Après Ski Themed Party Ideas You’ll Love to Host This Winter

The winter season is here, and what better way to unwind after a day on the slopes than with an après-ski themed party right on your porch? Picture the sun dipping behind the Vermont mountains, the air crisp, and the pellet stove glowing as friends gather around a rustic table dressed in vintage ski lodge style.

This isn’t your typical indoor ski lodge soirée; it’s all about embracing the outdoors with steaming mugs of hot cocoa, hearty comfort food, and vintage touches that make your space feel timeless and inviting. From quilted throws to a DIY ice bucket and flickering candles, these ideas will help you create a laid-back mountain gathering that celebrates the cozy side of winter in true New England style.

How to Host an Après Ski Themed Party

An après ski themed party doesn’t need to be overthought; that’s the beauty of it. After a morning on the slopes or just enjoying the winter weather, it’s about creating a relaxed spot to gather, preferably outdoors on a sunny afternoon.

I set up our Vermont porch with a simple vintage wallpaper table, a few thrifted finds, and cozy ski lodge decor touches collected over the years. Guests come and go, grab a hot cocoa or something stronger from the bar cart inside, then head back out to mingle around the table, drop their gloves, and warm up by the pellet stove. It’s casual, a little nostalgic, and full of personality, just the way I like it.

Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Ideas for the Perfect Après Ski Party

When it comes to creating the perfect après ski atmosphere, the magic lies in layering cozy textures with vintage finds. I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite vintage ski lodge decor ideas, as well as simple, timeless pieces that bring nostalgic mountain charm to any winter gathering.

Think old wooden skis, well-loved ski boots, and vintage poles propped beside the porch rail or nestled into a snowbank. Add in plaid handmade quilts, antique snowshoes, demijohns with candles, and evergreens tucked into crocks, and your space instantly transforms into a snow-covered retreat that feels straight out of a classic Vermont ski lodge.

The best part? You don’t need to buy new. Most of these treasures can be thrifted, collected over time, or pulled from your own stash of winter decor. Hang a pair of mittens from a hook, layer in a sled, or scatter some snow-dusted pinecones; it’s all about embracing the relaxed, welcoming spirit of an après ski themed party outdoors.

Come, be part of the magic!

Love this look? Keep the cozy going!
Explore more Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Ideas from our Vermont and Maine homes, complete with sleds, snowshoes, toboggans, and snowy porch scenes that celebrate winter in true New England style. ⟶ Dive into the full Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Series here:

Après Ski Themed Party Table Ideas for a Cozy Outdoor Porch Gathering

The heart of any après ski themed party is simple: it’s all about gathering. After a long day outdoors, rosy-cheeked friends wander back to the porch, kick off their boots, and drop their gloves on the table before diving into easy conversation and laughter. The beauty of an après ski party is in its casual charm: nothing too polished or perfect.

Styling an Après Ski Table Around a Rustic Wallpaper Table

To set the scene for our après ski themed party, I pulled out one of my favorite pieces: a vintage wooden wallpaper table. Its long, narrow shape and timeworn charm make it the perfect anchor for outdoor gatherings like this. Topped with a bright red Mountain Weaver tablecloth, it adds just the right pop of color to the snow-covered Vermont porch, instantly cheerful, inviting, and oh-so-ski-lodge.

At the center of the table, I styled a collection of four vintage demijohn bottles, each one found over the years on thrift store stops and antiquing road trips across New England. It’s a simple setup, but one that speaks volumes.

When the sun starts to dip, I light Northern Lights Bottelabra taper holders inside the demijohns, and the entire table transforms. The flickering candlelight glows against the glass and reflects off the snow just beyond the porch. It’s quiet magic, vintage, cozy, and unmistakably après ski.

But this isn’t a table meant for fuss. You’ll find mugs of hot cocoa scattered about, an inviting silver champagne bucket, and maybe a mitten or two left behind. Guests drift in and out from the bar cart inside and the hot cocoa station out, then circle back to gather around the warmth of the outdoor pellet stove and swap stories from the slopes.

