My après week began, as many Thursdays in resort do, with a full English breakfast in the fabulous Rendez Vous up on the Rue de la Meije. It's served from 11am till 5pm so even if you are planning a big day on the mountain you can still fit one in. If you are like me however, it is a great excuse to not go up, and a great place to write your snow and après reports. Thursday night was the birthday of Underground legend Busty, and in typical Busty fashion there was plenty of drinking involved and the night almost certainly ended in chaos.
Last week in resort was one of the quieter weeks in the bars and clubs around town as the prices of a February holiday put a pinch on people's wallets. The children in resort however take little notice of the credit crunch and can be seen pumping Euros into the brightly lit machines in the Fun Café.
On Friday the guys from VIP ski did a charity cake sale next to the piste in aid of a cancer research charity and managed to raise a load of cash for a very good cause. I can't think of a better way to save the world then by eating baked goods! Great work guys.
Saturday put an end to the subdued late night bar atmosphere with the arrival of the Beautifully voiced soul singers Claudia & Antonim lighting up Smithy's Tavern with a selection of songs of their own and from Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse. They are back in the Tavern on Wednesday 9th, so if you did miss them, then is your chance.
Sunday was a busy day in resort as the majority of new holidaymakers hit the town to see what Alpe d'Huez has to offer. Pacific's Open Mic Night was once again full to the brim, as Eric Clapton's and Joni Mitchells of the future try their hand at entertaining the masses…the search continues.
Following my wailing down a microphone I headed up the hill to the Underground Bar to listen to a much more professional performance from Gareth and finish the night surrounded by slammer glasses.
Monday night was a busy one in Smithy's Tavern as bar crawls from round resort head to the Route du Coulet at the end of their tour. The evening also had a fine display of bar athletics from the Crystal Chalet hosts who arrived dressed for sportsday as they limbo'd, high jumped and star jumped the night away. Next door in Lounge 21 was a more civilised affair as DJ Martin Smith played some Electro House music to the cocktail quaffing crowds.
Tuesday night was “Random Fancy Dress Night” in Smithy's Tavern as everyone took advantage of the incredibly cheap red-light promotions and danced to the tunes of DJ Northey. Following that I made a less then frequent trip into one of the resorts nightclubs Caves for some very late night action.
Another birthday was celebrated yesterday as Chef Tom from Lounge 21 turned 18 again. Sphere Bar was the location of the festivities and shooters were on the menu. This was followed by a trip into Underground and finally the Igloo.
Next week is looking like another busy one as we head into spring skiing and more time spent on sunbathing on the terraces and eating assorted meats barbecued to perfection. Champions league football is returning to the bars around town so expect Tuesday and Wednesday to be busy, and more live music will be around town as we speed towards the end of the season.
Remember, we're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time!
Pete
For a full list of this week's events, check out our What's On Calendar. You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.
