Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski Report: 10th February 2011
The hot weather and sunshine might not have done much for the snow conditions this week, but it has done wonders for Après ski. The barbecues have been fired up and people have been digging out their swimwear for some very summer like après action.
During the day, if you haven't been up on the hill it seems you will have been at the outdoor pool taking in the sunshine. The Café Agua has a great menu and is all quite reasonably priced. They also have Internet facilities and a great terrace if you don't fancy putting on your Speedos.
Both Rendez Vous and The Underground have held seasonnaire barbecues this week the former on Sunday and the Latter on Wednesday afternoon. In my humble opinion, there is no better way to spend a sunny afternoon then at a seasonnaire barbecue, and with it's south facing terraces and abundance of great chefs, Alpe d'Huez does it better then most. Rendez Vous kicked off the week on Sunday, with a great spread of food, and being my day off I took full advantage of the afternoon and I'm sure outstayed my welcome by whiling away the time and washed it all down with a few beers. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the Underground party, but having been to more then my fare share of them I can promise you there was laughs, singing, plenty of drink and delicious food cooked by none other then Captain Sandwich.
After eating my fill at Rendez Vous I headed down the hill to Smithy's Tavern to watch the football. It was Girl DJ Night at the Tavern where seasonnaires can pop on the headphones and try to show resident DJ Northey how to do it, but my schedule had a much more pressing engagement, namely open mic night at Pacific Pub.
Pacific is a fantastic bar hidden away in the old town near to the tourist office, and every Sunday the crowds flock to strum, drum and sing there way into the eardrums of Alpe d'Huez. Once again the bar was packed it was a great night.
Monday was a good night for me as there were two birthdays in resort wich, in this part of the world, means only one thing – Fondue! Birthdayers Jay and Brechte decided on Fondue en Folie for the big night, which in my opinion is rivalled only by the Chilli Fondue in Lounge 21. It's in the Gallerie du Ours Blanc on the high street and offers a great selection of Cheese, meat and even chocolate Fondues to suit everyone. Alis, Brechte and Sylvain and myself opted for the Goats Cheese and honey fondue and others went for the meat option, hilariously named Crazy Horse (to fool the English tourists) We washed it all down with more then a few bottles of wine leaving everyone to full for dessert (even me!).
Other then this there has been the usual selection of live music, fancy dress themed nights and carnage which Alpe d'Huez is famous for. Lounge 21 had a seasonnaire party last night with great music from DJ Samiski. Many of Dylan's famous strawberry daiquiris were quaffed and the bar was packed till 2am.
Looking forward to the upcoming week, love is well and truly in the air as everyone frantically makes there way round searching for presents to buy for people and people to buy presents for – that's right Valentines Day.
On Sunday, Smithy's Tavern are having a Speed Dating night where singles can sign up to get on board the love conveyer belt and have a series of number of 5-minute dates all on the one evening. If this doesn't work out for you then you can head to the Patinoire (Ice Rink) on Monday evening where the tourist office are having a charity Traffic Light Party in aid of a disabled childrens charity. I believe it's 6 euros entry and you get a cocktail and ice-skating included.
There are plenty of Valentines options in resort, I've written before about the fantastic restaurants we have in resort, Ideal for a romantic meal. If you choose to book an evening table at La Cabane on the piste, they will even come and pick you up in a piste basher. There are also loads of activities to be done ranging from rides on a horse-drawn, husky-drawn or even huge roaring engine-drawn sleds to ice skating or a trip round the ice caves up at DMC 2, Alpe d'Huez can be one of the most romantic places on earth. One activity I was lucky enough to try this week was Paraponting which you can read more about in my Snow report. But sure enough, you will never be lonely in Alpe d'Huez
Remember, we're not here for a long time; we're here for a romantic 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.
