Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 7th December 2011

Chamonix never really goes to sleep during the interseason, unlike some of the smaller resorts. Some bars may close for the autumn but there are always a few regular haunts that give us committed types somewhere to gather - Chambre Neuf, Le Jekyll and Le Vagabond to name a few...

Le Jekyll have just started their regular stand-up comedy nights: live performances every Monday night from some of the biggest names in UK stand-up (previous acts have included Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound) - check out their website for this week's act.

There is definitely a change in the air once December arrives; town starts to buzz again as bars and restaurants come back to life with opening parties, live music and the usual shenanigans.

There are a few new venues to check out this winter: South Bar in Chamonix Sud has new owners and has been refurbished in preparation for the opening night, date unconfirmed as yet but watch this space for more details. With Monkey Bar right next door and Munster opposite, they look likely to form some sort of Bermuda Triangle of lost memories and sore heads...

I had a sneaky double preview this week when I went to a Zumba class in the Y Bar. Y Bar has also been revamped with a classy but cosy new interior and will be reopening this Friday, promising a chilled out vibe with acoustic bands playing late afternoon/ early evening - photos of the funky new interior to follow... and watch this space for more details of the Zumba classes about to hit Chamonix!

If you are based in the Les Houches end of the valley, the Kitsch Inn is worth checking out; funky retro interior, hearty homecooked food and regular live music. Right at the foot of the Bellevue cable car, it looks set to be the first stop for skiers heading down the home run. They reopen this Friday night from 10pm with music from Ski Sundae (late opening time due to a private party). They then open fully on Saturday morning serving drinks and great food all day - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

First off the mark though is Le Vert with a seasonaires party tonight from 9pm; free entry, cheap drinks and tunes from DJ Daz. They're also having a ski/snowboard sale on Sunday at 4pm with prices starting from just €25 for used but well-serviced kit; as well as bagging a bargain you could also win yourself a bottle of Jack Daniels at the Vert's Chamballs Ping-Pong tournament, starting at 5pm.

If you need a bit of comfort food after all that partying then PIE on Avenue Ravanel le Rouge is the place to head – the clue is in the name… I can see myself curling up in their with a mug of hot chocolate and a slice of something fattening when the weather isn't tempting me up the hill.

So, that's this week's entertainment sorted! Keep an eye on the What's On Calendar for all upcoming events and I'll be back next week with more news on what's happening, where. In the meantime, I'm off to play in the snow!

Click here for details of all Chamonix bars, cafes and clubs