How we Après Ski
Better late, than never. Our Winter Edit.
A tribute to arguably the most popular season here in Queenstown – which despite going to publish in mid-September – feels as if it’s in full swing (let’s be real, we’re not packing our puffers away anytime soon). And so, this becomes a nod to all things seasonably still appropriate, but mostly a nod to winter’s most chic convention and an alpine ritual: Après Ski.
Après Ski, quite literally ‘after ski’ in French, is an umbrella term for popular post-ski activities, but in recent cultural sub-text it’s mainly used for … beverages. We see you mulled wine. In this edit, we take après ski and frame it for you, our community and how we at Remarks Park can make your day out on the slopes just that little bit more memorable.
Now, we know it’s technically Après Ski, but we read somewhere that there’s ‘no official timeframe’ for it, so we’re taking this with a grain of salt and suggesting that you might want to think about fueling up en-route. The Coffee Club’s signature Eggs Benedict is a staple on its all-day breakfast menu. Toasted ciabatta, fresh baby spinach, poached eggs and creamy hollandaise with a choice of bacon, smoked salmon or mushrooms…*chefs kiss. Say no more.
While you’re here, are you warm enough? Whether the answer is yes or no, Wild South is founded on the understanding that in this part of the world it may be sub-zero temperatures in the morning then 20 degrees by lunchtime, so their mission is to create versatile clothing that can take you anywhere. The Cashmere Fendleton Crew is one such item. Made from 100% cashmere wool, a fibre known for its insulation, longevity and incredible softness, this fine knit has the dynamic ability to keep you warm and let your body breathe. Did we mention it’s on sale?
Knowing you have the right snow apparel can take a bit of trial and error, especially if you’re new to the business of skiing, but getting it right for kids can add another layer of challenge. Rockies accepts this challenge. Stocking the likes of Burton, Quiksilver, Roxy and Spyder, Rockies carry the best in snow gear for newborns right up to 16 years.
The beauty of Remarks Park is plentiful, but in this edit we bring to light our location. At the foot of the Remarkables we are but a short detour on the way home. For those not ready to peel off the layers and sink into their couch, there’s many an après ski to consider.
If your body is yearning for a bit of tender loving care after a day up the mountain, look no further than City Cave. An oasis for total mind and body relaxation, City Cave offers float, sauna and massage therapy. Believers of a holistic approach to health and the gut connection City Cave stock health and wellness tonics from NZ brand No Ugly. Pair a City Cave treatment with a No Ugly Immunity Tonic + Goju Ginger Shot (wellness on top of wellness) and you’ll be brand new.
Speaking of tender loving care, we can all acknowledge that winter comes hand in hand with illness. And, like a warm all-embracing hug from Grandma, the team at Unichem Remarkables Pharmacy are there to help you feel taken care of. Dedicated experts with a wealth of knowledge on all things medicinal, supplements, health and wellbeing, resident Pharmacists Clare, Cohen and Lawrence will help guide you to the best remedy.
Much of your time on the skis or snowboard means and having complete faith in muscle strength – often from muscles you didn’t know existed – but are rudely reminded of the next day. Core strength and stability is at the heart of Reformer Pilates, a dynamic movement exercise which hones in on correct postural alignment through resistance, promoting strength, tone and flexibility. Queenstown’s first reformer Pilates studio Align is run by founder Emma Cochrane and is the ultimate workout for not only sculpting that bod, but for finding space and length in movement giving you the après stretch you know you need.
Slow and steady not your way of winding down? We get it, you’re a mountain (wo)man, you live in Queenstown for a reason and naturally adventure breeds’ adventure.
The guys at Evo Cycles get this. Specialists in all things biking, winter trails are not off limits. But safety is key, which is why the gloworm 1700 Lumen Light Set is your true companion if your après ski takes you from one track to another.
All good days must end with good food. Giovi are a little slice of Italy in Remarks Park that dishes up authentic and traditionally honoured Italian fare. Giovanna and her team are passionate about their heritage cuisine with Giovi’s kitchen sporting the Ferrari of pasta making equipment. Now, given there’s a lot of fresh pasta (and pizza, and gnocci) on the menu to choose from it’s no wonder that Giovi’s TriColore, a dish featuring a trio of unbelievably beautiful pasta’s – and reminiscent of a certain flag – is the real hero this après ski season. La vita really is bella.
This wouldn’t be an appropriate après ski write up without mentioning the customary beverage. So, let’s explore some that will tickle your fancy. Martinis are the king of apéritif cocktails and Giovi’s serves up some delicious renditions.
Try the Blood Orange Martini for a fresh citrus take on the classic, or the Nocciola Martini, a heavier hazelnut and espresso creation that says “your night is just getting started”. Or pop over to The Shelter Bar for a warming mulled wine, a familiar Central Otago Pinot, or one of their many craft beers on tap.
And that’s how we après ski.
NB: It’s probably important to note that you don’t have to have been up the mountain to enjoy any of said après ski activities. You do you.
Remarkables Park Town Centre
Hawthorne Drive
Click here for more information and opening hours
