Apres Ski Decor: What To Look For at Antique Stores And Thrift Shops This Winter

There’s something about winter that makes me want to slow down, bundle up, and wander through my favorite antique stores and thrift shops with a hot coffee in hand, hunting for those apres ski decor pieces that instantly make a home feel warm, collected, and a little bit ski lodge.

Apres ski style is one of my favorite winter looks to bring indoors, and this season I’m sharing the vintage finds I keep an eye out for throughout New England, from Vermont to coastal Maine.

From cozy textures to bar cart treasures and old-school alpine details, these are the pieces that create that relaxed, fireside vibe, and they tend to disappear fast, so it’s worth starting your search early. In this guide, I’m sharing apres ski decor ideas you can actually thrift at antique stores and thrift shops, so your winter style feels personal and collected.

What Is Apres Ski Decor

Apres ski decor is the warm, festive style that happens after a day on the slopes. Think vintage winter details, soft textures, and a little party energy, like candlelight, barware, hot cocoa mugs, and layers you can actually live with. Ski lodge decor sets the scene, but apres ski decor is all about the after, the gathering, and the feel-good finishes that make winter entertaining look effortless.

Apres ski decor has a way of making winter feel brighter, even on the gray days. I live in Vermont, and I’m always popping into antique stores and thrift shops looking for pieces that bring in that fireside, come-on-in feeling, like great mugs, a well-loved tray, a good throw, or a vintage ski touch on the wall. If you’ve been wanting to try the apres ski look at home, these are the finds worth watching for.

12 Apres Ski Decor Ideas to Look for This Winter

If you’re shopping for apres ski decor this winter, these are the vintage-style pieces I always keep an eye out for at antique stores and thrift shops. They’re the kinds of finds that make a home feel warm and welcoming after a day outside, and they’re easy to mix into your everyday winter decorating without going overboard.

1. Vintage Skis, Sleds, Snowshoes, And Ice Skates

What To Look For
If you’re starting with the basics of apres ski decor, this is the category that instantly sets the scene, whether you’re hosting an apres ski party, a casual dinner with friends, or just warming up by the fire pit. Keep an eye out for the classic vintage winter pieces: old skis and poles, wooden sleds or toboggans, snowshoes, and ice skates. You don’t need all of them to get the look. Even one great piece can do the job, especially if it has worn patina, interesting straps, or an old-school shape that feels authentic.

How I’d Style It
A pair of vintage skis can be crossed on a wall, leaned on a porch, hung in an entryway, or even repurposed as a coat rack or shot ski if you’re entertaining. A sled or toboggan is an easy styling win; just add a plaid scarf, a bundle of evergreens, or a cozy throw, and lean it near the door or by the fireplace. Snowshoes are my personal favorite because they can jazz up almost any spot, hung over a mantel, styled on a front door, leaned in a corner, or tucked into an entryway like they’re ready for the next snowy day. Ice skates are just as fun and can be hung from a doorknob, a drawer pull, or a hook on the back of a chair, and they look especially good with a simple evergreen sprig tucked into the laces. If you only find white skates, swap in colored laces, like red, blue, or green, for a quick pop that feels playful and still vintage. Explore my Vintage Ski Lodge Decor: A New England Guide to Christmas and Winter Styling post for all the decorating inspiration.

Where I’m Hunting
For these classic apres ski decor pieces, I always keep my eyes open at Stonehouse Antiques in Chester, Vermont, and Sage Farm Antiques, where winter gear and old sporting pieces tend to show up regularly. If you want more ideas for styling skis, snowshoes, sleds, and skates around your home, visit my Vintage Ski Decor Styling Series.

2. Vintage Beverage Carts And Home Bar Furniture

What To Look For
For apres ski decor entertaining, a vintage beverage cart or home bar setup is one of the easiest ways to make the whole space feel intentional, without decorating every surface. Keep an eye out for mobile bar carts you can roll from room to room, old beverage carts with rails or bottle holders, and any small vintage tables that feel sturdy enough to serve as a drink station. Antique stores can also be gold for larger bar pieces, like vintage cabinets, armoires, and even old work tables that can hold glassware, bottles, and a tray of snacks. Explore more ideas in my Vintage Home Bar Ideas: 10 Timeless Designs to Copy Now post.

