Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 14th April 2008

As I mentioned in my previous report, last weeks big event was the final après ski at Chambre 9, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Resident band, the Balboas kicked the evening off to a packed to bursting bar. Even with all the tables removed there was still barely standing room and you couldn't move anywhere without getting half a pitcher of beer down you, but nobody cared and the atmosphere was fantastic. All the après ski favourites from the season were belting out and the crowd were going crazy. We were then treated to two more great bands from Val Thorens, well I think it was just two, there was a lot of mixing and matching going on with the bar staff taking to the stage at one point, some of the guys from South Bar played and then the Balboas were mingling in here and there, but the result was over 5 hours of top après fun. In fact the crowd was getting so into the evening that the staff had to close the bar around 10pm just to make sure that everyone did indeed leave! So sad, over for another year - well almost, Stefan, the lead singer of the Balboas will be playing his own night time set Monday, Wednesday & Friday of this week.

Other events going on in the next few days is Bodstock, tonight at La Terrasse. This annual event is a musical mix of all the best musicians in Chamonix.with confirmed acts including: Soul Rats, Balboas, Rass, Angus, Yeti Lovers, Forse and The Juggernaut of Rock. There will also be a raffle with lots of prizes and some great drinks promos and all proceeds from the €5 entrance fee go to Cancer Research.

The lousy weather last Tuesday meant that the 3-legged bar crawl was cancelled last week, only moments before it was due to start. This didn't, however, deter the many who had already turned out in some fantastic fancy dress outfits, ready to drink the town dry! Well you have a second chance to partake, as the event has been re-scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) with registration at the MBC from 4pm as before. Taking in around 10 of the key bars in town (Chambre, Terrasse, Bar'd Up, Le Pub, Monkey, Vaga amongst others), the night ends with a big blowout at Le Vert for anyone still standing.

On the mountain this week is another final – the last round of the Helly Hansen Winter Ride Competition. Every month, Helly Hansen and Evolution 2 organise this off-piste contest with the main goal to discover the best off-piste runs of the valley and do them in the fastest time. Open to anyone, Grands Montets is the venue this Wednesday and competitors can register right up until the start of the race with the Compagnie du Mont Blanc, Evolution 2 or at the Helly Hansen shop in town. Entrance costs €10, meet base of Grands Montets at 8.30am and each rider must have a helmet, transceiver and off-piste insurance.

Staying on the mountain, next weekend (19th & 20th) the valley will once again host a Speed Riding contest. This relatively new extreme sport was previously seen in February at the Nissan Outdoor Games and since then I've also seen a number of people try their hand at it on the slopes of Le Tour with the Ailes du Mont Blanc Flying School. The event will take place on the Grands Montets during the day and Le Vert will host the after parties both nights.

For one final legendary end of season party night for this report – you should brace yourself for LaLaLand next Saturday (19th) at the Podium Bar in the ice rink. Now in its 4th year, LaLaLand is massive a all night party with 3 dancefloors, 3 bars and sets from international DJs Spiritual South (UK) and Besh o Drom (Hungary), as well as local favourites Soulfood Bros, Hoax and more. Entrance costs €10 before 10pm and €12 afterwards and this legendary party goes on officially until 4pm but will more than likely see sun rise.

For a full list of this week's events, check out our What's On Calendar.
You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.