The Duo Behind Après House Shares Top Ski-Season Picks
Image: Dan Campbell
Jen Francis and Jen Sutton—a.k.a. “the Jens”—know how to get the party started. As the fun-loving force at the helm of Après House, they’ve created and curated some of Park City’s best bashes, from a Meta Ray-Ban activation during the Sundance Film Festival to a weekly yoga flow series at Pendry Plaza. Before founding Après House, Francis spent more than a decade producing events, including global tours with Playboy Golf and Rossignol’s first US pop-up in Aspen. Last winter, she teamed up with now-business partner Sutton, a former wellness entrepreneur and media exec who worked with the likes of Pandora Music, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Town & Country. Here, they share their winter faves and must-haves.
PCM: Ski or snowboard?
FRANCIS: I started snowboarding, but I’m forever a skier now.
SUTTON: Ski, always. I started at age 3 in Vermont. I’ve tried it all: downhill, touring, cross-country. And I love passing that passion on to my two boys.
Favorite ski run?
SUTTON: In a good snow year, 9990 at Park City Mountain; the terrain and views are incredible. At Deer Valley, I love everything off the Empire lift.
FRANCIS: Georgeanna at PCM; I’m a scenic cruiser.
Best local spot to après?
FRANCIS: The Pendry rooftop; you can’t beat the view. If you’re on Main Street, the patio at Le Depot has a great vibe.
SUTTON: The Pendry rooftop; the energy during our Saturday events is unmatched. I also love a classic cocktail at Stein Eriksen Lodge around the outdoor firepits.
Must-have winter beauty or skincare products?
FRANCIS: Cold temps and brutal wind call for thick lip gloss like Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher. People overlook sunscreen in the winter, but bluebird days can hit hard. The best sunscreen is Mug Guard by Dune Suncare.
SUTTON: Hydration and SPF are non-negotiable in the mountains. I love Supergoop’s Glowscreen and Play Lip Shield. My on-mountain makeup is minimal and fits in my pockets: Armani Eye Tint in champagne, Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara, and Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush in scene.
Go-to skiwear?
FRANCIS: Basics with a twist and comfort always, like the Cocoon sweatshirt by Tibi. My ultimate après jacket is the Dakota anorak by Fera; the funnel neck/built-in neck gaiter is key. I’m a beanie girl, and my Acne beanie feels luxurious and sturdy. Hands-free at apres is a must; the Polene belt bag is on my wish list this year.
SUTTON: I’m a big fan of Aztech Mountain; they strike the perfect balance of style and performance. I love to ski in the Chamonix stretch bib by Fera; they’re warm and cinch in all the right places. For après, I love my Moon Boots. My must-have accessory is my Ray-Ban Meta glasses—perfect for capturing moments on the mountain or at our après events.
