Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 23rd April 2011
Well the good news is the weather is beautiful and we have a wicked weekend of Winter Sessions coming up and a week full of closing parties after that. The bad news is the season really has finished early as Compagnie du Mont Blanc has announced the early closure of parts the Grand Montet. But there are a few lifts still running, get up early make the most of the snow before its mush and then start the après early. Grand Montet has had a great atmosphere over the last couple of weeks with live music, beers and deck chairs in the sun.
With the early closure of Brevent and the struggling snow conditions at Grand Montet the Winter Sessions crew have had to be ultra-creative and re-arrange venues a few times. Here is the low down for this weekend and where it's happening. The festivities are kicked off today with an opening Fingerlickin' BBQ at Le Vert Hotel featuring Soul of Man and special guests. Then it's to Le Podium for an all-night session, room 1 with Hip Hop and Drum and Bass with the likes of Skitz and Rodney P and G-Funk. Room 2 will be House Techno and Electro with Winter Sessions residents Corin Martin Joe Volpeliere and Piers.
The beautiful sunshine is going to make the Saturday extra special for the Fete du Village and Snow Jam. Due to the terrible snow and the funny smell that's up on the mountain right now they have decided to move the event down in the valley where the grass is green and the ground can be walked, sat and rolled on... Les Gaillands! Events start at 11am and go on all day. There will be the Alpine Cake Bake Off - the highest cake competition in the world (judging criteria - style and taste), there will be the King of Ping - Table Tennis (Ping Pong) tournament with altitude, Space Turkey wrestling - bird style wrestling with a difference. As well as BBQ and a bar there will be a mountain stage and some funky tunes to chill out to in the sun.
Keep some energy for the walk to Chambre Neuf which starts at 8pm with the Lazy Habits Sound system and then for the main event the Winter Sessions Fancy Dress Ball. This year the theme is ‘tropical heat' so starting making those palms trees and digging out those dodgy Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts. For those of still standing on Sunday Le Vert is hosting the closing BBQ starting at 5pm. With it looking unlikely that this year's closing party at Grand Montet will not go ahead this is the weekend to celebrate in style!
It doesn't stop after the weekend either Monday will see the last night for Café La Terrasse. They have got the amazing fusion of DJ IYE 95 playing with live percussion from Dougie Jones. So come down drink Jagerbombs, shake your asses and see them off in style.
The Pub will also be closing this next week. The good old ‘P' party is back so put your thinking caps on and bring out those all inventive P-costumes. Last year's Piste was a winner! It's yet to be confirmed whether it will be Thursday or Friday night. I will keep you posted!
For those of you who have already packed the skis away and are looking for a summer sport with a good social scene check out Ultimate Frisbee on Thursdays at the Parapente field near MBC. It starts at 17:30pm and plays for a few hours. Then everyone heads over for beers and nachos at MBC.
So I hope that will keep you all busy for the next week, see you at Le Podium.
Editor's note: So, that's it for winter 2010/2011 then! We hope you've enjoyed reading our reports as much as we've enjoyed writing them and we look forward to bringing you more up-to-date info next season.
You can read all of our reports from this season and previous ones by using the “Archived Reports” box in the top right-hand corner. In the meantime, there will occasional interseason updates and be sure to check back around the beginning of June when our summer reports start up again, bringing you regular updates on local events and activities.
Chamonet.com is one of the Skinets.com ski resort websites; we are looking for enthusiastic and reliable reporters who will be in the Alps all season to produce written reports and/or present video reports. If you are planning on spending next winter in one of the following resorts and are interested in working for us please send an email to alison@skinets.com.
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