Ski Chalet Parties

The powder is said to be immense this season at many of the top European ski resorts and with that in mind, we turn our attention to possibly the most fun form of entertaining – the après ski party. As luxury party planners we are often invited by clients to create an amazing party for them at a ski chalet. We’ve got some great ideas about how you can entertain your friends and family and give those 2am crawls home from the bar a rest.

Ice Ice Baby

There is no better excuse a luxury private party, for some extravagant decorative items, so why not commission your very own ice sculpture? You could create a beautiful centrepiece with floral accents enclosed within the sculpture or even go all out and opt for an ice bar. This will definitely create a talking point for your guests and, with some simple coloured uplighting, will immediately create a party atmosphere.

If that’s not enough and you think your guests will need another little stunt to make your party stand out, may we just say two more words to you: vodka luge.

Photo credits: akvillas.com, ticketbud.com, brit.co.uk, ice4fx.com, veuve clicquot

Say No to Fondue

Do something different and why not go all out and offer your guests a proper dinner party? Hire in professional caterers and allow your attendees to enjoy a full on feast of gastronomic delights. You can keep the authentic traditions and good caters can wipe up the most delightful mini croque monsieur canapes.

Caterers really are the secret weapon in any great event, curating everything from your menu to your specially stirred cocktails. Sometimes local hotels will be able to hire out their chefs for your own personal use. Create extra wow factor by having dishes served on platters overflowing with clouds of dry ice in homage to your frozen surroundings or serve up canapes on an old set of skis.

Photo credits: akvillas.com, ticketbud.com, brit.co.uk, ice4fx.com, veuve clicquo

Put some oompah into it

Depending on your sense of humour, you might want to welcome your dinner party guests with a traditional oompah band or yodellers to really embrace everything fantastic about mountain life. We’re sure that a chorus of alpen horns to announce the start of dinner will certainly get your diners chortling!

Of course, the other form of entertainment that thrives in the après ski scene is the bad DJ. If you can’t hire your own DJ to spin his turntables out on your chalet deck beneath the night stars, make sure your iPod is loaded with the cheesiest, worst music you can think of as undoubtedly after a few too many cocktails someone is going to want to listen to Chesney Hawkes.

Relax, Unwind, Indulge

After a hard day on the mountain, even the hardest partier could do with a little TLC. Show your guests some love by zoning different areas in your chalet, allowing them to chill out in one area, eat in another and dance the night away elsewhere. Why not employ a masseuse for the evening and offer spa treatments for aching limbs, ailing backs and wipe out injuries?

Take it outside

After you’ve consumed a lavish three, five or even seven-course meal, why not retire outside to make the most of the shadow of the mountain at night? Don’t worry you won’t be cold – you’ll have created a fire pit or log burning bier, surrounded by luxuriously comfortable furniture sunken into the snow. Cashmere blankets, sheepskin rugs and fleece-lined cushions will help you keep cosy.

If you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub as well, you can always plunge in for extra warmth but may we suggest decking out your tub area with glittering fairy lights and making sure you have a good box of cigars on hand to enjoy as you jump into the Jacuzzi. Have a tray of hot toddies waiting for all your guests as soon as they step outdoors and we promise they’ll stay warm all night.