Messy? A little. Memorable? Absolutely.

Decorating with Vintage Wallpaper Tables

If you’ve fallen for this vintage wallpaper table as much as I have, you’ll love my full Guide to How to Transform a Wallpaper Table into Unique Tables. In it, I share creative ways to style these charming pieces year-round, from rustic winter gatherings to cottage-style summer displays. It’s proof that one well-loved vintage find can become the centerpiece of your home in every season.

Layering with Blankets for Après-Ski Comfort and Charm

Nothing says après ski comfort like a few well-placed cozy layers. I draped vintage quilts and classic Pendleton blankets over the backs of our porch chairs, adding instant warmth, texture, and that nostalgic lodge-style charm I love. It’s a simple detail that makes a big impact, both visually and for keeping guests snug on a sunny winter day.

These soft layers invite everyone to settle in, sip something warm, and linger just a little longer at the table. Whether it’s a plaid wool throw or a faded quilt passed down through generations, the mix of patterns and textures adds a collected, relaxed vibe to the whole gathering.

Vintage-Inspired Winter Dishes with a Practical Twist

To complete our après ski table, I reached for my favorite winter dishware: the Winter Wonderland collection from Bico. With their red and white snowy village scenes, these mugs and plates look like something straight out of a vintage ski chalet, but they’re actually modern, affordable, and dishwasher safe.

I scattered the mugs across the table for guests to grab and sip from, with a few plates tucked in here and there for snacks and sweet treats. They add just the right pop of alpine charm without the worry of breakage, making them perfect for casual winter gatherings on the porch.

More Winter Table Ideas with Winter Wonderland Dinnerware

These red and white Winter Wonderland dishes from Bico Toile de Jouy are a favorite for après ski themed parties and cozy winter gatherings. Discover how I’ve styled them in other seasonal tablescapes for inspiration that’s both charming and practical.

How to Make a DIY Ice Bucket for Your Après Ski Themed Party Table

A DIY ice bucket is one of my favorite vintage-inspired touches to add to an après ski themed party table, and it’s easier to make than you might think. I created mine using a bottle of Limoncello, but any liquor bottle that can handle freezing works beautifully.

Styled on a vintage cake stand with champagne glasses close by, this icy creation sat right at the center of our outdoor Vermont porch table, catching the sunlight and setting the mood. Whether you’re hosting outdoors around a fire or inside by the bar cart, it’s a festive and functional detail that elevates the entire gathering.

Even better? These DIY ice buckets make charming hostess gifts. Just freeze your bottle of choice in advance, add seasonal greenery or fruit slices for a decorative touch, and bring it along to your next winter party. They’re perfect for après ski celebrations, New Year’s toasts, or just cozy evenings at home.

You can find all the step-by-step instructions (and more ways to style it) in this easy DIY Ice Bucket: How to Make Chic Floral Party Buckets post.

Après Ski Themed Hot Chocolate and Cocktail Bar Ideas for Indoor & Outdoor Parties

When most people think of outdoor bar carts, they imagine elaborate setups, but for an après ski themed party, simple is best. It’s cold outside, and you want guests to be able to move comfortably between the warmth of indoors and the charm of your wintry porch.

That’s why I recommend keeping your outdoor drink station easy to manage. Set up just a few key items outside, mugs, marshmallows, and a scarf-wrapped cart, while keeping the bulk of your drinks and toppings indoors. This way, you can still create a cozy, festive moment without the fuss.

Outdoor Après-Ski Themed Party Bar Cart with Hot Chocolate Charm

Create a warm welcome for guests by styling your cart right on the porch or patio. Here’s how to keep it simple and festive in the cold:

This bar cart is where the warm drinks begin and the laughter flows, the perfect welcoming spot for guests to bundle up, grab a mug, and embrace the magic of winter.

