Skip to main content
SeeChamonix

Chamonix Apres-Ski Report: 27th February 2013

Blue skies & big beats

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Alison Shayler, Chamonix Reporter Updated

The sun is shining, the ski is blue, yes it's flipping cold but it's already starting to feel a bit like spring. Which means only one thing, al fresco apres!

There are many great spots to enjoy a post-shred beer in the sunshine, one of my favourites being Les Rhododendrons in Les Praz, especially when the snow cover is good enough to do the homerun which brings you out virtually opposite this rustic old bar on the roundabout next to the lift station. Their big terrace has a cracking view down the valley with both mountain ranges looming up from either side, I've seen some amazing colourful sunsets here.

Other splendid supping locations include Elevation which always has a buzzing atmosphere full of locals, tourists and mountain guides; La Terrasse in the centre of town where you can watch the world go by; or Le Vagabond on Avenue Ravanel Le Rouge which always seems to keep the sun slightly longer than anywhere else and has one of the best views of Mont Blanc that you're likely to find.

This week has been a great one for special gigs and parties. The arrival of two guest bands in town shook things up a bit and brought a few fresh new sounds to the usual apres-scene; Bronkenstein Connection with their jazzy grooves all the way from Nice and El Super Mini Combo Nacional with their funky Cuban salsa. Both bands went down a storm and are rumoured to be returning later in the season, watch this space for more details.

The biggest night of the week was the Full Moon Party at White Hub on Monday; much anticipated and long awaited since the sad demise of the dear old Cantina, but getting off to a great renaissance at the new (and much bigger) venue. Running Numbers played a great hiphop/dubstep set infused with live vocals, keyboards and flute to get everyone giving it plenty on the dancefloor; while DJ Woody showed us exactly why he proudly holds the title of the only World Champion AV Party Rocker. Local heroes Pop & Skred worked their usual magic on the decks, turning out some heavy bass and showing off some fancy scratch skills across 3 turntables.

DJs are starting to outnumber mountain guides here in Chamonix at the moment, or so it feels. No sooner have Akil (Jurassic 5) and DJ Cheeba left town, than DJ Woody and Running Numbers have rocked up, next to arrive are Nightbird, Score, Lowatt and Gabe for the South Bar Festival this weekend in Chamonix Sud. Three days of dubstep, hiphop, techno and house kicking off with an apres-ski set on the sunniest terrace in town at 4pm on Thursday. The festival will go out in style on Sunday night with the always-banging Pop & Skred Sunday Show. Entry to all the DJ shows are free, just come along and join in the party!

Also on the agenda this week is the Rail Contest at Legend'CHX board shop in Chamonix Sud. Open to everyone, have a crack at riding the rail and maybe win some prizes! Or just turn up, enjoy the BBQ and music, and them mosey on over to Monkey Bar for the after-party. See you there...

All these events and more can be found on our What's On Calendar.