Is 'après-ski' used as a verb?

No, it is exclusively a noun (and a noun adjunct, as in 'après-ski boots'). Using it as a verb ('to apres-ski') is considered informal and non-standard.

Do you need a hyphen in 'après-ski'?

Yes, the standard English spelling retains the hyphen: 'après-ski'.

Can 'après-ski' refer to things other than drinking?

Yes, while often associated with bars, it can include any social or relaxing activity like dining, spa visits, games, or live music in a ski resort context.

Is this term used outside of skiing contexts?

Very rarely. It is sometimes humorously adapted (e.g., 'après-beach' for post-beach socializing), but this is not standard.

Is “apres-ski” formal?

Apres-ski is usually informal, lifestyle, travel in register.

How do you pronounce “apres-ski”?

Apres-ski: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.reɪ ˈskiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑː.preɪ ˈskiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

apres-ski: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌæp.reɪ ˈskiː/US/ˌɑː.preɪ ˈskiː/

Informal, lifestyle, travel

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “apres-ski” mean?

The social activities, entertainment, and relaxation that take place after a day of skiing.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The social activities, entertainment, and relaxation that take place after a day of skiing.

Can refer broadly to the social scene, fashion, and lifestyle associated with ski resorts, including activities like dining, drinking, and socializing in lodges or bars.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is largely identical, understood in both cultures with ski resort exposure. Slightly more prevalent in UK English due to Alpine holiday culture.

Connotations

Both associate it with a lively, often upscale, social scene. May imply expensive drinks and fashionable clothing.

Frequency

Low frequency in general English, but common in travel writing, lifestyle magazines, and among skiing enthusiasts.

Grammar

How to Use “apres-ski” in a Sentence

There is [adjective] après-ski in [resort]The [resort] is known for its [adjective] après-skiWe went for some après-ski at [venue]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

après-ski bootsaprès-ski baraprès-ski partyaprès-ski wearvibrant après-ski

medium

enjoy the après-skifamous for its après-skiaprès-ski sceneaprès-ski activities

weak

busy après-skilively après-skiaprès-ski venue

Examples

Examples of “apres-ski” in a Sentence

noun

British English

The après-ski in Val d'Isère is legendary, with packed bars and live music.
Don't forget to pack your smart jeans for the après-ski.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in tourism/hospitality marketing: 'The resort invests heavily in its après-ski offerings.'

Academic

Rare. Might appear in sociology or tourism studies on leisure cultures.

Everyday

Used by people discussing or planning ski holidays: 'What's the après-ski like there?'

Technical

Not a technical term in skiing technique or safety.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “apres-ski”

Strong

apres

Neutral

post-ski socializingski resort nightlife

Weak

evening entertainmentlodge activities

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “apres-ski”

early nightsolitudeon-piste focus

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “apres-ski”

Spelling: 'apreski', 'apre-ski', 'apres ski' (without hyphen). Using it as a verb: 'We apres-skied' is non-standard.
Pronunciation: Stressing 'ap' instead of the second syllable of 'apres'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is exclusively a noun (and a noun adjunct, as in 'après-ski boots'). Using it as a verb ('to apres-ski') is considered informal and non-standard.
: Yes, the standard English spelling retains the hyphen: 'après-ski'.
: Yes, while often associated with bars, it can include any social or relaxing activity like dining, spa visits, games, or live music in a ski resort context.
: Very rarely. It is sometimes humorously adapted (e.g., 'après-beach' for post-beach socializing), but this is not standard.
: The social activities, entertainment, and relaxation that take place after a day of skiing.
: Apres-ski is usually informal, lifestyle, travel in register.
: Apres-ski: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.reɪ ˈskiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑː.preɪ ˈskiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“The party starts when the skiing stops.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'APRES' = 'After' in French + 'SKI' = the sport. It's what you do AFTER SKIing.

Conceptual Metaphor

LEISURE IS A SOCIAL SPECTACLE

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The mountain village was quiet by day, but come evening, the in the central lodges was bustling and loud.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary meaning of 'après-ski'?