Après-Ski Tailgating: The Parking Lot Party Guide

The lifts have stopped spinning, your quads are burning, and you’ve just had the best run of the season. Now, you have two choices: You can fight for a table in the crowded, overpriced lodge to eat a $20 burger, or you can head back to the car.

For the seasoned local, the choice is easy. The real party isn't in the lodge; it’s in the parking lot.

The winter parking lot party (or après-ski tailgate) is a time-honored tradition. It’s about lawn chairs on snowbanks, sharing stories with friends, and grilling up a storm while the sun goes down.

Ready to skip the lodge lines? Here are our top ski tailgate ideas to turn your trunk into the ultimate mountain hangout.

1. The Cooler: Your Base of Operations

It might seem counterintuitive to bring a high-performance cooler to a freezing mountain, but the Cubix Hard Cooler is the MVP of the tailgate for three reasons:

• Temperature Control: In extreme cold, cheap coolers or cardboard boxes let your beer and soda freeze and explode. A rotomolded cooler’s insulation works both ways - it keeps your drinks at the perfect liquid temperature, preventing the dreaded "slushy beer."

• The Best Seat in the House: When you're putting on ski boots or relaxing after a run, you need a seat. Our coolers are built to support the weight, acting as a rugged bench that won’t sink into the snow.

• Hot Storage: Resting a brisket or a pot of chili inside a cooler (without ice) keeps it piping hot for hours until you're ready to eat.

2. Upgrade the Menu (Think Hot)

Cold sandwiches are fine for lunch, but après-ski demands comfort food.

• The Setup: Bring a small portable camp stove or a flat-top griddle.

• The Menu: Pre-make breakfast burritos, chili, or pulled pork at home. Reheating is faster and easier than cooking raw meat in freezing temps.

• Don't Forget: A thermos of hot cocoa or cider for the non-drinkers (or to use as a mixer).

3. Create the "Living Room" Vibe

You want to linger, so comfort is key.

• Ground Control: Bring an old piece of carpet or a rubber mat to put down on the snow. It gives you a dry place to change out of boots without getting your socks wet.

• Sound Check: A rugged, waterproof bluetooth speaker is essential. Just keep the volume respectful of your neighbors.

• Dry Gear: Have a dedicated "dry bag" with fresh socks, sweatpants, and hoodies. Getting out of wet ski gear immediately is the key to staying warm.

4. Parking Lot Etiquette

The parking lot party is a communal space. Follow the unwritten rules:

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Never leave trash, cans, or food scraps in the snow.

• Don't Hog Space: Keep your party within your parking footprint. Don't block the driving lane or save spots with lawn chairs on a powder day.

Conclusion The best part of a ski day is often the hour after the boots come off. With the right gear and good company, the parking lot becomes the best restaurant on the mountain.

Need a seat that keeps your drinks perfect? Shop Hard Coolers and upgrade your tailgate.