Chamonix Apres-Ski Report: 5th December 2012

Although the lifts aren't open just yet there is still plenty to do and the excitement is building as the first day on the slopes gets closer and closer (Les Grands Montets opens this weekend!); the bars are reopening, the Christmas lights are being arranged in readiness for the big switch-on and there is a buzz in the air from all the new seasonaires and returning locals that have been having a well-earned break throughout the autumn interseason.

One new trend to hit Chamonix is that of the "pop-up restaurant" - guest chefs seducing us into culinary one night stands in our favourite haunts. Friday night was the turn of Tref and Dave, who produced a veritable feast at Le Vert with an Indian menu of samosas, bhajis, poppadums and sauces to start, followed by a choice of meat or vegetarian curry, rounded off with a fiendishly sweet chocolate dessert. All for the princely sum of 20€. Despite the hearty size of the portions there was barely a crumb left by the end of the night, a great compliment to any chef. Le Rusticana in Argentiere has also been getting in on the action with a number of talented local foodies creating special one-off menus and I've heard great feedback from them, so watch this space for details of the next event!

The bars are also getting into gear for the arrival of winter; La Terrace opened on Saturday night with DJ IYE 95 on the decks, over at Bar d'Up some of Chamonix's finest musicians (and a few optimistic triers) gathered on Monday for the ever-popular Open Mic session. A night not to be missed is Comedy Night at the Jekyll, now on Sundays throughout the winter with the best of UK stand-up comedians coming all the way over here just to give us a few laughs. Previous line-ups at the Jekyll have included household names such as Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstock, as well as some great up-and-coming talent. Tickets cost just 10€ standing, 15€ seated, or for 25€ you can also get a pie dinner - book in advance, it's often a sell-out!

Tonight we're off to the pictures to see the new James Bond film at Cinema Vox - they always have a good choice of the latest releases in English (often with French subtitles, which is a good way to learn a few new words!), check their schedule for this week's screenings. They also go a good deal with the restaurant next door, La Potinere; for 15€ you can enjoy a pizza and a dessert with your cinema ticket price included in the bill (did someone whisper "cheap date?").

If you need to get yourself in shape for the winter then ski de fond (cross country skiing) is an all-over workout that's easy to learn and cheap to do. This Saturday 8th December is the Nordic Monster Test; an opportunity to try out the latest ski de fond gear with the lovely chaps from Ravanel Sport. It will take place at the ski de fond chalet near the sports complex and on the cross country trails of the Bois du Bouchet. They'll even take you for a spin and show you how to master the technique, much easier after a taste of the free mulled wine that they'll be handing out to keep us warm...

Much merriment will be taking place in Chamonix this weekend when more bars, including Les Caves on Rue des Moulins and The Pub in the centre of town, reopen in time for the first apres-ski sessions of the winter - see our events calendar for details of what's on. In the meantime... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!