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Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 27th March 2008

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Helen McGrory, Chamonix Reporter Updated

Confession time. The snow has been so utterly incredible this week that I'm afraid my focus has shifted somewhat from après ski to just ski. When conditions are this good there is no missing first lift because you're feeling a bit shabby from the night before. If you want to get the powder in this valley, you have to beat the Scandies to it and they are ALWAYS on first lift. So whilst it's been a bit quieter on the partying front for me this week, there has certainly been no shortage of things to do.

If you're heading out here yourself soon and fancy exploring some of the limitless off-piste terrain that Chamonix offers, then you should consider hiring a mountain guide to take you to those hidden powder stashes that you might not find on your own. Given that the avalanche risk is hovering around level 3 to 4 out of 5 at the moment, it's also a great option for peace of mind and they will kit you out with all the necessary safety equipment for your adventures.

However, if you are interested in increasing your own understanding of the snow conditions and avalanche risks, then you should also check out one of Henry's Avalanche Talks held every Monday at 6pm in the Boule de Neige Bar (Rue Joseph Vallot, just past Satsuki Japanese restaurant). These talks provide invaluable information on how to recognise dangerously loaded slopes, best practice for staying safe off-piste and what to do should you or your friends be unlucky enough to get caught in a slide. With the accompanying video footage and knowledgeable commentary from the presenters, you are certain to pick up a few hints and tips that may just save your life. The talks last for an hour and a half and cost €10 (€8 in advance from the BdN).

Being Easter week, the town is still pretty busy which we found most noticeable when trying to head out for an impromptu dinner. We were turned away from both Caveau and Bartavel last night (as they were full, not because we were undesirable!), and two of our favourite places, Casa Valerio and Dolce Vita, our fail safe “turn up without booking” venues, are now also only to be guaranteed by reserving in advance. And we go there A LOT! It seems that word has got out about how good these two restaurants are (probably partly our own fault!) and this week we just wangled in by the skin of our teeth. Although the number of visitors should be dropping off from next week for the remainder of the season, if there is a particular restaurant you've got your eye on, then it's always best to book.

Whether you're coming out to ski or just to enjoy the winter mountain scenery, then you should definitely take a trip on the Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola. Usually only open during the summer, this is one of the most spectacular lifts in the valley – yes, even more so than the Midi – and it opened last Saturday for the season. Transporting you from the Aiguille du Midi to the Pointe Helbronner in Italy, you can enjoy some of the incredible scenery of the upper section of the Vallee Blanche without having to set foot on the snow. It's a great option for non-skiing visitors or for those who want to ski the Vallee Blanche from the Italian side. A return trip costs in the region of €54, which may seem a bit pricy but it's well worth it, or if you have a Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass, the lift is included on that. The last round trip from the Midi leaves at 3pm, and the last return from Helbronner is at 3.45pm.

Events coming up this week start tonight with Hed Kandi featuring DJ Andy Warburton at No Escape. A regular hit in Verbier during the winter season, this UK disco house club sensation will be rocking the dance floor tonight from midnight. Over the weekend, you can expect to catch no end of live bands and/or DJs at any of the following bars & clubs in town: La Terrasse, Chambre 9, Monkey Bar, Le Vert, Le Privilege, South Bar and Soul Food among others.

All of this live music should get you nicely in the mood for the Petit Canard Apres Ski Party on Monday on the Grands Montets. If you have no idea what Le Petit Canard is, then it's a handy little pocket guide to the resort nightlife that comes out every 2 weeks and is free in various bars and cafes. On Monday they are holding a party on GM from 2pm before heading into Argentiere to let the real après party begin. From 4.30 – 7pm, the Office Bar will be hosting a BBQ with live music from the Soul Rats (wonder if they'll be serving duck….?) and then once your full of BBQ'd meat and a few beers, the fun moves to Fubar for a mechanical bull riding competition – brilliant! You'd be quackers to miss it!! (I apologise for that last comment, I really do need to get out more……)

Have a great week! ;O)

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.