Verbier Apres Ski Report: 10th December 2012

While the resort looks more beautiful than ever, the heavy snowfall has meant that snowsports have been off to a slow start. As this year’s seasonnaires itch to clip on their skis and ski-hungry snow hunters escape from the clutches of their ‘real’ lives for the first week of the season, all have been met with lift closures and limited pistes openings. The high avalanche risk meant that the lifts were shut on Tuesday and only partially opened on Wednesday morning resulting in a ski hype that’s been diluted with an air of frustration. Despite this, spirits have not been dampened – how could they living somewhere like this? - and those that have made it up there have had a delicious taste of what is to come for the next five months.

This slow start on the mountain however has been remedied by a fantastic start to Verbier’s famous nightlife. Thursday evening saw the opening of the nightclub Casbah in place of Public, which after its brief stint in the Swiss Alps has closed its frosty doors for the last time. The owners of Hotel Farinet, who have taken it on, have expertly filled the gaping hole that has been left however. Picking a North-African theme for the decoration and mixing a soundtrack of poppy hits with much-loved classics, it’s looking to be a great set up for night-time revelry. The opening night was packed full of party-loving seasonnaires as well as early season holiday-makers and as the bars closed in town, the festivities really kicked off. Dropping chart-topping hits to an enthusiastic crowd, the atmosphere was filled with merriment and excitement – perfect for the opening of what is likely to be one of the resort’s most popular night-time haunts.

The opening of the 4 Valley’s famous The Lounge Bar at the Hotel Farinet on Friday night set the bar high for evening drinks. Packed to the rafters, the energetic crowd met, chatted and danced creating a bubbly, vibrant atmosphere. It looks likely to live up to its illustrious reputation this season as the perfect location for pre-club drinks or an evening of lively socializing.

With the opening of Nomad, a new Sushi bar right in the centre of town, there is now an even greater choice of bars and restaurants. It’s relaxed yet enticing atmosphere is perfect if you fancy an après drink in town, or something a little more exotic for your evening meal. With platters starting at 18CHF prices are reasonable, especially considering the resort’s distance from the sea! Stop in from 18:00 onwards to get the full menu.

In terms of this week’s events, there is much to be looking forward to: Thursday 13th December sees T Bar host its second Seasonnaire Party. This week they are teaming up with Bluebird Seasonnaires to host the Bluebird Seasonaire Card Launch Party. Entitling you to some great deals at some of Verbier’s best restaurants, bars and other businesses, the card costs 20CHF and is well worth it if you intend to spend your hard earned cash indulging in some après fun. The party starts at 18:00 and includes live music from Stevie Appleton.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a fitness fanatic, or perhaps just enjoy watching some live sport, head on down on Saturday 15th December to bear witness to some truly inspiring Night Tour Racing. The race starts at the Carrefour Supermarket and finishes at Attelas, where L’Olympique restaurant hosts the after-party. The Trophee Verbier Sport+ is organized by the Swiss Ski School and is an annual date in Verbier’s winter calendar. The amateur race kicks off at 18:30 with the professionals showing us how it’s done an hour later.

With so many great events already kicking off, it looks as if this season is set to be one to remember. As the last of the seasonnaires arrive, the holiday makers start venturing out and our snowy home gets into full swing, remember to check out our Events Calendar to see what’s on in Verbier in the coming weeks. Here’s to a great 5 months!