Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski Report: 10th March 2011
As the French holiday weeks are coming to an end the après ski in resort is getting better by the week. The French holidays are an unusual time in resort as although there are many more people around, the bars and clubs in town seem if anything to get quieter. There are many different theories on why this is, but I believe the main reason is that holidays are so much more expensive during this time that people simply don't have as much to spend and stay in instead.
Saying this however, this week has been brilliant. The Apres week began on Friday with Pee-Wee & Jordan's Cocktail Extravaganza in Smithy's Tavern where the guys have great deals on new and amazing cocktails every week. So far this season my favourite has been the guys own creation – the Zesty Collis, try one for yourself, they are delicious!
Sunday was once again the night of the week for me, as I had spent the day up on the mountain and topped it off with a meal in my favourite pizzeria in town La Roy Ladre down in the old town. I once again had my old favourite Le Tunnel drenched in home made chilli oil and washed down with a few glasses of their house red. Beautiful. After eating my fill, I popped into Pacific Pub to sing a few songs at their open mic night, once again a fine array of singers and musicians took to the stage to entertain a crowded pub. Best performance of the night goes to Physio Johnny for a very interesting version of Mumford & Sons. To turn a good night into a great one, I proceeded up the hill to the Underground Bar to see the band the whole resort was talking about Bob On. They were a Bob Marley tribute band that had already done a few shows last week in the underground, but this however was their big finale. They played all the big hits from the dreadlocked one, to the busiest night I have seen in ages. A brilliant show from a great band in one of the resorts best bars.
Tuesday was of course Mardi Gras in France meant it was carnival time. There was face painting for the children in Les Bergers and at the DMC throughout the day, and in the evening the bars in town jumped on the Mardi Gras bandwagon and held fancy dress parties at L'Etalon, Zoo Bar, Smithy's Tavern and the Igloo and Caves nightclubs. The booze was flowing, and the cheesy music pumped from the speakers throughout the evening.
The return of champion's league football has meant that many bars have been busy midweek. The only place in resort to my knowledge that can show two games at once is Pacific, so if you do find yourself having a scheduling dilemma then down at Pacific you can keep an eye on two games at once.
Last night was the hotly anticipated return of the stunning Claudia & Antonin in Smithy's Tavern. Once again they treated us to fantastic covers of Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone, Paolo Nutini and a selection of their own music. A fantastic show and a great night, let's hope we see them again before the end of the season.
There is plenty of action going on in town this week as most of the seasonnaires have come to the realisation that the winter is nearing the end and to take full advantage of it. O'Sharkeys have Irish band the Bourbon Legends in this week and we will also be watching the remaining champions league and six nations matches in the bars throughout town. Tuesday night is Halloween in Alpe d'Huez as Smithies Tavern treat us to a spectacle of horror and expect the barbecues to get fired up once again as we get more sunlight in the late afternoons. St Patrick's Day is approaching next week so if you are heading out to resort this weekend, make sure you pack a selection of green clothing and get ready to drink Ireland dry of their Guinness supplies as we celebrate in the way Alpe d'Huez knows best.
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.
