Photos: The Inertia
Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Athletic Brewing.
The end of the trail doesn’t have to mean the end of the adventure. Whether you’ve just completed a grueling hike, tackled a challenging ride, or had the best powder day of your life, there’s one essential part of the experience left: The Après.
But what exactly is après? And why has it become such a beloved tradition among outdoor lovers? We did some research and blended it with our own experiences. Here’s what we’ve found. Let’s dive into the art of après and discover how to celebrate these epic moments with the best of ’em.
What is Après?
Après, short for après-ski, is a French term that translates to “after ski,” but over the years, it has evolved into much more than just a post-ski ritual. It’s the social time after any outdoor activity, whether it’s hiking, biking, surfing, climbing, or paddling, where participants gather to relax, celebrate, and relive the day’s highlights.
It’s about more than just rest — après is a culture, a way to bond over shared experiences, recount the thrills of the day, and unwind in good company.
From cozying up around a campfire to kicking back with friends at a local pub or cracking open a cold one at the trailhead, après is the unsung hero of adventure, the part where stories turn into legends, and camaraderie is forged. Sure, there might be some embellishment along the way. The slopes get a little steeper, the waves grow into formidable overhead bombs, and the “huge” fish, in the grand tale retold, narrowly escape — but that’s all part of the fun.
Athletic Brewing: The New Kid in the Après Cooler
A great après session calls for three things: An epic adventure, great friends, and solid refreshments. Known for their award-winning non-alcoholic craft beers, Athletic Brewing offers a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the social vibe without the next-day hangover. Athletic beers deliver the complex flavors and satisfying mouthfeel of traditional beers, all while being non-alcoholic, making them ideal for any après setting. So whether you’re off the sauce, or pacing yourself, Athletic Brewing fits the bill.
Imagine this: You’ve just finished a long day of backcountry skiing or trail running. You’re exhausted but exhilarated, ready to kick back and soak in the satisfaction of your achievements.
Popping open a cold Athletic gives you that same rewarding experience without compromising on taste. Creations like the refreshing Run Wild IPA or the crisp Upside Dawn Golden are the perfect complement to any après experience, allowing you to enjoy every moment with friends.
And again — no hangover! When’s the last time you polished off a six-pack and woke up the next morning with no regrets? If you’re in your 30’s (or beyond), you get it.
Why is Après Important?
It’s worth doubling down: Après isn’t just a time to celebrate; it’s a crucial part of the outdoor adventure experience. Here’s why:
- Social Connection: At its core, après is all about community — and sharing the stoke! Enjoying a drink, a laugh, or a story with friends builds camaraderie and a sense of belonging. These connections make our adventures richer, and more memorable.
- Mental Decompression: Adventure sports often push our limits, both physically and mentally. Après provides a mental break, a time to relax and process the day’s challenges and achievements. It’s a moment to shift from the adrenaline rush to a state of relaxation and contentment.
- Celebration of Achievement: Après is a celebration — an acknowledgment of what you’ve accomplished. It’s a moment to pat yourself on the back, reflect on the fun and the fierce, and look forward to the next adventure.
Guenther Oka, doing’ it right. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
How These Outdoor Lovers Do Après Right
While everyone has their unique approach to après, some have it down better than others. Here’s how a few adventure aficionados do it right:
Guenther Oka
Pro wakeboarder Guenther Oka knows the importance of rest to ensure longevity in the sport he loves. After a session — whether it’s in his backyard, or out on the lake — Guenther makes sure to prioritize taking the time to unwind.
Guenther also understands the challenges of balancing a competitive lifestyle with the social side of wakeboarding. “I have a wakeboarding comp almost every single weekend. And that often entails going out to the bars afterward to celebrate,” he admitted. “But after months of that, it gets a little old. You have to find ways to still go out — but mitigate the negative results of that lifestyle.”
And while he enjoys a beer from time to time, Guenther is mindful of the effects alcohol can have. “Options like Athletic Brewing allow you to be in those social environments,” he continued, highlighting how non-alcoholic beers help him stay social without compromising his next day.
Lindsey Klucik
Lindsey Klucik, a passionate skateboarder and outdoor enthusiast, finds that après is all about slowing down and enjoying the slow moments after a session. “After skating or being super active, it’s always really nice to find the sweet little moments. You know what I mean?” she asked.
For Lindsey, these moments are about social connection and building rich relationships. “Especially if it’s sitting down with friends and having a drink or snack – it’s important to settle into the good vibes.”
Lindsey loves to keep the energy flowing after a great skate. “I’m the type of person that’s the last to leave a party or the last person to leave a session,” she laughed. “It’s nice to give myself a couple hours to breathe and integrate the experience with friends.”
Rob McConnell
For angler Rob McConnell, the art of après is as important as the fishing itself.
“Getting together with friends,” he reflected, “having the cooler fully stocked with Athletic Brewing or whatever your refreshment of choice is — being able to sit around and talk shop and talk about the day’s adventures, yeah, that’s definitely a whole part of the experience.”
Living and playing in Houston, Texas, Rob finds après especially rewarding during those hot summer days. “On days when it’s really hot out — this summer’s been brutally hot — it’s nice to just be able to sit there, in the shade, and enjoy a cool beverage,” he explained.
For Rob, the importance of après goes beyond the drink. “It gives you time to reflect on the whole thing,” he continued. “If you’re fishing with other people, not everybody’s experience was the same. You can go back and compare notes, talk about the different successes and the different failures of the day, and just talk shop.”
In short, for Rob, it’s all about connection, reflection, and, of course, a cold brew.
Keep the Adventure Going With Athletic Brewing
Après is more than just a way to wind down; it’s an integral part of the adventure itself. It’s about creating a balanced and memorable experience that extends beyond the trail, the ride, the climb, or the slopes.
So, next time you’re out there pushing your limits, remember to save some time for the après. Because after all, the best adventures don’t end when you take off your boots — they’re just getting started. Cheers to that!
