Courchevel Apres Ski Report: 22nd April 2013

Yet despite the fresh snow and clear blue skies we enjoyed this morning the season is very clearly reaching its conclusion with coach loads of seasonnaires departing frequently and the last of the holidaymakers packed off yesterday. Whilst we enjoy the swansong of season 2012/13 with one last week of skiing on deserted pistes I thought it only fitting to look back on this latest season and recount some of the highlights.

Now I realise that this is filed in the après ski section and should focus on antics post-skiing but given the season we’ve had it would be wrong not to talk about the snow. We’ve been totally spoilt with powder days throughout the whole season and just when you think spring has finally sprung, and we’ve seen the last of the snow until autumn, it goes and dumps yet again. Some of our favourite off-piste routes normally inaccessible due to an excess of trees or insufficient snow have provided countless face shots, with trees and bushes buried deep under snow.

For me though a winter season is about far more than just the skiing, and I’m sure the same could be said for many of your ski holidays too. So here’s a rundown of some of my highlights of winter 2012/13 and why it will reign supreme as one of my favourite winters to date:

Whilst I probably sound like a broken record La Boulotte in Moriond (1650) was awesome this year! An après session in the Boulotte has always been the highlight of my week but this year Katie really stepped it up with après bands playing three or four nights each week. Whilst Thursday retained its crown as the busiest night of the week and one not to miss if you enjoy a good party, the other nights each brought their own appeal and provided a great place for a relaxed beer with friends after a long day on the slopes.

This winter up in Courchevel (1850) Ku-de-ta has been entertaining crowds with similar regularity. Following the demise of the bar scene in 1850 in recent years this has proven a popular hang-out with a lively crowd enjoying the regular après entertainment.

And of course the addition of the Folie Douce in Meribel added a whole new element, bringing an Ibiza style dance party perfect for sunny days. Table dancing on their terrace being sprayed in bubbly by scantily clad dancers and drag queens, you could almost forget you were in the mountains, but for the odd dance moves the wearing of ski boots enforces.

And for those looking for a more luxurious and relaxing après drink we’ve loved the Fire and Ice Bar at the foot of the piste in Moriond. Sitting wrapped in the furs on the terrace by open fires, enjoying reasonable après prices and free cake and pizza it’s provided that little bit of luxury to seasonnaires and holidaymakers alike.

Finally, for the foodies among us, the clear champion has been the Supper Club at La Boulotte. Amazing food, imaginative menus and relaxed ambiance have made these nights a roaring success for those keen to experience something a little different. Team Ski Bluebird have wowed us with dishes such as confit duck burger canapés, stuffed quail and wild mushroom brioche baskets leaving my mouth watering as I recount the gourmet experiences which might go some way to explain my tightening waistband.

Whilst all of these venues have provided fun times throughout the season, for me, the night of the year might have to go the Rond Point in Meribel, when back in March, Norman Jay played to an adoring crowd on the terrace at après. It really went off as he played house, soul and funk tracks to a packed terrace of revellers as the sun set over the mountains. Stomping our ski boots, beers in hand as the sun went down, it was without question the place to be!

And on that note it’s time to bid you au revoir. It’s time to pack up my skis and boots and give my body a much needed detox, ready for the next winter.....