With powder days flying in left, right and centre this week, Verbier has become a haven of fluffy joy for residents and holiday-makers alike. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, the pulse of Verbier life is beginning to beat with new exuberance so get your costumes ready and hold onto your socks - it’s going to get crazy!
Tuesday night saw one of the busiest ‘seasonaire Tuesdays’ so far this season. The Verbier contingent flooded all the bars in town as people seemed to emerge from the woodwork. The ever faithful Loft Bar was packed to the rafters as people sipped cold pints and engaged in vibrant socialising, debating over the best run of the day. If The Loft Bar is new to you, it’s well worth a visit: with a prime location just off the Place Central it’s a great stop off point for a drink before The Farm Club or after supper at one of the many restaurants along the Rue de Verbier Station. The staff are friendly, welcoming and have perfected both the après-ski chill out vibe as well as the bustly evening drinks atmosphere. For a busy night, head down on a Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday or for a more civilised drink, venture over the other nights of the week.
As would be expected from one of the most famous après haunts in the mountains, this season The Farinet have brought a dynamic and energetic group of bands to the resort. This week was no different. Madison graced the legendary stage this week, coming all the way from Argentina and cooking up a storm. Soaked in Punk rocking attitude, they take an Iggy Pop stage presence and blanket it with a Blink 182-like musical style. Playing tracks from classic rockers such as Metallica and Guns n’ Roses, this week was one for reliving your teenage angst. It’s great to hear something a bit different and they’re playing until Friday 8th February, so there’s still time to catch them in all their punky splendour. Having opened the Aprés season in style, the week after (Saturday 9th February) sees Waste return to remind us what true musical talent involves so make sure you don’t miss out!
So the words on everyone’s lips this week are simple but conjure up all kinds of images of bacchanalian revelries: Mardi Gras. Giving New Year a run for its money in terms of pure partying pleasure, it’s 24-hour madness and will, without doubt, put smiles on chilly faces everywhere. Expect to see the Little Mermaid, Superman and the Joker all gracing the streets as it’s the perfect excuse to get out those ridiculous costumes you just had room for in your suitcase. It’s hard to go wrong in terms of where to go but there are certain names that seem to be flying round the resort with exceptional volume: The Farinet and The Casbah look to be great and have opted for the theme of Fairytale so get your Snow Queen outfits ready. The Loft Bar have gone for Heroes and Villains as their theme whilst T-Bar have decided on The Rocky Horror Show.
The place not to be missed this year seems to be Le Rouge. Having promised a 24-hour party there is no time for sleep, so head on over anytime - even in the early morning if you’re still going. Their theme is based around Police Academy so get the handcuffs at the ready. In terms of advice there seems to be three golden rules to ensure you have a great time: firstly, dress up as it’s compulsory in many of the bars. Secondly, get to places early as everywhere will get rammed pretty pronto. Thirdly (and most importantly?), pace yourself! There’s not time constraints at this party, so if you want to still be standing in the morning, exchange the odd pint for a glass of water!
With Mardi Gras beckoning, this week in the mountains looks to be exceptional, so swap the pancakes for croissants and party on down Swiss style!