How I’d Style It
I love a bar cart I can actually move, especially one I can roll out onto the porch for an apres ski gathering, then tuck back into the living room when the party’s over. Start with one good tray, add a stack of cocktail napkins, a vintage cocktail set, and a bowl of citrus or olives, then finish it off with candlelight or a small evergreen touch in winter. If you find a bigger piece, like an armoire or cabinet, style it like a mini home bar with a few bottles, bar tools, and extra glasses, then close the doors when you want the room to feel calm again. And don’t overlook unexpected finds, an old dresser can become a perfect home bar, and vintage trunks can be styled as bar storage with major apres ski decor charm. Discover more apres ski bar cart ideas in my Vintage Bar Cart: 15 Creative Ways to Style Indoors and Out post.

Where I’m Hunting
I spot beverage carts and bar-worthy furniture most often at antique stores that carry mixed furniture and smalls, and I’m always watching for them at the Vermont Antique Mall and York Antiques Gallery.

For More Vintage Home Bar Styling Ideas, Visit These Posts:
→ Vintage Bar Cart: 15 Creative Ways to Style Indoors and Out
→ Vintage Home Bar Ideas: 10 Timeless Designs to Copy Now

3. Vintage Accent Tables And Gathering Tables For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
Apres ski decor is all about creating an easy spot for warm drinks, cocktails, and snacks, and a vintage accent table makes that effortless. When I’m antique shopping, I look for small gathering tables that can work indoors or out, like bistro tables, side tables, old work tables, and folding pieces that are easy to move where people naturally gather. Vintage wallpaper tables are especially perfect for this, because they’re lightweight, charming, and made for casual hosting.

How I’d Style It
For an outdoor apres ski setup, I use a vintage table as a simple gathering spot, then style it with a Mountain Weaver tablecloth, a few mugs or glasses, and one winter touch like evergreens or candlelight. Indoors, the same kind of table works as a mini drink station beside the sofa, near the fireplace, or in an entryway where guests naturally drop in and warm up. The goal isn’t a formal tablescape; it’s a relaxed surface that makes entertaining feel easy and inviting.

Where I’m Hunting
I tend to find the best vintage accent tables and old functional pieces at antique stores that carry both furniture and smalls, and I always keep an eye out at Stonehouse Antiques in Chester, Vermont, and Chandler’s Barn Sale.

For More Vintage Accent Tables And Apres Ski Decor Table ideas, Visit These Posts:
→ How to Transform a Wallpaper Table into Unique Tables
→ Après Ski Themed Party Ideas You’ll Love to Host This Winter
→ Round vs. Rectangular Dining Table: How We Created a Vintage-Inspired Gathering Space

4. Vintage Tableware And Linens For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
When you want apres ski decor to feel pulled together, tableware is where the magic happens. In antique stores and thrift shops, I look for vintage dishes that hint at winter, like snowy landscapes, alpine scenes, ski motifs, or even classic winter sport details that feel playful but still timeless. I also keep an eye out for vintage tablecloths, placemats, and chargers that add texture and pattern fast, plus the little extras that make a table feel special, like cocktail napkins, small serving pieces, and an interesting centerpiece vessel.

How I’d Style It
I like to keep the base simple, then let one or two themed pieces do the talking. A stack of vintage plates with a winter scene, a cozy plaid or woven tablecloth, and a few layered placemats can instantly say apres ski without looking formalized. For centerpieces, I love using something unexpected and vintage, like an old ski boot turned into a planter with a winter plant or greens tucked inside. And if I want the table to glow, I’ll add a few demijohn bottles with candles or greenery, because they give that warm, gathered feel that apres ski is all about.

Where I’m Hunting
These are the kinds of finds that show up when you’re patient and keep looking, especially in antique stores that have lots of smalls mixed in with furniture. I’m always watching for vintage table pieces at thrift stores and and antique stores. And if you want to see exactly how I pull this look together, explore my Après-Ski Table Setting Ideas for a Cozy Winter Gathering post.