Indoor Cocktail Cart with Vintage Winter Style

Once the sun sets or guests head inside to warm up, your bar cart can easily transition from a hot cocoa station to a charming après ski cocktail setup. It doesn’t take much, just a few vintage touches, warm lighting, and easy-to-make drinks to turn a simple cart into a cozy indoor gathering spot.

Keep it low-key but thoughtful, with pieces that feel collected, nostalgic, and just a bit celebratory. Here’s how to style your vintage cocktail cart for indoor winter entertaining:

More Vintage Beverage Cart and Bar Styling Ideas

Looking for even more ways to style your beverage cart or create a charming vintage bar setup? From DIY ice buckets to creative drink station ideas, these posts are filled with inspiration for indoor and outdoor entertaining all year long. Whether you’re curating a cozy après ski bar or dreaming up a vintage cocktail nook, you’ll find plenty of ideas to mix, pour, and style with flair.

DIY Ice Lanterns to Light Up Your Après Ski Themed Party

If you really want to make your après ski themed party sparkle, try adding a few handmade ice lanterns. These frozen candle holders bring instant winter magic to any outdoor space, glowing softly against the snow and creating the prettiest alpine ambiance. They’re simple to make, endlessly creative, and always a hit with guests of all ages.

I’ve shared a few versions over the years, from classic DIY ice candles to larger ice lanterns made with balloons, and each one adds a cozy, old-fashioned charm to winter gatherings. They’re the perfect finishing touch for an outdoor table, porch display, or any après-ski celebration that calls for a little extra glow.

Whether you’re lining your porch with flickering candlelight or placing them around your après ski hot chocolate bar, these frozen luminaries create a cozy, alpine-inspired vibe that guests of all ages will love.

Stay Cozy and Warm at Your Après Ski Themed Outdoor Party

Every great après ski themed party needs one essential element: warmth. Whether it’s the glow of good company or the flicker of firelight, keeping guests comfortable outdoors is key. Our favorite way to do that is with a Big Timber wood pellet stove, which has become the heart of our porch gatherings here in Vermont.

We gifted it to ourselves one Christmas, and it’s been the ultimate winter companion ever since. This freestanding stove burns clean wood pellets, creating the feel of a bonfire without the smoke or mess. It’s perfect for chilly days and long winter evenings, especially when paired with cozy blankets and a cup of something warm in hand.

If you’ve been looking for a way to add both charm and heat to your outdoor space, this might just be it. It’s simple to use, looks beautiful on a porch or deck, and keeps the après ski spirit going long after the sun sets. Learn more about our wood pellet stove setup and how we use it for outdoor gatherings → Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater: Why Big Timber Stove

Après Ski Themed Party Checklist for a Cozy Winter Gathering

Planning your own après ski themed party? Keep it simple, cozy, and full of personality with these easy-to-gather essentials. This list combines vintage charm with practical touches that make outdoor entertaining a breeze, no ski lodge required!

Après Ski Themed Party Essentials:

Bringing the Après Ski Themed Party to Life

There’s something timeless about gathering outdoors on a winter day, the laughter, the rosy cheeks, the cozy layers, and the easy comfort of good company. An après ski themed party doesn’t have to be extravagant to feel special. With a few vintage touches, a warm fire, and a simple table dressed in your favorite finds, you can turn even the snowiest afternoon into a memory that lasts long after the season ends.

So pour the cocoa, light the candles, and invite your favorite people to linger just a little longer. After all, that’s what après ski is all about, slowing down, savoring the moment, and finding warmth in the magic of winter gatherings.

Ready for more ideas?
→ Explore my Vintage Ski Lodge Decor: A New England Guide to Holiday and Winter Styling for more cozy inspiration, from nostalgic porch styling to après ski entertaining ideas you’ll love to try this winter.

If you love cozy après ski gatherings and winter decorating with vintage charm, you’ll adore these vintage Christmas decorating ideas. From festive porch displays to nostalgic table settings and classic holiday décor, these posts are filled with simple, creative ways to bring timeless Christmas warmth into your home this season.

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