Verbier Apres Ski Report: 8th March 2012
Bring it onesie
As the crowds filter out of the resort after, what seems like, endless back-to-back half term weeks across Europe, we have been gifted with some fresh snow! Just as we had all pushed those winter thermals to the back of the closet and the goggles had been exchanged for sunglasses, good old Mother Nature has said guess again. Definitely no complaints though, as right now there is some great spring skiing to be had without the hint of any lift lines to slow down your day.
Right on cue, last weekend, the first in March, was a scorcher. Barbecues were being dusted off and scraped down ready for the spring and there was that familiar waft of burnt sausage drifting across the village. A familiar smell for you Johnny we know. The terrace of Le Rouge was predictably popular across the weekend until the sun went down. Elton Bolton, as has become almost expected, continued to rock their set every afternoon in Apres Ski @ Farinet over the weekend - but sadly came to the end of their stretch for this season on Tuesday. Stepping right into their shoes though is Hale on Ice, playing every day from 6pm until 15th March.
Tuesday this week saw some comedy roll right on into town at Verbier Cinema. The fantastic Craig Campbell and Dan Quin, all the way from Canada, together with the winner of the prestigious Perrier award, Brendon Burns, all performed some hilarious stand up sets and had the crowd completely entertained. A welcome touch of variety from the usual drinking dens for all the locals. Wednesday night saw the final of the Battle of the DJs competition at Casbah. Running throughout the season, the contest has been searching for some of the best DJs about town - big congrats goes to Kerr Stewart for taking the coveted title for this year.
The main talking point of this week, however, has been the one-piece descent day presented by Pub Mont Fort. It was once again a huge success, with onesies of all shapes and shades taking to the slopes. 200 plus people rode (of particular note was the fantastically retro monoskiing) down the mountain dressed to impress, stopped off for some slope-side drinks on the terrace at Ice Cube, and then continued down in time for happy hour at the pub. Obviously not to stop there, Yellow Mike then played a live set in the pub to keep the party rocking into the early hours.
Now if you happen to be one of the less privileged in Verbier, and don’t have a retractable roof and hot tub on your the terrace, then no fear. Down the valley, just past Martigny is Lavey-les-Bains. With a spa, wellness centre and more hot springs, saunas and steam rooms than you can shake your sore legs at, it’s a great place to unwind after a hard few days on the skis and shots. With the warmest thermal water in Switzerland, I can highly recommend taking a little trip for a dip in the whirlpools.
After (sort of) a week off from the Six Nations, rugby returns this weekend with all 3 games again being shown in Loft, T Bar, and Pub Mont Fort. Once full time has blown on the matches, Hed Kandi returns on Saturday evening to Farinet Lounge and Casbah presenting Twisted Disco with Stephanie Jay on the decks. Sunday sees the new I’m Not F****** Famous night at the Loft – the next in the series of Super Soif Sunday events presented by Verbier Seasonaires from 10pm onwards, with DJ Oscar Conway mixing up a selection of deep house, hip hop and funky house. Tuesday is set to be, as always, a hectic night with Pub Mont Fort and Casbah hosting a USA High School night and Public has its weekly Girly Night Groove. If you’re still searching for more by Wednesday night, then Public will be having a Mad Hatter’s Tea party from 10pm.
So that’s your lot for this week folks – have a good’un.
