Chamonix Apres Ski Report:8th February 2007
After months of partying hard and making the most of the night life in Chamonix I decided to take a small break this week and take a look at what else is on offer off piste. I have to be honest, as much as I love socialising, it was quite liberating this week to not be constantly tainted with a hangover and fully enjoy the mountain in more ways than I knew possible.
I started my active lifestyle on Sunday by attending an avalanche awareness and rescue simulation. Xavier and Aubiwan, a qualified ‘Pisteur' and his avalanche rescue dog provided an informative session with elements designed to provide a sense of the reality of avalanche rescue. We got to try out a variety of equipment such as ARVA search devices and RECCO detection equipment, also incorporated into the session was a snow layer study and an explanation of how to behave in the case of an avalanche. It was a really enjoyable afternoon packed full of information that will aid anyone planning on going off piste this season, I personally believe that such a topic has particular relevance here in Chamonix where there is no shortage of extreme off piste enthusiasts.
Sunday night I was planning on going to Comedy Night at Le Jekyll, this has truly become engraved into my weekly routine, however I was devastated when I discovered in had been cancelled! This really threw me as my Sunday now centres on the event, but we still managed to have a good night out in Cham Sud. It was quite chilled out, as a Sunday night should be, with a few drinks in South Bar followed by a few games of pool in Monkey Bar, nothing ground breaking but better than staying in and watching T.V.
As everyone knows where you are in Chamonix for a week's holiday or a season, winter sports and the resorts that play host to you are not the cheapest getaways. After spending large sums of money on cocktails and sambucca this season we decided to find out what kicks we could get for near enough free. I have to say I was taken back by how much fun we had for next to nothing. We started our cheap day out by taking a trip up the Aiguille du Midi - but this is not free I hear you cry! Actually, the majority of people in Chamonix have a Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass which entitles you to an unlimited number of trips on the highest cable car in Europe, for FREE! The views were priceless and really reminded everyone how lucky we were to be here in such beautiful surroundings.
After our descent back into Chamonix we decided to burn some of our excess energy and hired some sledges. I do have to warn you that there is no way to look cool on a sledge as an adult, however it is guaranteed to bring out the 10 year old in you, which means that you don't notice the other adults looking at you in bewilderment and the children who look at you in envy. I came home bruised like a peach but with a massive smile on my face so was worth every knock I took.
In an attempt to relieve my new aches and pains I headed for the local sports centre, I wouldn't go as far as to say I pampered myself but after a relaxing swim and sauna I felt like a new person. With my new lease of life I decided to keep myself limber by going ice skating. No matter what time of year it is the ice rink will conjure up festive feelings and is equally enjoyed by adults and children of all abilities. I am one hundred percent sure that in no way did I look as graceful as I though I did, but who cares as it was great fun. It is also worth noting gentlemen that ice skating is one of the few ways you can get tactile with the opposite sex without getting a slap, as you appear as more of a knight in shining armour when we hit the deck - a winner for first dates!!
For those of you who don't fancy a break from the bottle and wish to continue partying like its 1999 I have some great events lined up for you. Tonight Le Garage plays host to the WINTER SESSIONS who will be presenting for your pleasure the Capoeira Twins. Entry will be charged at 5Euros before 1am and 10Euros after.
BASEMENT JAXX in Chamonix!?!? That's right- no you didn't misunderstand me, TUGGY from Basement Jaxx will be doing a dj set at Le Vert Friday 9th February!! I would bet my life that this will be packed out so my advice would be to get there early, take advantage of the bar and wait for what promises to be an amazing night. If you manage to recover in time the following night, on Saturday (10th) he will be reappearing at Le Vert doing a live set with Soul Rats. I strongly advise you drink a large pint of water when you get home on Friday night so you at least stand some chance of being in a fit state to party again Saturday, also don't forget your dancing feet!
There are plenty of great nights out to be had in Chamonix at the moment, and a mass of great DJ's who have become my kryptonite when planning a quiet night in! I have noticed recently that we have all started to become slightly set in an après routine, it is that time of the season when you have scouted your local and your favourite dance floor, thus my mission next week is to find a hidden treasure to add to our list of haunts.
Keep checking the what's on calendar for more confirmed dates and events as they are set.
