These are such a hidden gem, used originally for hauling gear or kindling, they make the perfect porch accessory. Try hanging one on your front door or filling it with fresh greens and berries for a festive, rustic touch.

No matter where you live, collecting vintage pieces for your porch doesn’t have to happen all at once. Pick up what you love, display it in new ways each season, and let your après ski style evolve naturally.

Looking for more vintage ski lodge decorating ideas or ways to style your own après ski Christmas porch decor? From cozy cabin touches to creative ways to use vintage skis, snowshoes, and sleds, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in my Vintage Ski Lodge Decor series below. Whether you’re decorating for winter, Christmas, or planning an après ski gathering, these posts are filled with seasonal styling ideas to warm up any space.

Tips to Start Your Own Après Ski Christmas Ski Porch Decor

Dreaming of creating your own cozy après ski Christmas porch decor? Whether you live in the mountains or just want to bring that Vermont lodge vibe to your entryway, here are a few easy tips to help you get started:

Whether you’re going for full après ski charm or just a hint of it, you don’t need much to create a warm welcome. Start with what you have, collect what you love, and let the rest come together over time.

More Vintage Ski Lodge And Après Christmas Porch Decor Ideas

If you’re craving even more vintage ski lodge inspiration after this après ski Christmas porch decor tour, here are a few more ideas and posts you might enjoy.

This porch tells a story, from flea market finds to French ski bobs.
Now I’d love to hear yours.
→ Tell me in the comments: What’s your favorite piece of vintage Christmas decor?

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