Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 4th April 2012

This week has been all about the massive Winter Sessions event that started on Friday with local and international DJs playing alongside each other at a 3 day festival that is getting bigger and better year after year. Friday night kicked off the weekend with a party in the centre of Chamonix at La Terrace followed by Norman Jay MBE, Lazy Habits and others playing at Le Podium.

The scorchingly hot weather was put to good use on Saturday when the fun moved up the mountain to Les Grands Montets where you could join in with iPod battles, fancy dress comps, cake bake-offs, board park comps... or you could just chill out in the sun with a beer and watch the madness unfold. The only downside was that the party wasn't held where most people seemed to be expecting it to be; a number of folks headed up the hill in “civilian wear” without skis or snowboards, expecting it to be at the top of the Lognon cable car. However, it was higher up the mountain at the top of the board park making access nigh on impossible unless you'd brought your kit with you. However, us Chamonix folk are not to be deterred when there is a party to be had and that is why there were some people slopping around the hill in wet socks who had bravely sent their kit back down in the lift to friends who were waiting at the bottom so that they could come up and join in the fun – that's the spirit!

A brief respite for food and a change of clothes before toddling off back to Le Podium for their 2nd party of the weekend, this time with an 80s fleuro fancy dress theme, which many people were accessorizing with a fierce pink neon sunburn... Nights like this always surprise me when I think I have nothing to wear until a quick rummage in the wardrobe reveals quite a lot of hideous clashing tat. Saturday was busier than Friday and Chamonix was ready to go wild for Zero 7, DJ Cheeba and Mr Thing amongst others, who had everyone bouncing around until some time the following morning, which came so quickly it felt like someone had pressed fast-forward. The weekend was topped off with a recovery BBQ at Le Vert and more great DJ sets.

This weekend looks set to be a busy one as it is the Easter break. There is apparently more snow forecast which is nice timing for those who are heading out for the bank holidays. If you have children to entertain then don't worry, the Easter bunny will be visiting France; there are two egg hunts planned for the weekend. The one in Chamonix is organised by Le Petit VIP and will include an Easter egg hunt, face painting, bouncy castle and arts & crafts, booking is required. There will also be an Easter egg hunt on Sunday afternoon in Argentiere, for which you need to register before Friday 6th, please call 33 (0) 4 50 54 02 14 for more information.

For an unconventional Easter dinner you should head to Le Vert on Sunday, where they'll be having a spit-roast with Italian suckling pig and a selection of gourmet salads. It starts at 5pm and is bound to be popular. Le Vert is right next door to the Gaillands lake and rock climbing wall and is an idyllic place to while away an afternoon when the sun is shining. They're also hosting a 5 course tasting menu featuring delicious new twists on traditional local produce on Friday evening from 7pm. The menu costs 35€ per head and booking is recommended, you can contact Le Vert here.

While the weather has been sublime these past few weeks, it will be great to get a bit of fresh snow back on the slopes. However, until the skies clear again it looks like it might be a bit dull and rainy in town from now until the tail end of the week. If you fancy a treat then book into the Hotel Aiglons for one of their spa packages; the late afternoon option is the “Snack & Spa” from 4:30-7:30pm. For 19€ you can enjoy a drink and a selection of tapas, local cheeses, cooked meats and other specialities as well as access to the sauna and hammam (steam room). They also do breakfast and lunch packages, so check out their website for more details.

Happy Easter everyone, enjoy the long weekend and remember to keep an eye on our What's On calendar for more upcoming events.