Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 31st December 2009
Weather wise, this week has pretty much been a total wash out – literally - rain, rain and more rain, with the freeze point lurking up around 2300m at times. However, as is fitting for Christmas and New Year week, the après ski scene has been brilliant!
I am delighted to announce that après ski at Chambre Neuf is back with a vengeance and this winter's band, No Limits, IS AWESOME!!!! Their debut performance was delayed from Sunday to Monday night after their instruments failed to appear on the baggage carousel at Geneva, but thankfully they were reunited in time for Monday's après gig where they totally brought the house. Playing a mix of 80's, 90's and noughties classics and including all the essential après favourites, the bar was absolutely packed to the rafters and every available surface was being danced on. There was even a bit of impromptu crowd surfing from one young guy with little regard for his own safety! Fortunately he was returned very gently to “terra firma” by the crowd, rather than unceremoniously dumped on his head as is often the case……. No Limits will be playing every night of the season (except Saturday's) from 5pm – 7pm but you should get there early to bag a good spot. FYI, après etiquette in Chambre is as follows: ALL tables and chairs are for dancing on – NOT for sitting on or balancing drinks on. Hogging a prime spot for such purposes is greatly frowned upon! ;O)
If you were a fan of Melvil, last year's band in Chambre, then you can catch them again this year in Choucas (well 2 out of the 4 at least). Whilst some people may say that they weren't a match for the Balboas (the long standing après band in Chambre 9), Melvil are undoubtedly one of the most talented groups currently playing in the Alps and if you ever see their gigs advertised you should definitely make an effort to see them see them. This winter whilst Martin is off seeking his fortune elsewhere, but Mattias (the one who does the great rendition of Daft Punk) and the bass player have got a new member of the gang called Danny, and together they are doing an apres set most nights at Choucas, as well as Sunday nights at Bar'd Up.
Anyway, to the important stuff – where to go tonight - New Year's Eve?? Well, the choice is endless and you can pretty much guarantee that every bar in town will be celebrating in style:
Like your music/DJ's? Then head to the winter sessions bash at Le Podium (Chamonix ice rink) €30 on the door or La Cantina (up the side of Otavalo Sports (nr. Super U). Le Vert is also holding a huge “Funky Gangsters” party with free entry and a 4am licence.
Feeling Flush? The super cool bar and nightclub, No Escape, is holding a very swanky New Year's Eve party tonight with tunes from their resident DJ Sam Martin. This was where Kylie chose to see in the new year last year with her Spanish toyboy, so you never know who you might end up rubbing shoulders with! €80 entry or €760 for a table of 5 inc. a magnum of Veuve Cliquot.
Want Food? Le Vert is offering a 3 course meal including some wine/champers for €60 and then the bar will be open until 4am for their Funky Gangster party night. Free shuttles from the Casino in the centre of town
Want Live Music? Bar'd Up has Kendal's new band The Barnaby's playing (he's soooo cute….oh, and a very good singer too!), Hors Piste are on at Les Rhodos in Le Praz, La Terrasse, Monkey & South Bar all have bands playing and Coops & Ollie are playing at Le Pub.
Late, late, late? No Escape, Le Podium, Le Vert, Choucas, Le Garage, Le Tof and Le Vagabond are all open until at least 4am….and some!
Don't forget that everyone will gather in the main square (Place Balmat) for the bells at midnight, although if you don't like errant fireworks, this is probably best avoided!
Next week, things will calm down a little bit – well, by calm down I mean revert to normality for the season which is numerous bands, DJs and parties night after night. Don't forget to pack your milk thistle – your liver will love you for it!
Well happy New Year everyone and may 2010 be the snowiest on record! Hope you can come and join us soon.
PS. Been dumping all day!!!
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.
