Courchevel Apres Ski Report: 3rd January 2013

Thankfully now the 1st of Jan has passed - and with it my hangover and seemingly everyone else's - I can look forward, and try to embrace this - an odd year. I attempted to write this on Tuesday, fresh with the memories of the night before but I must confess to a hazy memory and indeed a hazy mind. This report I must admit is therefore the sum of multiple hazy memories and many drunken minds so please excuse me if the facts have been blurred a little.

My downfall this New Years was après. Such an inconspicuous word, but one that has written off many a holiday-maker and seasonnaire alike. According to the Collins English Dictionary the definition of après (ski) is: "the time after skiing". While logistically this might be accurate it does not encapsulate all that après is. The Urban Dictionary is closer to the mark: "Après ski is when...your main intention is to get hammered, dance naked on tables....and wake up in a confusing location". Indeed this New Years après involved dancing wildly with my New Gen co-workers, drinking copious amounts of wine and free-poured Jager and there might even have been a table or two involved...... Under duress I might also admit to awaking in a confusing location just in time for the turn of the year. I blame the Bubble Bar. Who starts a New Year’s party at 5pm? It was only going to end in tears…..

Live entertainment at the Bubble Bar came in the form of The Cheerleaders. A hairy bunch of rockers who couldn't look any less like cheerleaders but they really got the party started. The dance floor was soon full and sweat poured from the animated crowd who jumped around wildly as the temperature rose more than a few notches. Based in Tignes, these guys really rocked out and the crowd loved them. They have a few regular gigs in the 3 Valleys, including the Taiga in La Tania Sundays from 22:00, so keep your eyes peeled for them on your next visit.

Elsewhere in resort the party this week was undoubtedly the Party on the Piste in 1850. Around 5,000 people are believed to have gathered to see in the New Year alfresco as the DJs pumped out classic tunes and new tracks to the appreciative masses. Vin chaud and mulled cider were served to keep partygoers warm although most kept their body temperatures raised stamping their feet, arms waving to the beat. At midnight the crowd was treated to an impressive fireworks display which lit up the resort, and could be seen across the valley. And for once, the usual bunfight which ensues as thousands attempt to catch the bus down the mountain to the lower lying villages was notably absent. No pepper spray this year, no scraps in the crowds, just many buses running through the night. Its not rocket science but this year, they managed it, increasingly the likelihood of more attending next year.

So, with that I'll bid you all bonne année and bonne ski in 2013! See you in the bar for a vin chaud soon x