Après Ski: Why This Chalet-Chic Winter-Slope Style Is Trending

With the recent release of the movie House of Gucci, the glamorous lifestyle and outfits of ’80s chalet life were on full display, worn by Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, causing an avalanche of fashion trends inspired by the movie. The eternally chic style that never really goes away is now moving beyond the ski slopes to the streets, as well as architecture and design.

1970s COUPLE MAN WOMAN HOLDING SKIS SKI POLES SKI CHALET LODGE SNOW PINE TREES CLOTHES FASHION LIFESTYLE (Photo by Photo Media/ClassicStock/Getty Images)

In fashion, recent holiday campaigns featuring slope style included Louis Vuitton, Coach and Prada, all showcasing a variety of designs that infuse skiing and winter festivities. And while lavish winter travel may still be a dream this year, people are embracing the outdoors after being indoors for the past two years. Pinterest trends report an 83% increase in ski-related topics such as ski outfits, while WGSN, a trend forecasting company, is predicting a trend boom in outdoor lifestyles.

And in architecture and design, the interest in historic Mid-century chalet style is trending forward with A-frame and Swiss-chalet architecture, reviving the interest of buyers, renovators and design enthusiasts.

Lekker House Pines. Designed and Photographed by Marni Mervis

Sunrise L’anai. Designed by Mid-century architect Charles E. DuBois, AIA

What Else is Driving the Après Ski Trend?

Remaining relatively limited to indoor activities and sedentary life for the past two years, people are now ready to travel and seek entertainment outdoors. As the next phase of the athleisure lifestyle, outdoor winter sports provide an outlet for those seeking activities that immerse oneself in nature and offer a sense of community. And while indoor life limits the need for dressing up, seeking excitement in an outdoor activity gives one a chance to dress the part.

A model walks the runway during the Rains Menswear Fall/Winter 2022-2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

A model walks the runway during the Kenzo Menswear Fall/Winter 2022-2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

And the focus on skiing and other outdoor snow sports has led to an increased interest in winter vacation spaces dedicated to entertainment during the chilly season.

Color + Design for Après Ski Style

There are many ways to create the Alpine aesthetic using the right colors and finishing touches. Here are some tips to get you started.

• This style takes inspiration from the surrounding mountain forests, so natural wood finishes and softer, pale neutral hues of whites, beiges and grays bring the snowy outdoors inside. Add greens to the color palette through natural greenery or with paint. Then introduce a metal, such as silver, to reference the icy chill of outdoors—or copper, to bring warmth.

Light Pine DE5535

Spirit Mountain DE5795

Log Cabin DEA162

Winter Morn DET617

• Next, add layers of texture with faux fur throws, knits, tartan plaids, mohair, wool and so much more to create a vibe of coziness and warmth. Achieve lighting with fairy lights, candles and table lamps to create warm, flowing pools of light throughout the space.
• Finishing touches can be whimsical or organic, historical or modern. This final layer tells the complete story of your version of winter Alpine-design style. Think whimsical forest creatures, a faux stag’s head over the fireplace, lots of pine greenery, vintage snowshoes or a collection of modern photographs highlighting a ski resort.

For more winter color and design inspiration, check out our Winter Color Crush series and see how Thomboy Properties created their perfectly tranquil mountain getaway.