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Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 30th April 2010

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Helen McGrory, Chamonix Reporter Updated

Well here we are – the last après report of the 09/10 winter season. And what a winter it's been! I have to say that of all the seasons I've done (and I have done quite a few……), this has been one of my favourites. Not just because we've had such great snow conditions throughout, but the choice of things to do and places to go after the lifts have closed has been amazing. So for my final report I thought I'd do a little round up of my favourites:

Best place apres ski – this will come as no surprise to those of you who have been following my après reports this winter, but the legend of Chambre 9 as THE place to après still lives on strong. The resident band, No Limits, have been quite simply awesome this year! Val Thorens loss was definitely Chamonix's gain and we can't wait for them to come back again next winter.

Best live band – Apart from No Limits, my other favourite band this year was Bodhizapha, undoubtedly one of the hardest working duo's in town. They pop up everywhere and are the perfect choice if you're in the mood for a more chilled out evening of live music. Although it was “one night only” this winter – keep and eye out for AlBenAza next year (probably at the Jekyll again) – one band definitely not to be missed!

Best party night – has to be the Cuban Brothers at Le Vert. The combo of fake tan, dodgy ‘taches, Adidas tracksuits, obscenely tight lycra, breakdancing and a bit of stripping will stay with me forever! The Winter Sessions parties at Le Podium have also been amazing this winter – with some impressive names headlining, these are only going to get bigger and better next year.

Best après activity – it's not all about happy hour jugs of beer and 2 for 1 cocktails – honestly!! One of my favourite non-booze related things to do is a night out at the ice hockey. The Chamonix Chamois managed a very respectable 9th place in the Magnus League this year (out of 14) and it's a guaranteed top night out for all the family. Matches usually take place every Tuesday or Saturday (depending on home/away fixtures) and don't worry, there is of course, a fully licensed bar at the ice rink should you need a quick shot of something to warm your cockles….. For quiet night out, don't forget that Chamonix also has it's very own cinema complex in the centre of town, regularly showing several of the latest releases in English

Best vin chaud – I haven't mentioned my quest to find the finest vin chaud in the valley up until now, but I'm happy to announce that you'll find it at the Alpage de Balme mountain restaurant at Le Tour (the tiny little chalet beside the Posettes drag lift) where €3.50 will buy you a steaming cup of deliciously spiced mulled wine. They also do excellent food – the menu is small and simple but excellent value when compared to what you get in the main resto's on the hill. Booking essential (0683 33 86 61) as it's so small inside but it also has some of the best views in the valley from the sunny terrace. It's open in summer too so make sure you pop in if you're hiking or biking in the area.

Best cocktails – Mix Bar or the Clubhouse. ‘Nuff said.

Best late night hang out – love it or loathe it, the Garage nightclub has to be experienced. Often host to some well known guest DJs (some of whom DJ topless…..!), the neon, the podiums, the slightly sticky carpet – I love it! However, if you like your surroundings a little more glam, then No Escape is the place to head. With Kylie spending New Year 2009 in here, you never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with at the bar!

So there you go, some of my top choices from brilliant winter spent on the piste!! ;O)

There's still one more big event to look forward to though, this weekend is the Freeride Days – the official closing party on Grands Montets that really marks the end of the season (even though the lifts will stay open another week). From the poster, this year's theme seems to be “Back to the Future” so I expect to see one or two Marty McFly's on the slope this Sunday but I'm not sure a DeLorean will handle too well on the snow! Anyway, apart from fancy dress, the Freeride Days is a fantastic party with an air show of wing suiters and paragliders, relay slalom race, tobogganing, a Tyrolean slide, hot tubs on the hill, the famous rail contest (last year it was 48m long and the winner rode the entire length of it!!) and everyone's favourite – the water slide!!! After parties will be held at the Jekyll Bar – BBQ from 4pm with burgers, bangers and kebabs and jugs of beer or Pimms for €9 – and the Mix Bar – BBQ from 5pm, drinks specials all night and music from DJs Corin Martin and Joe Volpierre and Sax and vocals from Jonny Tarr. One last blow out before hanging up my liver to dry out!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my weekly ramblings on the après ski and nightlife scene here in Cham this winter. I've certainly had a lot of fun drinking and carousing my way around town to keep you up to date! I'll be sure to let you know how the Freeride Days goes on Sunday, so check back to the News section early next week for the low down and some photos of the fun.

Thanks for reading and have a great summer! ;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.