Val d'Isere Apres Ski Report: 8th December 2011

Luckily for us in Val d’Isere there’s plenty of other things to do apart from skiing, mainly of the alcoholic variety and as happens at this time of year, new and old Val d’Isereans are never shy to participate.

We’ll start this season’s report with a little look at one of my favourite bars; The Blue Note. At the end of November there was a big party to celebrate owner Lou’s birthday and brother Matt (as yet uninjured this season, fingers crossed it stays that way!) put on a spectacular event to celebrate. The people that had already arrived in resort, which was a fair few, all joined in.

V-Spot hit the ground running, opening not long after. With a new extended pool and games area, it is better than ever. Snowboarder Gumby and his crew put on a great opening event with live DJs and lots of shots all round. I tried out the new pool tables and can happily say, they’re good, especially as they’re free during the day.

Doudoune opened its doors and the queues were round the corner but happily, there wasn’t a long wait to get in and I can honestly say the vodka flowed and the place was packed with people dancing to a range of music from 70’s classic to present day. Watch out for lots of DJs and music events throughout the season as this swanky but unpretentious club has one of the best sound and light systems in the entire Alps.

The new bar in town, The Fall Line (you might know it as the old Foret bar), had its grand opening with three well known barmen from around town joining together to make this one of the new buzz places to go. And rather swanky it is too, if you knew the Foret before, you won’t recognise this new place which so far has proved a hit.

Another place which has had a makeover is Dick’s Tea Bar and it’s looking rather posh too; a definite thumbs up from all and, with lots of events planned this season, this will be a great after-hours bar if you want to keep dancing.

Le Petit Danois opened its doors as even more seasonaires hit town and was its usual packed self with the obligatory dancing on the tables and strange tasting Scandi shots (cough medicine anyone?).

The Moris pub opened its doors to the usual guitar strums of local rock legend Mullit and although there’s a new manager, don’t worry, things won’t change too much as keeping it in the family is the word here. As Abi’s brother Dom takes the range, as I write the Moris is preparing to open its kitchen for its famous burgers. If you need a good après feed, this a good bet.

Well, that’s all the openings I managed to attend, which is a pretty good start to the season. Every Thursday, I’ll be coming to you with a look at all our famous bars and clubs, so keep coming back for the reviews of THE places to be around town.

Unfortunately, not all went well for everyone at the beginning of this season and I have some sad news for fans of Banana’s which is no longer with us due to a chimney fire last weekend. Our thoughts go out to owner Ricky and his family and all the staff and thanks to all the pompiers who risked their lives trying to save the great home of the freestyler. RIP Banana’s.

Well, that’s it from me this week. If you’re around in town this coming week here’s a few highlights to look out for:

Tonight (Thursday) at Doudoune get your groove on to some deep house with L’Isla Blanca. Tomorrow (Friday) is Mullit at the Moris; Gentleman’s Club at the Fall Line and both The Underground and Le Graal opening parties. Saturday brings the unearthing of Saloon’s new cocktail list, always good for a hangover. Sunday is Chalet Girl Sunday at the Fall Line, if you want to follow your hosts, that’s where they’ll be! Monday the Freestylers are playing at Dick’s followed on Tuesday by DJ Joakim Alfvegren and finally Wednesday is the opening of Doudoune Le Chalet with Mullit getting the walls and booties shaking! Wow, what a week!

Enjoy.