Fun après-ski activities for students on a school ski trip
When the sun begins to set over the peaks and the chairlifts come to a halt, the fun of a school ski trip does not have to come to an end. While skiing is the main event, the après-ski, which literally translates to "after ski", is where some of the best memories are made. For teachers and group leaders, a well-planned evening itinerary is the secret to a successful trip, keeping energy levels high and students engaged and entertained.
From a classic pizza night to watching movies as a group, the options for apres ski activities are endless. In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular ways to keep your students entertained after a day on the slopes, making sure that your student ski trip is just as much fun off the snow as it is on it.
What are "Après-Ski" activities for ski school trips?
For adults, après-ski might mean relaxing on a sun terrace, but for ski school trips, it’s all about organised fun and burning off that last bit of energy before curfew. It can also be a valuable time for team building and allows students to experience the local culture of the country they are visiting with their peers.
Why is après-ski important for students?
It is easy to view après-ski activities as merely a way to fill time before bed, but they play a vital role in the success of ski school trips. After a day of intense physical exertion and learning a new skill on the slopes, the more relaxed evening environment allows students to unwind, decompress and process what they achieved on the slopes that day.
This downtime can often be when the most significant social growth happens, as students move out of their formal lesson groups or classes and have the chance to interact with other students they might not usually interact with. Ski school trips tear down the social barriers that are put up in usual school settings, making socialising with new people a bit easier.
Finally, learning to ski is a challenge that involves a lot of trial and error, and perhaps even a few tumbles. The evening après-ski activities provide a space for students to share their "slope stories," laugh off their falls, and celebrate each other's progress.
This peer support builds resilience and strengthens friendships in ways that rarely happen in a traditional classroom or playground setting. Whether they are working together to win a bowling match or navigating a local village together, they are developing teamwork and communication skills that stay with them long after the school trip.
Ideas for après-ski on your ski school trip
If your students still have some fuel left in the tank after their lessons, high-energy après-ski options are the perfect way to spend an evening. Moving from the slopes to a different activity helps prevent the post-ski slump, which is the physical exhaustion and sore, tired muscles from intense skiing.
It also helps maintain group momentum by encouraging everyone to participate in activities together. Here are some ideas you should consider for your next student school ski trip.
Ice skating and curling
Almost every major ski resort has a dedicated ice rink, for example, the Three Valleys resort in France or the Folgaria resort in Italy. Ice skating is a classic winter activity that is inclusive for all students; even those who aren't the fastest on skis can enjoy gliding or wobbling around the rink.
For something more structured, many Austrian resorts, like Zell am See, offer a traditional form of curling. It’s a fantastic team-building sport where students work in groups to slide stones across the ice toward a target. It’s social, competitive, and a great way to experience authentic Alpine culture.
Swimming in heated pools
After a day of working their leg muscles and bracing against the cold, nothing beats the feeling of a heated pool. Many resorts in Italy, France, and Austria feature extensive leisure centres specifically designed for large groups.
For example, groups visiting the Zell am See region often visit the Tauern Spa, a complex with multiple pools and slides. In France, resorts like Les Arcs offer high-end aquatic centres with stunning mountain views.
Swimming is actually a brilliant recovery tool, as well as something fun for students to do. The warm water helps soothe tired muscles and reduces the aches that many beginner skiers experience, keeping them refreshed and ready for their next lesson.
Indoor bowling
When the mountain weather turns particularly chilly or visibility is low, heading indoors for a bowling tournament is a fantastic fallback plan. Bowling alleys in ski resorts are often geared towards families and school groups, providing a vibrant, safe atmosphere. It’s a high-visibility activity for teachers, making supervision straightforward while students enjoy some friendly competition.
More relaxed, cultural and foodie après-ski
One of the most significant benefits of student ski trips is the cultural experience. Food is a huge part of the après-ski scene, and it provides a relaxed environment for students to bond and perhaps practice a few local phrases. They might also get the chance to try foods they have never even heard of before. Bon Appétit.
The classic pizza night in Italy
If you are heading on a school ski trip to Italy, a dedicated pizza night is a non-negotiable part of the itinerary! Italian hospitality is world-famous for being welcoming to large groups. Resorts like Aprica often have local pizzerias that host pizza nights, where students can watch the chefs toss the dough before enjoying authentic, wood-fired pizzas.
