Courchevel Apres Ski Report: 14th February 2013

Rather than snuggling up by a log fire whispering sweet nothings we had opted to battle the crowds and brave the moshing for a night at the Bubble Bar to watch the Dominos, something which should not be undertaken lightly.

For one, the Bubble is a noisy, sweaty venue which likes to throw a party. By day, the Bubble serves up hot chocolate and paninis to skiers fleeing the cold but by night the lights dim, the temperatures raise several notches and it goes off. There's usually a bottle of toffee vodka doing the rounds, being free-poured into willing drinkers mouths, leaving that familiar sticky mess as the liquid misses your mouth and covers your chin and chest. A night here is not without consequences and if it doesn't lead to you to sleep through your alarm, it will certainly leave your head with a painful reminder the next day. Having lived through many a Bubble hangover you could hardly say we went into it unknowingly. We had been warned and yet we chose to overlook the warning signs - you only live once after all!

The day had started pleasantly enough. We awoke to blue skies and bright sunshine and headed out to try and snag some fresh lines from this week's fresh dump. Fresh air in our lungs, powder under our feet, life was good and we felt alive. Keen to avoid the half-term hoards we opted for a different type of après. With our friend's chalet vacant for the week, this was an opportunity too good to miss - hot tub party! Watching the sun go down, with a valley view, quaffing champagne you could say we felt happy with our lot. Next it was home for the arrival of our masseuse to revive our tired muscles, beneath our wrinkly skin from an extended period of submersion. You see it really was turning out to be the perfect day off - indulgent, exciting and relaxing - the perfect mixed bag. So why did we see the need to take our pampered bods to the Bubble? The draw of the Dominos was just too much!

Like many of the bands who tour the Alps over a winter season the Dominos play a heady mix of covers. Their style is a bit rockier than most and there is a definite leaning towards American skater rock. As if the party needed getting started the bar staff proceeded to ply the band with jager bombs as it got steadily messier. As the temperature in the bar soared, the band encouraged the crowd to remove clothing and nakedness seemed to be the theme of the day. It ended with a crescendo of drunken dancing as the crowd peaked around midnight, just before last orders was called.

The Dominos at Le Bubble is a guaranteed good night but don’t plan on achieving anything the following day. And on that note, it’s back to the hot tub for me.

All that dancing has left me weary - nothing that a long soak won’t cure though.

Happy Valentine’s Day folks!