Après Ski with G.H. Mumm & Hygge Life

I grew up in Colorado, spending much of my youth in the mountains.  I had skis strapped to my feet from the age of two (my first ski days were when I was 6 months old, in a pack on my dad’s back, which is illegal now but a brag worthy claim of kids from the 80s who grew up in the mountains), and every weekend was spent outside enjoying the sun, the mountains, and good friends.  It was really the best way to grow up.

Last year, my husband and I moved back to Colorado (although it seems like I am on more airplanes than I am home these days), but it has been a welcome change from life in New York City.  It has also been a massive cultural shift. 

New Yorkers spend their weekends brunching, sipping mimosas, followed by shopping (a dangerous combination if you ask me). Skiers have much different imbibing habits, which include waking up early to get on the lift (the first chair if there is new snow), skiing through lunch, and then enjoying Après in the late afternoon.  A quick run to the car to change out of your ski boots and into comfy snow boots is a necessary move before settling into an afternoon of Après snacks and libations.  The best après tipple is always champagne, best served from a freshly sabered bottle and surrounded with friends.

For this Après sesh I partnered with G.H. Mumm Champagne and invited Alexandra and Koen from Vail’s Hygge Life shop, as well as our photographer friends Ali Vagnini and Matt Kennedy to help us pop some bottles and kick the 2017/18 ski season off right.  Alexandra and Koen specialize in furs, and pretty much everything cozy, and they brought major Hygge vibes with them.  Koen even wore a vintage fur that belonged to his grandfather, a perfect accessory for anyone sabering a bottle of champagne on top of a mountain!!

It was a fun afternoon enjoying G.H. Mumm Champagne, nibbling on cheese and charcutarie and hanging with friends.  Our 9 month old puppy, Bowie, made a guest appearance as well as my forever dapper husband, Zac.

I hope this photo story inspires you to get out on the mountain for a great ski day and an even better après afternoon, because I know it got me very excited for winter!  

Photography: Ali Vagnini & Matt Kennedy

Creative Direction: Emily Arden Wells, Gastronomsita

Glassware: Lehmann Glass Jamesse Prestige Grand Champagne

Champagne:  G.H. Mumm Champagne

Sunnies: Thierry Lasry

Red Coat: Fjallraven

Hygge Coziness (furs, gold bottle holders, black fur mittens & styling): Hygge Life