Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 12nd March 2010

A particular favourite place of mine to go with friends or for a special occasion is the Eden Hotel and Restaurant in Les Praz (near the base of the Flegere cable car). If you're staying in Chamonix then it can be very easy to miss out of this little gem, but don't be put off by the fact that it's a little way out of town, as they run a complimentary shuttle service if you ask at the time of booking. The food here is wonderful; a modern mix of Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist and I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered.

You can either make your order “a la carte” from the variety of starters, mains and deserts available, as well as a selection of pasta dishes, or they also have three excellent value menu options of three or four courses for €19 and €29 respectively. There is also a 3 course “Spa Menu” for €25, which specifically caters to those with vegetarian, gluten or lactose dietary requirements. I opted for the Spa Menu and had Thai spiced steamed mussels followed by grilled filet of sea bass with crushed potatoes and a caper and tomato salsa. My friend took the €29 menu and had sundried tomato and goat's cheese tart and roast saddle of lamb with mustard potatoes and a red wine jus. To finish, we had dark chocolate mousse with raspberries and char grilled fruit skewers with a raspberry coulis. Along with a bottle of wine and coffees, our bill came to €80 which, for the standard of food and lovely service you get here, I think is excellent value. If you can, get there a little early so that you have time to enjoy a leisurely aperitif in the cosy hotel bar in front of the fire.

This coming week has got no end of exciting events coming up, starting with (as I mentioned last week), The Balboas are back in Chambre 9 on Saturday for a “one night only” après set. I never thought I'd see the day that they were back performing on the stage where they ruled the après ski scene for 7 years. This is going to be one hell of a gig I'm sure, so make sure you get there early to get the beers in and bag yourself a decent spot. If you can't make it to this gig, then keep an eye out at the Savoy Bar in Argentiere as there is a good chance they will play a couple of sets up there too as Freddie, the Balboas drummer, runs the bar. Do Not Miss!!

Also coming up next week is the annual inter-resort mogul competition – the Boss des Bosses at Grands Montets! Now in its 21st year, this fantastic event attracts teams of resort workers from across the Alps (usually Chamonix, Zermatt, Verbier, Val d'Isere, Meribel and Courchevel), who come to compete on an immense, specially prepared mogul field with a big air kicker at the bottom. Being so well established, the Boss des Bosses has some regular competitors that return year after year – Wee Jenny from Courchevel in her teeny tiny kilt, Mike from Verbier usually sporting some kind of day-glo one piece and then some truly exceptional bump skiers – Jorg Biner from Zermatt, Giles from The Development Centre in Val d'Isere and Chris Thorne, also of Zermatt who usually pulls some pretty spectacular forward somersaults off the big air. Team Cham usually includes freeskiing legend Glenn Plake and his bikini clad wife Kimberley, and the whole event is organised by Tim Banfield and his spectacular moustache – an attraction in its own right!

The event will be held under the Tabe chairlift, on the off-piste section directly above the Plan Joran mountain restaurant. The official line is that the competition will start from 11am, but from past experience, once everyone has been bussed in from the other resorts, got their lift passes sorted and got up on the hill, it's likely to be more like 12-1pm before the action starts. However, get yourself up there as Le Vert Hotel will have their decks set up on the slope and be spinning the tunes from midday, and there will also be a big BBQ and ice bar set up alongside serving hot dogs, burgers and ice cold beers. Hopefully, we'll get a good day for it as the Boss des Bosses always turns into a huge party on the hill which carries on in town once the lifts close. As with last year, the event coincides with the Black Crows Black Weekend – a music and mountain sports festival that has some of the latest kit for you to test and some great party nights planned from 17th – 20th March. See the What's On Calender for more info on the programme for the Black Wekend.

Well that's it from me for this week; hope to see you on the hill cheering on team Cham at the Boss des Bosses. We can't let Zermatt beat us for the third year running – that trophy must be ours!!

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.