Summary
Après-ski – more than what happens after you ski—it’s a curated mountain lifestyle that embraces socializing, wellness, food, fashion, and relaxation. When not hitting the slopes, you can enjoy après-ski vibes through spa treatments, heated pools, stylish bars & restaurants, scenic walks. Solaris Residences at Vail offers mountain views, and a luxe, slope-adjacent experience without needing to strap on skis.
How does one enjoy the après-ski culture without ever skiing a single turn? Let’s unpack trending ways people soak up alpine magic—no skis required—and compare how properties like Solaris Residences and others in Vail deliver those moments.
What Makes Après-Ski More Than Skiing
Après-ski isn’t just about descending snow: it's about embracing all the senses after a day in the crisp mountain air.
- Wellness & relaxation: Hot tubs, saunas, spas, even recovery classes are leading trends. For example, properties like Lodge Tower offer outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and steam/sauna facilities. Solaris Residences offer indoor hot tubs and pools as well.
- Food & drink culture: Gourmet bars, cozy fire pits, specialty cocktails, fondue nights, live music—whether you're skiing or not, the culinary après scene in Vail thrives. Places like Elway’s, Cucina at The Lodge at Vail, and Vail Brewing Co. are hot spots.
- Fashion & ambiance: Trending styles include statement faux-fur coats, luxe layering, alpine chic, and accessories. Even the fashion media note that “après-fits” are going big—even for those who simply show up for the vibe.
How Solaris Residences & Vail Lodging Support an Après-Ski Lifestyle Without Skiing
Here are concrete ways to get après-ski bliss without ever boarding a ski lift, thanks to what Solaris Residences and other Vail lodging offer.
Amenities & Location That Do the Heavy Lifting
- Solaris Residences features on-mountain ski lockers, mountain and valley views, concierge service, walking proximity to ski lifts and importantly, walking distance to dining, shops, and village life—all helping you access après energy even if you're staying slope-side just to enjoy the scene.
- Vail Mountain Lodging by East West Hospitality offers residences with full kitchens, fireplaces, high-speed internet, pools/hot tubs, and concierge services so you can relax indoors or entertain.
- Other properties like Lodge Tower, round out the après offerings: fitness facilities, pools/hot tubs, spa or massage studios, front-desk concierge, dining nearby—all helping non-skiers enjoy après fully.
Experiences You Can Have Without Skiing
- Scenic walks, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing where available; shopping, art galleries, wine bars or cocktails with mountain views.
- Spa treatments and wellness recovery: massages, hot tub dips, cold plunges, fireplaces, etc.
- Culinary adventures: local restaurants, bars, fire pits, cooking in your residence or communal spaces in high-amenity lodgings.
Non-Ski Après Amenities at Solaris vs Other Vail Lodging
| Amenity / Feature | Solaris Residences | Other Vail Properties (Lodge Tower, Mountain Haus, Sitzmark, etc.) |
| Ski lockers / slope-adjacent access | ✔ (on-mountain lockers; walk to lift) | ✔ Many offer ski valets or walk-to lifts (e.g. Lodge Tower, Lodge t Vail) |
| Pools / Hot tubs / Spa | ✔ at Solaris (pool, hot tub, ski lockers, mountain views, spa, concierge) | ✔ Almost universal among high-end lodging; heated pools, hot tubs, spa and wellness centers (Mountain Haus, Lodge Tower, Evergreen Lodge, Sitzmark, etc.) |
| Full kitchens, fireplaces, cozy residence-style lodging | ✔ at Solaris; residences with views and fireplaces. | ✔ Many Vail lodging options offer fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, home-away-from-home residences (Vail Mountain Lodging collection, Lodge at Lionshead, etc.) |
If you're as much about sipping hot chocolate by a fire, enjoying a massage, or watching mountain light shift as you are about winter sports, these amenities make non-ski après skiing not only possible—but luxurious.
To experience après-ski without skiing in full comfort, contact Solaris Residences. Book your stay via their website Solaris Residences or call (877) 431-0868. You can check on availability, packages, or special requests—whether you're arriving just to relax or to savor the full mountain ambiance without ever putting on skis.
FAQ
- What exactly does “après-ski” mean?
Literally “after skiing” in French, but culturally it refers to the social, recreational, and often indulgent time after skiing ends—drinks, warmth, gathering, relaxation. You can enjoy its essence without skiing. - Are ski lockers and slope proximity important if I’m not skiing?
Yes! Even if you’re not skiing, proximity to lifts gives you access to views, walking distance to restaurants & shops, and the general energy of the mountain village. Ski lockers help store gear or even winter boots, keeping things convenient. - What kinds of wellness or spa amenities can non-skiers enjoy on après-ski days?
Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, massage treatments, spas, fitness centers, heated pools, even cold plunges or recovery therapy are among the most popular. - How do I dress for après-ski if I’m not skiing?
Think cozy but stylish: layers, warm jacket or sweater, waterproof boots, accessories like scarves, gloves, beanies. Fashion trends include faux-fur outerwear, statement coats, knitwear—still functional and chic.
Do lodging places like Solaris Residences let you cook or have meals in-house?
Yes—Solaris Residences offers residences with kitchens, so you can cook or entertain in your own space. Many Vail lodgings also include full kitchens, fireplaces, and on-site or nearby restaurants to support a non-ski après stay.
