National Après Day is celebrated on March 31 each year to pay off the day’s adventures with a cocktail or a whiskey neat. The holiday was launched to remind people that you can après anything, letting your imagination be the only limit.
National Après Day inspires consumers to celebrate anywhere and after anything they accomplish, from skiing in the Rockies to biking along Lake Shore Drive. When it comes to drinks and cocktails, there’s no better way to bring people together than to have a few glasses and make some amazing memories. Please, Après Responsibly!
History of National Après Day
The word après comes from the French “after,” and is commonly used in American ski culture as “après ski,” which often means to socialize and enjoy a few drinks after a long day of skiing on the mountain. The history of après-ski can be traced back to the early 20th century when skiing became a popular sport in the Alps. Today, après-ski is a major part of the ski culture in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Japan.
In recent years, the National Après Day celebration has become a way to honor this cherished tradition by encouraging people to embrace the social aspects of skiing. It invites winter enthusiasts to gather with friends and family, enjoy seasonal beverages, and share stories of their skiing adventures.
National Après Day timeline
Skiing originates in Scandinavia and is introduced in the United States.
The après ski culture begins in the Alps as skiing gains popularity.
Après-ski becomes a significant part of ski resorts' offerings in Europe and North America, with lively gatherings featuring food, drinks, and entertainment following a day of skiing.
Breckenridge Distillery sponsors the National Après Day and the first celebration takes place. If you want to become a sponsor, learn how.
National Après Day FAQs
When did people start skiing recreationally?
Alpine skiing was developed as a recreational activity in the 1800s.
What is après-ski culture?
Après-ski culture refers to what one does after skiing. It could mean anything from having drinks at the bar afterward to going for a quiet stroll in nature to wind down.
What culture invented skiing?
Skiing is commonly thought to have originated with the Indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia.
How To Celebrate National Après Day
Hit the slopes
Gather your loved ones and head to the nearest ski resort for a day on the slopes. Afterward, visit the resort's après ski bar or restaurant and wind down with a few drinks and laughter.
Enjoy indoor winter sports
If you can’t make it to the slopes, consider indoor activities like ice skating at a local rink instead. This way, you can still have fun and enjoy the spirit of winter.
Host a cozy happy hour
Invite friends and family over for a cozy happy hour featuring your favorite drinks and snacks. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and bond over laughter and good company.
5 Facts About Skiing
Skiing has a patron saint
St. Bernard of Montjoux, who lived in the 11th century, is the patron saint of skiing, as well as of the Alps, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering.
The first ski film
"The Holy Mountain" (Der Heilige Berg), a 1926 German silent movie, is recognized as the first ski film.
Ancient skis were covered in animal hair
To avoid sliding and to create friction, ancient skiers covered the bottoms of their wooden skis with animal hair.
A need for speed
Downhill skiing is the fastest non-motorized sport.
The country with the most ski resorts
Germany has almost 700 ski resorts.
Why We Love National Après Day
It celebrates YOU!
It doesn't matter where you are or what rad things you’re doing, you can Après anywhere, anytime.
It goes beyond après ski
You don’t have to ski to enjoy the mountain après scene. Whether you’re mountain biking, surfing or performing live music, you can après anything.
It is for everyone, anywhere
You can après in a ski coat or après while you float. You can après in the park, and even après after dark.
National Après Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 31 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 31 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 31 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 31 | Saturday |
