Nightlife Previews and reviews in Val d'Isere

Hello everyone, from Val d’Isere, and Happy Christmas to all.

We would like to say that we behave, we really would. But as our parents have always instructed us to tell the truth, we’ll just say that it’s definitely work in progress..... It will come as no surprise then that this week was just another epic series of jagerbombs, awesome DJs, and all out shenanigans. This is Val d’Isere; we just can’t help it!

As most of us in Tignes try and defrost after the bitterly cold week we have just gone through, more snow is on the way. A change up from the -15 degree days will be a welcome change as they were starting to get the better of my nose, ears and moustache.

We would like to say that we behave, we really would. But as our parents have always instructed us to tell the truth, we’ll just say that it’s definitely work in progress..... It will come as no surprise then that this week was just another epic series of jagerbombs, awesome DJs, and all out shenanigans. This is Val d’Isere; we just can’t help it!

For a week early in the season, it hasn’t been looking like it. Heavy snow falls aside, Val has been looking suspiciously like Santa’s workshop courtesy of the Criterium de la Premiere Neige preparations. The media trucks have been moving around town, from the bottom of the Bellevard’s Face over to the OK in la Daille. As we speak, pisteurs and members of the Club des Sports operations team are setting up gates, scraping snow, and placing their blow up sponsorship emblems just so.

This week brings the return of the much-anticipated X Games to our neighbours in Tignes and, with Olympic winner Shaun White making an appearance this year, there’s an exciting buzz around.

We meant to do a lot more partying in the last couple of weeks, but with the injuries we faced after getting a bit too excited about the amount of snow we’ve had, it's been a little complicated. Crutches, arm slings, and concussions just don’t seem to do so well in the partying circuit. But, we’re back!

Val d’Isere is such a multi-national little bubble that sometimes you forget where in the world you are.

With the season ending in two months and our minds drifting towards our summer plans, we’ve been trying to figure out how to save our Euros and even make some extra cash for our next trips. We’ve considered selling grilled cheeses for drunk passer-bys, trading kisses for cash, and even giving our kidneys away. As you all can imagine, we’ve been getting creative. And desperate.

In Val d’Isere, it can be hard to catch up with friends when you’re all working a lot and days or nights off don’t coincide. I hadn’t seen my friend for a few weeks and it turns out we both had the same night off so we decided to make a night of it; get dressed up and have a classy night.

The snow storm finally cleared late last week after three crazy weeks of constant fat snow flakes in Val d'Isere. That made for a couple of special blue bird - knee deep days with the mountain covered in smiles from the Grand Motte tothe Solaise. However with it now being the French half term holidays at the moment, the mountain on piste is a crowded affair so heading over to some secret spots is a must over the next couple of weeks. With the sun out, the kiwis thought it was time to dig out the BBQ, soak up the rays and get some Après wets in us.

This winter in Tignes, seasonnaires and holiday makers in-the-know have been lucky enough to bear witness to a new epic night out. An alpine music initiative described by its creator as “summer festival vibes in the snowy alpine playground” known by the name of Bass Station.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2012, the year that will apparently, according to the Mayan calendar and certain Hollywood films, see the end of the world. One thing for sure is that for most of us the holidays are over and although that may seem like the end of the world, life goes on.

The first week of the season can only mean one thing for Après-Ski and nightlife around Val d’Isère - life is good when you’re here early! This week we saw the opening nights of some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and party and with everyone celebrating opening weekend and the confirmation of the Criterium, Val d’Isere was rocking....