Verbier Apres Ski Report: 2nd March 2012
Spring pickings
So it seems March is upon us already. As February fades into a blur of powder days and all night parties, now’s the time to look forward to all the many great events this month has to offer in Verbier. Amongst others, some key ones to keep an eye out for are the Verbier Xtreme, Park 9, Carlsberg High Five, and the slightly less technical, but equally prestigious (some would argue) One Piece Descent put on by Pub Mont Fort. The ‘Park 9’ contest - taking place in just 2 weeks on 17th March - is a combined contest of ski aerial acrobatics and snowboarding taking up the theme of golf. There are still a few spaces to enter a team of 4, so if you’re interested in donning the plus fours and throwing some tricks then contact chris@southwellenterprises.com asap.
The last week has been one of the busiest of the season since New Year, as various European half term weeks have seen the lift lines swell and bar queues deepen. Last weekend saw Lily DesLys wow the crowds on Friday night with her Burlesque performance in Farinet Lounge – strangely this particular crowd was slightly more male dominated than the usual Friday night. T Bar, The Loft and Pub Mont Fort were all predictably busy for the big rugby games of last weekend, then many continued into the night for Hed Kandi at Farinet Lounge with DJ Andy Norman spinning the tunes. Disco night was as popular as expected on Tuesday night, as the dancing queens and flares took to the dance floor of Casbah.
Elton Bolton have been playing live every day in Apres Ski @ Farinet from 6pm - the three piece band from Sweden are one of the most entertaining bands you will find in the Alps, and will be taking to the stage everyday until 6th March so make sure you head down to see them before they leave. You'll wander in with the intention of a quick apres drink, and stumble out three hours later wondering how you're covered in beer, have learnt the words to their favourite song 'Free Beer for Elton Bolton', met JT, and still have a massive grin on your face. Get down there this weekend, it's worth it. Trust me.
It was all glitz and glamour on Wednesday this week at Le Rouge, as the latest act to be signed to 50Cent’s music label – David John – recorded his new music video ‘Mr Fantastic’ in the baking sunshine on the terrace. The place was awash with champagne, bikini clad girls and of course Johnny Tables for the afternoon, so keep an eye out for the video coming to a music channel near you soon.
So ahead to this weekend. Once you’re done basking in the scorching temperatures, there is, as always, plenty going on in and around town to keep you entertained late into the night. Verbier welcomes one of the World’s top DJ’s, Seb Fontaine, to the decks in Farinet Lounge and then onto Casbah this Friday from 10pm. There is no doubt that this will be a popular night so head down early to skip the queues and make sure you don’t miss out. This Saturday is SnowDay 4 Bikes, for which the 10km-long toboggan run in La Tzoumaz will be open exclusively for mountain bikes all afternoon and evening until 6pm. All are welcome to join in – there’s a marked slope, some special jumps and course officials to try and maintain some level of safety! Then once you’re done, chain your bikes up outside the Savoleyres restaurant as they will be serving a cheese fondue for all involved followed by a night time descent at 8pm.
If you’re looking for a laugh, next Tuesday is Comedy night at the Verbier Cinema. Craig Campbell, and Dan Quinn from Canada, and Brendon Burns from Australia take to the stage to entertain the lively audience. Tickets are CHF25, available on the door and it all kicks off from 9pm. Then on Wednesday, something you should all have in your diaries is the One-Piece Descent Day organized by Pub Mont Fort. In its third year, this event has grown in stature every year, with over 200 people participating last time around. It’s time to dig out those retro one-pieces and sign up at the Pub asap – everyone will be riding together from the base of Mont Fort via a selected route back to the Pub, with various shot stops along the way. When you arrive back at Pub Mont Fort, Yellow Mike will be keeping the party going with live music late into the night. Once that’s wrapped up, stumble down to Casbah for the final of the Battle of the DJs competition – get down, cheer on your favourite and see who takes the crown.
Top up the tans, fill the terraces and party hard in the heat this weekend – there’s some fresh snow coming on Monday!
