Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 30th December 2007
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had a good one and overindulged appropriately. Even better if you were fortunate enough to be out here for it; Chamonix is a really idyllic place to spend the Christmas period and we certainly had a very white one this year. However, I realised that we've spent so much time raving on about how great the snow conditions have been, that we have completely neglected to tell you about all the fun stuff that happens off the slopes – the apres ski scene! As we did last year, we'll be updating this report every week to bring you an at-a-glance round up of the resort's event programme, to keep you entertained once the lifts have closed.
Despite its reputation as a mountain resort for the hardcore, you could quite easily spend a week in Chamonix without skiing or boarding at all. With a population of 10 000, it's quite a sizeable town that we live in here and as a result, there is no shortage of non-ski activities to pass the time. If flexing your credit card is a particular passion of yours then you will have no problem giving the old visa a good work out in the numerous big brand shops and boutiques in resort. All the big mountain brands are here – Peak Performance, Helly Hansen, North Face, Quicksilver etc, as well as many non-fleece & Gore-tex retailers such as Timberland, Esprit, Benetton (just opened!) and even Chanel for a bit of Victoria Beckham piste-side bling! For more info on the shopping possibilities in Cham, click here.
A hard day on the slopes (or in the shops!) can take its toll on your body if you're not used to that level of increased activity, and aching muscles are a frequent side effect of a visit here. Luckily for you, there are many places you can go for a relaxing rub down at the end of the day, or just a bit of a buff and a polish if you fancy a treat. The Hotel Albert Premiere has a fabulous spa – Le Bachal – which is open to non-residents and where you can easily lose yourself for a day in their treatment rooms and pool area.
For an exciting evening out for all the family, Chamonix is also host to regular ice hockey games held at the “patinoire” (ice rink). The home team – the Chamonix Chamois – are currently battling it out with 13 other teams from across France, for the Magnus League trophy. Guaranteed good matches are against Grenoble, Briancon, Morzine and the arch rivals from down the valley, Mont Blanc, where it's usually more than just the puck that is flying!! Next match is tonight, a friendly against a team from North America and then again on Friday, when the Chamois face Tours in a league game. Matches start at 8.30pm and tickets for all matches can be purchased on the door - €9 for adults and €4 for 10-16 year olds. Under 10's are free and season tickets are also available.
But for many people, it's not après ski unless you're squashed up against a throng of sweaty bodies with a beer in your hand, singing cheesy rock classics at the top of your voice! And I'm inclined to agree. I do, however, believe that nobody does après ski like the Austrians, who have turned getting drunk in ski boots into an art form! Now whilst we don't have a Mooserwirt or an Ice Bar here, we do have the next best thing in Chambre 9; THE place to après in Chamonix. And the wait is over, the resident après ski band, The Balboas, are back for the season and starting tonight! The band play a couple of sets between 5-7pm, every night (except Saturday). Get in early as it's standing room only (and barely that at times!).
The big occasion this week is, of course, New Years Eve! Send 2007 out in style and greet 2008 with a whimper and a sore head! There doesn't seem to be an awful lot going on in and around town for the occasion but there is a torchlit procession in Argentiere on the 31st just before 6pm at the Mairie, and a torchlit descent by the ESF instructors on the Planards piste in Chamonix at 6.30pm on New Years Day.
There is definitely not a shortage of party options for tomorrow night though with live music from seasoned favourites, the Juggernaught of Rock at La Terrasse (€25 entrance), White Lies (rock) at Bard'Up (free) and the regular singer at Le Privilege (also free) who always draws a crowd. There is also a host of DJs playing around town including Niki Belucci at Le Garage (remember her from last year? You will when you see her!! Not one to take the kids to!), Phil G at Choucas and party nights at Soul Food on Rue des Moulins and La Cantina.
If you really want to sack off the slopes on NY Day then the “Pink Poison” Party at No Escape is due to go on until 6am and more than likely beyond. (Some readers may also be interested to know that they have converted their kitchen into a “Gentleman's Club” this year…..!). As always , the main focal point for the New Year celebrations will be Place Balmat at midnight, when the whole town comes out to welcome in the new year. Be warned though it's usually a fairly rowdy affair with bottles underfoot and fireworks all around so go with someone big!
Phew! There we go, surely something for everyone there, plus we've got a whole host of additional events are listed in our What's On Calendar. I guess all that's left is for me to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and see you in the square! I'll be the one in the fountain! ;O)
