Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 25th February 2010

For me it was mission accomplished as I finally managed to catch the unusually named BODHIZAPHA playing. They play regular sets in Le Vert and Munster Bar every Saturday and Wednesday respectively, but I caught them this week doing a cheeky set at Bar'd Up on Tuesday night and they certainly didn't disappoint. Kura, the lead singer, is from the Cook Islands and has the most beautiful husky tone to her voice and a very exotic look. She sings really original versions of classic surfy style reggae favourites and plays the acoustic guitar. She is accompanied on percussion by the slightly less exotic Chris from England, but whom many of you may recognise as the drummer from the Yeti Lovers, the après band in South Bar last winter. He plays a huge range of percussions instruments – most of which I can't even name – but have been reliably informed they are include Cahon, Darbuka and Djembe (see what I mean??). Bongo's and cymbol, that's all I could come up with! Ooh, and a rain stick thingy…. Anyway, they were fabulous and should not be missed if you're after a more chilled evening of live music during your stay. You can also catch them most Wednesdays playing an après set at Les Rhodos in Les Praz, at the base of the Flegere cable car.

Talking of Flegere, whilst definitely more “ski” than “après ski”, the Chamonix women's ice hockey team are hosting a fun little event held on Flegere this weekend – our very own “Flying Kilometre”! For anyone that has ever skied in Les Arcs, you'll no doubt be aware of the area where you can pit yourself against the timings of the pro speed skiers on the specially prepared “Kilometre Lancé” piste. Well, it's not necessarily going to be quite that hardcore but you will still be able to test your speed down a specially prepared track on the Chavannes piste from 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is only €2 per descent and so there is nothing stopping you from having a few goes as there are some great raffle prizes up for grabs (skis, ski holidays, tandem parapente jumps, meals, sports gear....).

If you're worried about missing out on the next round of 6 Nations matches this weekend, then don't. As always, loads of bars will be showing them LIVE on the big screen tomorrow and Saturday. Favourites haunts of ours to catch up on the big sporting events include: le Vagabond, Le Pub, La Terrasse, Bar'd Up, Le Vert and Munster Bar in Chamonix; the Office Bar in Argentiere and Le Slalom Bar in Les Houches. Although it seems they are undoubtedly heading for the wooden spoon this year, I will still be cheering Scotland all the way, so hopefully see you there!

As we approach the end of the school holiday period, if you're looking for somewhere to spend a nice quiet evening then don't forget that we have our very own cinema complex right in the centre of town. The Cinema Vox has got loads of films showing at the moment, including many in “version originale” (generally English) so take a look at the full upcoming listings on the link at the top of the What's On calendar. To name a few that will be showing in the coming week – Avatar (26/02), Wolfman (28/02), Sherlock Holmes (27/02, 01/03), Brothers (27/02, 02/03) with the beautiful Jake Gyllenhaal (aaah, swoon….) and the avant premiere of Ghostwriter (02/03, 03/03, 05/03). Tickets cost €8 for adults, €5.50 for kids and €6.50 for students, youths and seniors (proof of age may be required).

I seem to have shifted the après report down a gear this week – think it's because I've been overdoing it a bit and am coming down with a cold so many of my favourite haunts seem a little too hectic. But that's the nice thing about Chamonix, there are après ski activities to suit all tastes and energy levels, so if you're looking for something a bit more sedate then there are a couple of nice events to take a look at over the weekend. On Saturday, the gallery in Argentiere – Galerie du Globe – is hosting the first of its “Art for art's sake” events, during which a different artist will be featured each week, showing select pieces of their work and then opening a discussion with those there. This week Gus Hurst, an extreme sports photographer, will be showcasing some of his favourite pieces in the gallery from 6pm. The Galerie du Globe is located right opposite the Argentiere train station, so easily accessed by public transport from Chamonix.

Staying with the arty theme, Le Vert is also holding a photography exhibition this weekend, but on Sunday, where another sports photographer, Dan Milner, will have some amazing images from his recent splitboard mission in Alaska. Starting at 6pm, you can peruse images of Dan's latest adventures and then follow it up with one of Le Vert's slap up 3-course Sunday roast dinners. This is likely to be a popular evening even without the added attraction of Dan's amazing photographs so you might be best to book a table in advance on 0450 53 13 58.

One last thing for this week is taking place tomorrow night (Friday) outside the Maison de la Montagne, beside the church in the centre of town. “Chamonix en Rouge” is being organised by the ESF in celebration of their 65th birthday this year. There will be a street parade, live music, fireworks and of course a GIANT tartiflette and hot drinks from 5pm – 11pm. And even better than that – it's all for free!

Have a great week ;O)

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.