For More Vintage Tableware And Linens For Apres Ski Decor, Visit These Posts:
→ Vintage-Inspired Table Settings for Every Season: Indoor & Outdoor Styling Ideas You’ll Love
→ Après Ski Themed Party Ideas You’ll Love to Host This Winter

5. Vintage Glassware For Apres Ski Decor Entertaining

What To Look For
Vintage glassware is one of the easiest ways to nail apres ski decor, and it’s also one of the most fun things to hunt for because it shows up everywhere right now. In antique stores, thrift shops, and flea markets, look for retro bar glasses and mid-century styles in bold shapes and colors, plus classic sets that feel more timeless. I always keep an eye out for a mix of sizes, like rocks glasses, flutes, champagne coupes, wine goblets, and cocktail glasses, because apres ski entertaining usually means you’re serving more than one kind of drink.

How I’d Style It
If you want an instant apres ski vibe, go a little funky with your glassware. Mid-century pieces in colors like orange, turquoise, smoky tones, or anything with a retro pattern can make a bar cart or drink station feel playful and fresh, even without a winter motif. For a more classic look, I love using my Jeannette blue and white glassware set on a beverage cart; it feels collected, pretty, and still winter-friendly. The best part is you don’t have to match everything. Mixing colors like amethyst, cobalt, greens, and blues can look intentional when you repeat just one or two tones across the cart or table.

Where I’m Hunting
Vintage glassware is one of the easiest apres ski decor finds to thrift, and you can usually build a great collection without spending much. I find the best variety at thrift shops and flea markets, and I’m always scanning antique stores for the special pieces or a full set. Don’t overthink it. If a glass breaks, it breaks. That’s part of the fun of collecting thrifted glassware for real-life entertaining.

6. Vintage Fondue Sets For An Apres Ski Gathering

A fondue set is one of those apres ski decor finds that doubles as the main event, and if you can thrift one, even better. When you’re hunting antique stores, flea markets, and thrift shops, check the kitchen and small appliance sections for fondue pots, burners, forks, and complete sets tucked into boxes. The best finds have a little vintage charm, like cast iron, enamel, or classic retro styles, but even a simple set works beautifully for winter entertaining.

How I’d Style It
Fondue is basically the ultimate apres ski food because it turns the table into an experience and keeps everyone gathered. Cheese fondue is the obvious choice, but it’s not the only one. I love the idea of setting out bread cubes, crackers, and veggies for dipping, or going savory with a hot broth and bite-sized meats for a cozy, interactive dinner. It’s fun for guests, and it’s surprisingly easy for the host, because everyone serves themselves and the setup does the work.

Where I’m Hunting
I always look for fondue sets at thrift stores and flea markets first, and I make a point to check the kitchen aisle and appliance area every single time. If you’re shopping locally, keep an eye out at Goodwill Northern New England stores, because these kinds of entertaining pieces tend to show up when people are clearing out cupboards. And if you don’t thrift one right away, you can still work a fondue set into your apres ski gatherings by using what you have and upgrading later when the perfect vintage one turns up. Explore more thrifting finds like this in my Winter Home Decor Ideas from Goodwill Northern New England: My Thrifted $30 KitchenAid Mixer post.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

7. Vintage Coasters And Retro Drink Accessories For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
Vintage coasters are a small detail that makes apres ski decor feel instantly more collected, and they’re usually easy to find without spending much. In thrift stores and antique shops, look for boxed coaster sets, especially those with wood or cork styles featuring winter scenes, woodland patterns, or the retro mid-century look that evokes an old family living room. You’ll often spot them stacked in little boxes or tucked near barware and serving pieces, and even if the set isn’t perfect, the charm is in the mix.

How I’d Style It
I love using vintage coasters anywhere people naturally set down a drink, such as a bar cart, side table, coffee table, ottoman, or even directly on the kitchen counter during a gathering. They’re practical, but they’re also a conversation piece, and that’s very apres ski, relaxed, social, and a little nostalgic. If traditional coasters aren’t your thing, you can also get creative with vintage finds that work the same way, like small doilies, tiny plates, or other flat vintage pieces that protect surfaces while adding texture and character.

Where I’m Hunting
Thrift stores are my best source for vintage coaster sets because they show up often, and most people overlook them. I always check the housewares area and the shelves near serving pieces, and if I see a couple of good sets, I grab them. It’s one of those easy finds you’ll actually use all winter long. Another favorite is the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market.

