© No Escape
Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 10th December 2009
The party scene in Chamonix is slowly gearing up, starting off quite gently last week with a few of the bars emerging from their interseason hibernation period. The Christmas lights were also switched on last Friday and so the town now has a distinctly festive feel to it as the countdown to Christmas continues.
This coming week, there is another wave of opening night parties starting tonight with the Mix Bar on rue des moulins. Mix is the super stylish cocktail bar that emerged from the ashes of the fire that devastated rue des moulins a few years back. Renowned for its delicious cocktails and cool DJ nights, this should be a definite stop on any tour of the town. Tonight they are offering free Cosmo punch until 9pm so get in early for a taster.
It's probably easier to just list the other opening nights this week as there are quite a few….
Friday 11th:
No Escape - stepping inside No Escape, you would be forgiven for thinking that you'd popped into a super cool bar/nightclub in London. By far one of the most stylish bars in Cham and it also has one of the latest licences – 5am!! (Forget first lift after a night out here!) Their opening bash will take place on Friday from 11pm so time for a bite to eat and a couple of warm up beers beforehand. No Escape is also host to the 7th Heaven Gentleman's Club, where you and a few friends can book a table and enjoy the gyrating talents of a string of lovely ladies who are dressed most inappropriately for a ski resort!
Saturday 12th:
Les Rhododendrons - or Rhodos to it's friends, is up in Les Praz, next to the little chapel and a stones throw from the Flegere cable car. Last year this bar really came into it's own as a new face on the après ski scene and they are set for another great winter of live music, great food and a roaring open fire. Opening night on Saturday, they will have tunes from DJ Matt from 6-9pm and the beer & shots (and pizza!) will keep flowing long after that!
Le Derapage - one of the smallest bars in Cham that you may well have missed on past visits – is situated just off the main square, tucked down the side of Mojo's sandwiches. On Saturday they have Mattias (from Melvil) and Danny playing live accompanied by Chris and his bongos. Loads of freebie giveaways have been promised so definitely worth popping by from 7.30pm. Incidentally, if any of you are looking for a little alpine business venture, the Derapage is currently up for sale. Contact Andy or Neil via the above link if you want to know more.
Wednesday 16th:
La Cantina - legendary late night bar and club, the Cantina is another place that you might not find if you don't know where to look. If you're really into your music – Drum n Bass, Funk, Hip Hop – the Cantina does it all and they are having their official opener on Wednesday with local reggae band, Natty Sauvage. This is their first big gig of the season and there are sure to be plenty more to follow, so don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the sign in the small side street up the side of Otavalo Sports, just past Super U. FYI, Cantina is also a great Mexican restaurant and the perfect place to stay if you're on a budget but want to be central.
The other exciting news this week is that the Winter Sessions Crew are back in town. For the 5th year running, the boys have planned an event schedule bursting with some of the biggest DJ names around. Last year they brought us Giles Peterson and this year they have confirmed appearances from his Radio 1 colleagues – Jenna G and D-Code – at their awesome New Year's Eve party at Le Podium Bar (Chamonix ice rink). Before that though, the Godfather of Hip Hop – Rodney P – will be playing next Friday at their winter launch party, also at the Podium. Keep your eye on the après ski report as we will bring you more details on these and all the other Winter Sessions events nearer the time.
As for me, I'd better slip into something sparkly as the Winter Sessions guys are having a private VIP soiree tonight at the Clubhouse and Chamonet are on the list! Well I'm off for a cocktail, so ‘til next week - chin chin! ;O)
Don't forget to keep an eye on the What's On Calendar for a full list of events over the winter season. You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.
