Verbier Apres Ski Report: 17th January 2013
Oompa Loompas, the fluffy stuff and downhill racing
Finally the heavens have opened and sprinkled our favourite white powder all over the 4 Valleys! As those valiant enough to brave the elements have reached for the thermals, many have taken the cold weather as an excuse to party. After all, what better way to keep warm than by après ski festivities at The Farinet Aprés Ski Bar or a warming vin chaud at The Loft?
Verbier’s famous ‘ski hard, party hard’ philosophy has certainly been lived up to this week. As the deep powder has meant trekking, tree runs and the search for the perfect run, the partying has continued and all of the resort’s favourite places have been putting on events left, right and centre. Wednesday evening saw The Aprés Ski Bar at The Farinet host an evening of sugar-coated delights. The Charlie and the Shotolate Factory party saw The Dicktators - The Farinet’s shiny new après band - get the crowd moving and grooving to all kinds of classic tracks. As what seemed like everyone in town crammed their way into the sugary wonderland, a trashy, raw and energetic band jumped around screaming out bangers. The crowd responded with mirrored vigour and as balloons whirled round everywhere, Oompa Loompas poured drinks and the shotolatiers got on the bar to tip alcoholic treats down the necks of gyrating ravers.
A fresh dump of the fluffy stuff meant perfect conditions for Sunday’s DAFAT competition. Organised by enky.ch, sponsored by Ski Service, The North Face and Amstein and presented by Verbier legends Bluebird Seasonaires, it is the eighth edition of the event. Another great success, the race was open to anybody with skis over 80mm under foot. The rules were simple: all starting at once, the first one to get to the bottom of the hill wins. This year saw Seb Mayer take first position in the mixed ski category whilst NC Lanbers took second and Julien DeBetlia came in at third. With the after-party at The Loft, celebrations ensued and rounded off what was all together a fantastic day.
Sunday evening was the Russian New Year’s Eve celebration at The Lounge. Providing the perfect excuse for an end of week party, a mix of old and young ventured on down to sip espresso martinis and dance to the sounds of DJette LadyFuchs. Providing comfortable sofas from where to sip one of many cocktails on the extensive list, there is also room to boogie, and it is perhaps this mix that makes The Lounge so appealing. The party then continued down at Casbah where DJ Ratty played a host of different styles. Blending foot-taping classics with hip-hop, house and even some swingstep, there was something to cater for every musical taste.
Tuesday evening saw The Loft host their Girls Gone Wild Night. It seemed as if everyone in resort came along and a jam-packed bar danced the night away to music from DJette LadyFuchs and DJette Pompet. Both played great sets and as the early hours set in, the lively crowd ventured down to Casbah to continue the party.
One event that should not be missed this week is the Farinet’s Moulin Rouge party. The 1920’s themed event presented by London based company The It Girls consists of a hugely talented group of female dancers, DJ’s and musicians. Starting at The Lounge and extending to Casbah it looks to be a great show so if you fancy something a little different this snowy week, don your finest Burlesque robes and head on down to see what all the hype’s about. It’s expected to get busy quickly so make sure you get there before 22;00 to avoid disappointment.
For some fast-paced action, check out Ride 2013 on Saturday 19th January. One of the leading freestyle competitions, it has become a world-renowned event even acting as a recognized X-Games qualifier. The adrenaline-inducing event is held at the La Chaux snow park and promises to get your blood-pumping. It’s all about self-expression in the air and gives both amateur and pro athletes the opportunity to show-off to an encapsulated audience. There’s 10,000 CHF’s up for grabs too so you can be sure the competition will be fierce and the standard high.
All in all, another great week’s fun in Verbier. But then again, what else would you expect from such a winter wonderland? Don’t forget to check out our events calendar to keep updated this week’s happenings.
Bon apres!