8. Sheepskins For Layered Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
Sheepskins are one of my favorite apres ski decor finds because they instantly add softness, texture, and that warm, just-came-in-from-the-cold feeling. When you’re shopping in antique stores and flea markets, look for real sheepskins with good pile, clean backing, and natural variation in color. Don’t worry if they don’t all match; mixing tones, like ivory, cream, brown, gray, or even darker pieces, actually makes the look feel more relaxed and collected.

How I’d Style It
A sheepskin can do a lot with almost no effort. I use mine as a small rug, tossed over the back of a couch, layered at the end of a bed, and draped over bar stools or kitchen stools to warm up a space fast. For apres ski gatherings, I love putting one under a bar cart on the porch or over the seat of a chair near the fire; it makes the whole setup feel inviting and a little special. You can even hang a sheepskin on a wall or fold one over a bench, and they also make a gift people genuinely love and actually use. Discover more sheepskin decorating ideas in my 15 Sheepskin Decor Ideas: These Photos Say Yes to Cozy post.

Where I’m Hunting
I look for sheepskins at antique stores and flea markets first, especially in the colder months when winter textiles show up more often.

9. Vintage Ski Resort Ephemera To Frame And Display For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
If you want apres ski decor that feels unique and conversation-worthy, look for vintage ski resort paper goods and small memorabilia you can display. Keep an eye out for old trail maps, lift tickets, race bibs, lodge brochures, postcards, matchbooks, stickers, and ski school patches. These little pieces don’t take up much space, but they add instant alpine personality, and they make your apres ski decor feel collected, not themed.

How I’d Style It
The easiest way to use ski resort ephemera is to frame it. A vintage trail map, an old road map from a ski town, a set of postcards, or a few ski school patches in simple frames can become instant wall decor in an entryway, hallway, or over a bar cart. And if you stumble on a great vintage ski sweater, don’t overlook it as decor; you can frame it like textile art or drape it over a chair for that effortless apres ski feel. For smaller pieces like matchbooks and brochures, I like to scatter them intentionally, stack a few on a side table, tuck brochures into a basket, or add a small pile to your gathering table near mugs and snacks so guests can flip through them.

Where I’m Hunting
These are the kinds of apres ski decor details that show up in the best places. I look for them at flea markets, antique stores, and local thrift shops, especially in bins of old paper, postcards, and travel souvenirs. You can also find great pieces right at ski mountains, in local town shops, and sometimes even in lodge areas where older items get donated or sold off. If you spot even one good trail map or a stack of old postcards, grab them. They’re easy to style, and they instantly tell a winter story.

→ For More Vintage Framing Ideas, Visit How to Frame a Vintage Swimsuit for Unique Coastal Wall Decor Ideas.

10. Vintage Thermoses And Mugs For Hot Cocoa Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
For hot cocoa apres ski decor, vintage thermoses and mugs are such an easy win because they’re practical and they instantly set the scene. In antique stores and flea markets, look for old thermoses in different sizes and shapes, classic silver ones, plaid wraps, and retro colors that feel a little playful. Mismatched is totally fine here. A short, round thermos with a great color combo can be more fun than a perfectly matched set. Pair them with vintage mugs, camp-style mugs, or any sturdy handled cups that feel ready for warm drinks.

How I’d Style It
A little lineup of thermoses on a bar cart, sideboard, or gathering table makes apres ski entertaining feel effortless. Fill one with hot chocolate, another with coffee, and another with warm cider, then let guests help themselves. For outdoor gatherings, thermoses are especially handy because they keep drinks warm and look charming at the same time. You can even style them as part of the decor, group a few together as a casual centerpiece, add a small stack of mugs, and tuck in something simple like a plaid napkin or an evergreen sprig nearby. It’s the kind of detail that feels festive without trying too hard.

Where I’m Hunting
I find vintage thermoses most often in antique stores and flea markets, especially in booths with kitchenware, camping gear, and old travel pieces. These are also fun and surprisingly easy to shop for online if you’re looking for a specific color or style, like Etsy or eBay, because there’s a wide variety out there. And if you spot a great one in person, grab it, they’re one of those apres ski decor finds you’ll use every winter. Looking for vintage apres ski decor online? Discover a few of my favorite sites in my Top 23 Places to Buy Vintage Decor Online (Trusted + Unique Sources) post.