It’s an affordable and very social way to spend an evening, allowing students to relax in a noisy, happy environment that perfectly captures the spirit of Italy. It also serves as a great final night celebration to mark the end of a successful ski school trip.
Crepes and fondue in France
On school ski trips to France, the culinary traditions are an adventure in themselves. Many groups enjoy visiting a local crêperie for a sweet treat after dinner, where students can order in French and try traditional fillings like chestnut cream or salted caramel.
For a more communal experience, participating in a traditional Savoyard cheese fondue evening is recommended. It’s a highly interactive meal where students dip bread into a shared pot of melted local cheeses. An excellent way for students to immerse themselves in French mountain history and a fantastic way to encourage students to try regional specialities they wouldn't see back home.
Tyrolean evenings in Austria
For a truly memorable and loud night out, Austria offers Tyrolean Evenings. These events feature traditional folk music, traditional dancing, like shoe-slapping, and even alphorn blowing. It’s a high-energy spectacle that often involves audience participation, which students find hilarious.
Staying safe during après-ski
While the focus of the evening is firmly on relaxation and fun, safety remains the absolute priority for all ski school trips. Transitioning from the structured environment of a ski lesson to the more relaxed atmosphere of the resort requires a clear set of ground rules.
Managing a group of students in an alpine village, often in the dark and on icy surfaces, requires a high level of supervision. By making use of a few key strategies, listed below, group leaders can make sure that the après-ski activities remain the highlight of the trip for all the right reasons.
The buddy system
The buddy system is the golden rule of any successful student ski trip, and its importance doesn't end when the skis come off. Just like on the slopes, students should be paired with a buddy for all evening activities. This means that no student is ever alone, whether they are grabbing a late-night snack or browsing a gift shop for souvenirs.
We recommend that buddies are responsible for checking in on each other during roll calls and must stay together even during supervised free time. This peer-to-peer accountability is a helpful tool for group leaders, as it provides an immediate warning if someone is missing.
Set clear boundaries and check-in protocols
If you choose to give your students a window of free time to explore the local resort village, setting clear boundaries on where they can and cannot go is important. Some ski resort villages can be maze-like, especially after dark, so make sure to walk the group through the safe zone when you arrive at the resort.
Point out clear landmarks, such as the village clock tower or a specific fountain, as the designated check-in point, so that everyone knows where they need to go if they get lost at any point.
Consider implementing rolling check-ins, in which students must present themselves in person to a staff member at the check-in point every hour. This ensures the staff can monitor the group without taking away their sense of independence.
Additionally, every student should carry a resort card with the hotel address and the group leader’s emergency contact number printed clearly on it.
Qualified supervision during high-risk activities
Certain après-ski activities, such as swimming, ice skating, or night skiing, carry higher risks than a quiz night. When planning these activities, it is crucial to verify that the venues comply with safety standards. For swimming, you must ensure that a qualified lifeguard is on duty; if the hotel pool is unsupervised, the group leader must ensure that a staff member with a relevant lifesaving qualification is present.
We also advise group leaders to pay close attention to staff-to-student ratios during these times. While the standard ratio is 1:10 for general travel, high-risk activities in a public space require more eyes on the ground.
Managing the ice and low visibility conditions
Finally, never underestimate the simple hazard of icy pavements. Many après-ski activities involve walking through the resort at night when temperatures drop, and water refreezes into black ice.
Briefing students on the importance of wearing sturdy, high-grip footwear, not fashion trainers, is a priority that is often overlooked on skiing trips. Encourage students to wear clothing with reflective strips or bright colours, such as yellow, pink, or green, when walking near resort roads.
In many alpine villages, snowploughs and service vehicles are active well into the evening, so staying visible and sticking to designated pedestrian paths is a non-negotiable rule for the group.
Plan your perfect ski school trip with NST
A great school ski trip is about the balance between the thrill of the slopes and the fun of the evenings. At NST, we don’t just book your lifts and lessons; we help you plan a full 24-hour itinerary that meets your school's specific needs.
Whether you want the high-octane excitement of the French resorts, the traditional charm of Austria, or the welcoming, food-focused atmosphere of Italy, we have something for everyone.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Request a quote for your next school ski trip or get in touch with us to discuss your custom school ski trip itinerary.