Chamonix Apres-Ski Report: 10th January 2013

The days now seem to be getting a little bit longer, meaning that people are enjoying drinks in the sunshine before dinner, perhaps eating later a bit later than usual and then looking for somewhere to party into the night. One great venue that does little to advertise itself, relying more on word of mouth, is Soulfood on Rue des Moulins. They often have live music, usually bands from out of town that you won't hear playing anywhere else. Last week there was a fantastic funk band that had the place packed out every night, I have no idea what they were called but they were a 5-piece from Paris with a great sound. Soulfood is only small so the band were literally playing on the dance floor with the singer getting on down amongst the crowd - hot, loud, sweaty and loads of fun. The best way to find out about upcoming gigs is to call in and ask the guys at the bar, they're open every evening until 2am.

By far the best night of this week was the return of the Pop & Skred Sunday Show, this winter in its new venue at South Bar in Chamonix Sud. The guys already have a loyal following of die-hard fans but I reckon a few more were converted on Sunday night, considering how many people I have heard raving about it ever since. They never fail to disappoint with a great set of banging hiphop, moombah, electro, dubstep & drum'n'bass tunes that had the kids yelling for more - literally (listen here on Soundcloud). South Bar has recently been renovated, making the main bar more cosy and with more seating for those who prefer a more chilled out vibe, but downstairs is where is was all happening on Sunday - not many people even know it is there but that little club room must be some kind of tardis to fit so many people in.

Across the square at Monkey Bar, Sammy Senior was laying down some seriously sexy ghetto-funk. He's new to Chamonix this winter but already seems to have made his mark, plenty of folks were alternating between the two bars to get the best of both worlds - seems like Sundays in the Sud could be the big night out this winter!

As well as being home to a plethora of amazing DJs, Chamonix is also a hot bed of live musical talent - one act not to miss this week is Thrill Collins playing at the Jekyll on Friday. They're kind of hard to describe... UK skiffle-pop combo?! Best just to turn up and see for yourself, I give it the Chamonet.com guarantee that you'll have a ball and it's free entry to boot.

If you're staying in Argentiere, or if you're shredding it at Grands Montets on Thursday, call into Savoy Bar to hear The Pistey Boys in action. They'll be belting out some classic covers in their own exuberant style from 5pm, while we all get into a bit of classic apres-ski dancing in ski boots and spilling beer all over ourselves. It's why ski clothes are waterproof.

If you fancy getting involved in something a bit more active then call into the Lole shop on Rue Joseph Vallot, just past Super U in Chamonix centre. They run regular free events that you can try out such as stretch, fitness and yoga sessions; this week they are inviting you to join them in a night time snow shoe walk at Les Houches. Bring a head torch, some warm clothing and a pair of snowshoes (can be hired from most ski rental shops) to the bottom of Le Prarion lift at 5:30pm to discover the beauty of nature at night! Afterwards you could call into Le Delice for a drink and a bite to eat, or warm yourself back up with the best curry in town (in my opinion) at Restaurant Ghandi.

The crazy Christmas/New Year holiday period may be over but there is still plenty going on - have a look at our What's On Calendar for all upcoming events.