Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 8th February 2012

The Kandahar is a stage in the Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup and is a massive event each year with spectator terraces, big screens and live commentary being set up at the finish line at the foot of the Bellevue cable car. Its easy access means that hoards of us can gather at the bottom, or hike up the side of the piste to see the action close up and get over-excited whenever a racer whizzes past. It also means that you are never too far away from somewhere to warm up and grab a hot drink to wrap your frozen fingers around. There were loads of stalls set up along the high street and at the foot of the piste selling hot dogs, tartiflette and other tasty goods but most conveniently placed is the Kitsch Inn in the Bellevue car park. Newly opened last summer, it had what was probably its busiest day so far on Saturday, as hoards of chilly spectators stumbled through the door like lost Arctic explorers in despearte search of warmth and shelter. Mulled wine and homemade cake sorted us out in no time, so much so that we were able to venture once more outdoors where DJ R.I.A was busting out the beats from the 1st floor terrace, aided by the dancing skills of the one-piece clad owners. Before long, there were no tables left to sit at as they were all being danced upon. Best way to bring the blood back to frozen toes...

We carried on partying back in Chamonix with 2-4-1 cocktails at Chambre 9; this happens every night from 8-10pm and is the start to many a girls' night out. We like to sound sophisticated by saying “let's meet for cocktails” but we all know it's just a fast track to a messy evening. Especially when the 2-4-1 deal gets confusing and you ask for 8, meaning 8 for the price of 4, but somehow end up with 16 for the price of 8, as I did...

From Chambre 9 we weaved our way to the Rue des Moulins, where Bar du Moulin was celebrating its first birthday with DJ Vincent on the decks (OK, on the laptop... not seen a DJ actually use decks in ages). We stayed for a quick one and left while the party was in full swing to pop next door into Mix Bar, which was also busy but not quite as rammed. Mix Bar is the kind of place where you can get dressed up and go for a 'proper' night out without feeling like you are the only person in the bar not wearing a beanie and ski gear, as long as you can navigate the cobbles in a pair of heels. It's quite chilled out, so Gore-Tex and thermals aren't exactly frowned upon but it does attract a more stylish crowd. And us. After a couple more drinks and a shimmy round the dance floor we decided to take it easy with a last drink in Bar'd Up, where the talented and easy-on-the-eye Kendal Sant was playing alt rock/indie classics with the aid of a guitar.

It's been a week for parties with the Winter Sessions crew taking over La Terrace on Sunday night. There was supposed to be a pre-party up on the hill at Flegere during the day but it was just too darn cold so has been postponed until further notice. La Terrace made up for the disappointment though with Uncle Joe, Pop & Skred and Corin Martin on the ones and twos; despite the minor inconvenience of a temporary power cut that blacked out most of Chamonix!

Monday night saw it all happening at the Vert in celebration of New Zealand's national day with the Waitangi Soul Shakedown; a host of Kiwi DJs got the place rocking to a blend of future soul, reggae, hip-hop, D'nB and house while the kitchen kept everyone's stomachs well-lined with some good old "fush'n'chups”. The Vert knows how to throw a good party and although it is a bit of a hike from town, they usually lay on free shuttles once an hour so there's no excuse not to go and check it out...

Tonight's entry on the party calendar is the inauguration of G-Stylez at South Bar; already a firm favourite in Chamonix (formerly a regular DJ at La Cantina, RIP) he'll be banging out some hip-hop and dubstep for you until the small hours (umm, 2am). There is also, quite randomly, an army theme to tonight's party so come in your combats and camo gear...

Coming up this week we also have loads more live music to choose from including the unique sound of The Jesse Dansons tomorrow night at Monkey Bar; a 5-strong band that features one of the UK’s best beat boxers and rich harmonies from two brilliant female vocalists, backed up with driving guitars and catchy bass riffs - check them out on Youtube. Friday night sees Hobo Chic playing at Le Jekyll; a blend of jazz, soul, blues and reggae that has seen him backing artists such as Newton Faulkner and KT Tunstall. Rugby fans don't need to look far to find somewhere that'll be showing the 6 Nations games; sports bars include The Pub, Le Jekyll, Munster Bar and South Bar.

There's never a dull moment in Chamonix, so check out our What's On Calendar for more ideas on where to go and what to do.