11. Vintage Cowbells, Small Bells, And Alpine Folk Pieces For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
Cowbells are such a classic apres ski detail, especially if you love that ski race energy where you can literally hear the cheering from the sidelines. When you’re antiquing or thrifting, look for real vintage cowbells with a worn finish, leather straps, sturdy hardware, or any little bell set that feels old-world and Alpine. Smaller bells, sleigh bells, and folk-style bells work too, especially if they have interesting patina or a unique shape that feels collected.

How I’d Style It
These are the kind of tiny accents that make apres ski decor feel fun without taking over the room. Tie a cowbell onto skates or snowshoes with an evergreen sprig, hang one from a doorknob or a drawer pull, or add a bell to a wreath for a subtle Alpine touch. If you find a few, try grouping them together. A small cluster hung from a hook, layered on a mantel, or styled on a tray near your bar cart adds that warm, festive, post-ski vibe in seconds.

Where I’m Hunting
I find cowbells and bells most often at antique stores and flea markets, especially mixed into bins of hardware, tools, and old holiday pieces. They’re also a fun thing to spot in ski towns where older sporting traditions show up in local shops. One of my favorite cowbell collections belongs to my friend Bernadette from B Home With Bernadette, pictured above.

12. Vintage Lodge Games And Puzzle Night Finds For Apres Ski Decor

What To Look For
Apres ski decor isn’t only about what you hang on the wall, it’s also about what you do once everyone’s warmed up. That’s why vintage games are such a fun thing to look for when you’re thrifting and antiquing. Keep an eye out for old backgammon sets, playing cards, cribbage boards, vintage chess sets, wooden dominoes, and even classic puzzles with great artwork. The best ones feel a little timeworn, have a sturdy box, and look charming enough to leave out as part of your winter decor.

How I’d Style It
I like to keep vintage games out where people naturally gather, because they make an apres ski night feel relaxed and social. In our living room, I’ll style a chessboard right on the ottoman in front of the fireplace, layered with a sheepskin, so it feels inviting and ready for an easy game night. And don’t overlook the bigger, older board games you’ll spot in antique stores; some are so beautiful they work as decor too, leaned on a shelf, propped on a table, or even hung on the wall like vintage folk art. If you want to see how I style our ottoman as part of a cozy winter setup, discover more in my Ottoman Décor Ideas with Vintage Charm for a Cozy, Slipcovered Living Room post.

Where I’m Hunting
Thrift stores are the best place to find vintage games affordably, and they’re often more plentiful than you’d expect. Check the shelves near housewares, the book section, and any endcaps with puzzles and board games. If you stop at a thrift store today, there’s a good chance you’ll find at least one, and it’s the kind of apres ski decor you’ll actually use all winter.

Quick Apres Ski Decor Shopping Checklist

Vintage skis, sleds, snowshoes, ice skates, or ski boots
A vintage beverage cart or home bar furniture piece
Retro vintage glassware for cocktails and champagne
A fondue set for easy apres ski entertaining
Vintage coasters for bar carts and side tables
Vintage thermoses and mugs for hot cocoa and warm drinks
Sheepskins for a layered apres ski texture on chairs and benches
Vintage ski resort paper finds to frame and display
Cowbells and small bells for an Alpine-inspired accent
Vintage lodge games and puzzle night finds to leave out and play

Where I Shop For Apres Ski Decor In Vermont

If you’re hunting for apres ski decor in Vermont, these are the antique stops I check again and again for vintage ski gear, barware, cozy layers, and the little alpine details that make winter entertaining feel special. I like to pop in with a flexible list, because the best finds are usually the ones you didn’t plan for.

Bring The Apres Ski Decor Vibe Home All Winter Long

The best part about apres ski decor is that it doesn’t have to be formal or expensive to feel special. A few vintage finds, like ski gear, glassware, a cozy sheepskin, or a stack of old games, can turn an everyday winter night into something that feels warm, welcoming, and ready for friends.

If you’re craving more apres ski lodge decor ideas, I’ll link a few of my favorite posts next, including cozy porch gatherings, indoor table settings, vintage ski lodge decorating inspiration, and simple ways to style vintage winter finds throughout your home.

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Shop Favorite Apres Ski Decor Accents

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.