Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 11st February 2010
Well last weekend was the official start of the school holiday period, so we are expecting the slopes and the resort to noticeably fill up over the next 3 weeks. However, along with the crowds come lots of fun ways to fill in your time outside of skiing and there are certainly no shortage of parties and events going on in the next 7 days.
Earlier this week, I finally made it to Comedy Night at Le Jekyll. I've been trying to get to one of these for the last month but I keep leaving it until the last minute and finding that it's sold out – doh! Anyway, thanks to a forward planning friend, on Monday night, my name was down and I was in!
Comedy Night's are held most (but not every) Monday night and as the line up changes each time; you can keep going back and be entertained by a fresh field of talent every time. This week we saw Josh Howie and Howard Read, both of whom were very, very funny. In fact, with the exception of one rather unfortunate recent performance, feedback from these gigs is always 100% positive. Tickets cost €15 for seated or €10 for standing but you really need to book in advance as it's sold out every time (call 0033 633 068 110 for reservations). You can also make more of an evening of it and go for their “Dinner & Show” option which is what we did this week. For €25 you get a delicious pie supper (choice of steak and ale, chicken, leek and mushroom or vegetable) and entry to the comedy. The food was really top notch and is the perfect warm up to an evening of laughter. However, if you do go to eat, see if you can get a table upstairs (ie. not on the main floor where the stage is) as we ended up being a little rushed at dinner and then found that we'd been allocated the very front row seats for the comedy – the danger seats!! Now I don't mind being in the front row of comedy shows, but the front row in the Jekyll is practically on the comedian's lap, so yes, you will be picked on (and we were!) and also hence why I have no photos of the night as they would have been right up their nose and merely drawn more attention my way… Great night though and hopefully the photo of my pie supper relays just how tasty it actually was! Next comedy nights are confirmed for 22nd Feb and 1st March.
So with school holiday season upon us what can you get up to with the kids in the next few days? Well there are several torchlit descents planned up and down the valley this week which is always a nice family friendly occasion. Tonight (11th) and next Thursday (18th) at the Tourchet piste in Les Houches, the ESF instructors will be skiing by torchlight at 6.30pm and spectators can enjoy mulled wine and hot drinks afterwards. The ESF in Chamonix will be doing a similar display on Wednesday 17th at Les Planards from 8.30pm, where there will be music, entertainment and hot drinks for all. Both events are completely free of charge but make sure you wrap up warm as it's a bit of a nippy spectator sport!
Also this week, the local ice hockey club – the Chamonix Chamois – are celebrating their centenary with special sound and light show at 6.30pm on Friday 19th, followed by a league match between Chamonix (yeay!) and local rivals Mont Blanc (boo!). Celebrations will continue on Saturday 20th, when a Queen Tribute band will be pumping out the tunes in the Podium bar from 9pm. Entry to these special events cost €15/€10 on Friday and €18 for the Queen concert. However, the Chamois play league matches most Tuesdays and Saturdays at the local ice rink (check out the What's On Calendar for home & away fixtures) and it's guaranteed to be an action packed night out. Most matches kick off at 8.30pm and tickets can be bought on the door of the rink.
I can't quite believe it but it's already mid-Feb, so if you're looking for somewhere romantic to take your loved one on Valentine's Day this Sunday, then why not book yourself a table at La Cabane, Le Rosebud, The Eden or l'Atmosphere for a really fabulous dinner. Alternatively, treat yourselves to a little pamper in the comfort of your own chalet with a relaxing rub down from one of the many massage therapists in the valley that will come to your accommodation. I'm sure Dr Zhivago, the horse drawn sleigh man in the centre of town will be doing a roaring trade this weekend, taking loved up couples on a romantic tour of the town in his fur lined buggy!
If you haven't got a loved one to be all dreamy with then don't forget that the second stage of the 6 Nations rugby is on this weekend and you don't have to miss out on the matches when you're out here on holiday as a number of the bars show all the fixtures on the big screen. Particular favourites to watch the match at are Le Pub, the Vagabond, Bar'd Up, La Terrasse and the Office Bar in Argentiere. Remember we're an hour ahead when you're calculating the kick off time, but hey, if you get there early, you'll get a better seat and have time for a few extra beers to get in the mood.
With plenty more parties happening in the coming week, who knows, the love of your life (or at least of your holiday!!) may be standing right beside you at the bar!
Happy Valentine's Day après skiers!
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.
