Of course skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are the obvious choices of activity during a trip to this snowglobe-like town. But one important thing not to skip is the après-ski! This term (after ski) might make you think of the Alps where it originated, but know that any main ski destination has their own way of doing the post-ski social time. Whistler is no different and Canada’s ski culture in general demands you keep things chill, cheerful, and fun.

Gliding down Whistler’s epic slopes for a weekend this winter? Here’s everything you need to know to après-ski like a real Whistler ski bum!

Show up in your ski gear

There’s a time and a place for freshening up and it’s not at the Whistler après-ski. We know you’re sweaty, we know your ski boots hurt, and we know you have a bad case of both windburn and helmet hair.

It. Doesn’t. Matter.

If you want to après-ski like a real Whistler ski bum, you will attend snacks/drinks disheveled just like everyone else. You can’t be a proper ski bum if you’ve tidied up your look and washed off all your mountain cred. The vibe is adults in snowpants drinking beers.

Order Canadian craft beer only

Because Canadians go cray for craft beers, thou shall order locally-brewed drinks to celebrate accomplishments on the moguls and double black diamonds. In Canada, we cheers beers even in below-zero temperatures with stouts, reds, and IPAs being the locals’ drink of choice.

Our hostel comes with plenty of space, a great view, and a drinks menu so you’re more than welcome to rest your sore legs there. Cheers! You earned it.

Keep the toque on

The toque (don’t you dare say beanie on Canadian soil!) is your après-ski accessory of choice. Canadians generally wear these hats year-round even in the summer and in winter, it’s pretty much a core part of the uniform. Plus, they keep you from getting frostbitten ears, it’ll cover matted helmet hair and it adds a pop of colour to white-out days (so your ski buds can pick you out in a crowd or snowstorm).

Nerd out about snow conditions

There’s no way you’re getting through an après-ski in Whistler without discussing, in length, the day’s snow conditions. Was it powdery at the top? Grainy at the bottom? How did today’s conditions compare to last year? Were any runs icy? Which ones and at what time? What’s expected tomorrow?

These are things you must discuss at some point during the post-ski drinks and snacks. For avid backpackers, this is basically the ski bum version of the typical “Where are you from? What brings you here? Where are you going next?” hostel chit chat.

Know that winter is patio season

Canada is all about confusing contradictions. For example, we measure people in feet but distances in kilometres. We complain about harsh winters yet insist cold weather “isn’t that cold” when it’s literally freezing. We wouldn’t dare use fahrenheit but we’ll dabble in the imperial system when baking a cake. Confusing, right?

We also claim that late May to September is “patio season,” a secret fifth season beyond summer, winter, spring and fall. But if you’re in Whistler (or any Canadian ski hub really) patio season is *also* in the dead of winter. Once there’s a patio heater and adequate outerwear, outdoor dining spaces are fair game.

Keep it simple

We’ve already gone over the dress code: fancy attire simply isn’t allowed. There’s also no room for pretension in regards to food and drink. Canadians like to keep it casual and chill. You show up in fleece, crack jokes, relax, exchange outdoor tips, and indulge in whatever pub grub you’re craving. Don’t even think about keeping it low-calorie. You’ve done your workout in tough mountain conditions and now it’s time for wings, poutine, caesars, and nachos. Enjoy!

Head home early

If you really want to make the most of your ski vacation in Whistler, know when to call it a day. By heading home early, you’re allowing yourself to rest and recover. Hey, skiing and snowboarding is super fun but it can really do a number on the legs! Hot showers, fireplaces, and dry cozy knits are waiting for you at your accommodation. Take advantage, get cozy, and keep yourself fresh for tomorrow. A whole other day on the slopes awaits!