Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 14th February 2008

The first Outdoor Games was launched in summer 2005 in Interlaken, Switzerland, but Chamonix is the honoured host of the first winter version of the event, which will run from 14th – 17th February. 7 teams will be taking part in this multi-sport event, which includes some of the best mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, speed riders (paragliding) and BASE jumpers in the world. Together with their film crews, they have 5 days to produce the best short film and photo slideshow encompassing all 5 sporting disciplines.

All the footage must be shot in the Mont Blanc region and without the assistance of a helicopter. The preparations are well underway in town, with a big screen and an ice climbing wall taking shape in the “Outdoor Games Village” in the Tourist Office square. The event opens this afternoon at 3pm and there is a whole host of activities, films and live music concerts planned over the coming days. Two air shows combining BASE jumpers, wing suits, speed flyers and hang gliding are planned on Saturday 16th; the first at 11am on the Midi (access restricted to 200 people) and the second at 2pm on Lognan, Grands Montets. The films themselves will be shown to the public on the big screen on Saturday night and an independent jury will decide on the winner. All the shows and activities are completely free of charge with the exception of the ski pass needed to see the aerial shows. Pick up the full schedule of events from the Outdoor Village or the Tourist Office.

I've actually been quite quiet on the après front this week, preferring to make the most of the great weather and get out on the slopes a bit more instead. My usual favourite haunts have been jam packed as always though from what I've seen – The Balboas at Chambre, The Soul Rats at Monkey, The Juggernaught in the evening at the Terrasse – there is certainly no shortage of live music in this town. If you're into your music and DJ's then you will probably LOVE The Cantina, but it's easily missed if you don't know where to look. Tucked up a side street just past Super U, this is the place to head for late night partying to a mix of Drum n Bass, Progressive House, Hip Hop Funk and Ibiza sounds.

I also found a great new spot for lunch this week on Rue des Moulins, which as I've mentioned in previous reports, is finally springing back to life after the fire in 2005. Enjoy is a new internet café and snack bar that opened earlier this season in the building opposite Bar'd Up, beside the river. I've walked past it a number of times, but since tasting their sandwiches; walking past is no longer an option! Offering a range of hot and cold drinks, freshly made salads and delicious ciabatta sandwiches, it's the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat while you check your e-mails. There are 7 computer terminals inside as well as a number of tables where you can just sit and catch up over a coffee. Open from 9am – 7pm, internet access costs 10 cents/minute or €5/hour and they also have wifi access and printing facilities. I'm sure this place is going to be chocca once the weather warms up, as there is plenty space for outdoor seating which will be in the sunshine pretty much all day. I think I spotted that they do fidelity cards as well, so I'd better get my hands on one of them as I think I'll be becoming a bit of a regular!

So apart from all the events and activities surrounding the Outdoor Games, other things you might be interested in this week are the ice hockey match between Chamonix and St Gervais/Megeve on Tuesday 19th. The Chamonix Chamois have been having a bit of a tough season this year so they will be well up for a bit of rousing support in this friendly match with their neighbours at the ice rink. Also on Tuesday, the ESF in Argentiere are arranging a torchlit procession and ski for all children in possession of their 1st level star and above (pre-register with ESF Argentiere). Meeting at 6pm at the Grands Montets ESF office, the children will ski through the forest and down to the Chosalets ski area. At 7.30pm, the ESF instructors will then do a full torchlit descent from the Lognan mid-station to the Argentiere town hall where vin chaud and hot chocolate will be served to get the feeling back to your fingers.

If you fancy a really chilled night, then check out the cinema just off Place Balmat, which has regular showings of the latest French and International films. This weekend “en anglais” is “Into the Wild” – a true story based on ill-fated adventurer, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch). Sean Penn stars and directs and seems to be getting pretty good reviews, but is probably well worth watching just for the stunning Alaskan scenery. Entrance to the cinema is only €8 for adults and an array of suitable cinema snacks are available inside although the salty popcorn machine can be a bit temperamental…

Anyway, I'll have my party head on again next week so until then, here's an at a glance look at What's On in coming weeks.