We have a confession. As much as we love sailing down the slopes and feeling that exhilarating rush… we might be even fonder of the après-ski scene, complete with cosy dinners and fireside Scrabble tournaments. The real talent (apart from the actual skiing) is striking the balance between wearing the very best technical gear and those colourful Alpine pieces that really are just as essential as the boots and poles. All the while keeping just enough of a grip on reality (and sobriety) to steer clear of anything that makes us look like extras from Game of Thrones. The air does get pretty thin up there.