Verbier Apres Ski Report: 24th December 2012

Last weeks events provided the perfect warm-up for this weeks antics: Yellow Mike made a welcome comeback to Verbier with Monday night seeing him perform at T-Bar. Vibrant, energetic and with a repertoire of hits that would make a jukebox look empty, who knew you could create such a buzz with just a guitar and voice?

Covering a range of old favourites from the likes of The Killers, Don Maclean and Celine Dion, he did a great job of tickling the toes of T-Bar’s itchy-footed crowd. The Proclaimers, I Would Walk 500 Miles had Verbier’s Scottish contingent reeling, whilst other sing-alongs such as tracks by Oasis had everyone chanting along. All together it was a fantastic evening from one of the 4 Valleys finest entertainers.

Tuesday evening was graced with The Seasonaire’s Welcome Party at Casbah.  A fun-fuelled night with tunes from DJette Ladyfuchs, seasonaires set the standard for the season with a jammed packed night of dancing. The End of the World Party at Pub Mont Fort on Friday saw party-goers defy the Mayan prophecies but celebrate as if it was their last night on earth, whilst on Sunday night, The Loft Bar hosted an evening of pre-Christmas fun with their ‘Loft Girls Gone Wild’ night.

With so much on in the coming week, it only seems appropriate to look forward for the bulk of this weeks report: The Christmas period in Verbier is Christmas like no other: with a visit from Pére Noël and carol singing outside the Tourist Office just off Place Central on Christmas day, it is celebrated with unrivalled enthusiasm. The night plays host to street parties, music and fireworks and if you don’t fancy the toils of cooking a turkey yourself this year, there are plenty of places to exchange traditional mince pies, Brussel sprouts and your standard Christmas meal for a more mountain orientated feast.

The traditional roast is somewhat inaccessible in our snowy mountain home (thankfully for some), so what else is on offer during the Christmas period? The Fer a Cheval, a restaurant and pizzeria, boasts a wide range of good value pizzas as well as more unusual menu including rarities such as lamb curry. A lively spot for après fun too, it’s a good place to start the Christmas festivities. For a more fine dining experience, check out Le Millénium Restaurant off the Rue de Medran. With a more relaxed atmosphere and a tinge of sophistication, the menu includes international, modern and seasonal suggestions as well as specialties including a duo of beef and Red Deer, served with Foie Gras.

If you fancy getting your teeth stuck into some late night activities, Casbah is set to provide a night of insatiable indulgence (provided there’s room after the turkey) and plans to throw its first Christmas Day party in its new home. Open until 4am, it looks like a worthy challenge for those who are looking to start early and end late, and is sure to be jammed to the rafters.

To add a dash of class to your day, head to The Farinet’s Lounge Bar from 4pm where Santa’s set to rock you around the clock. With a vast array of mouth-watering cocktails and a variety of wines and champagnes, all within a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere, it’s looking to be the place to be feed that air of sophistication.

Just to add even more anticipation to the already overflowing excitement, the 4 Valley’s famous live music scene kicks off this week. Head on down to The Farinet’s Apres Ski Bar to explore the ski boot-stomping phenomenon that is Verbier’s après ski. With a line-up that will make any late afternoon music junky judder with excitement, it’s all starting on Thursday 27th December with Waste live. There’s also a happy hour between 5 and 6 so there really is no excuse!

As the Christmas lights sparkle like a beacon of fun, the town is looking more vibrant than ever. With plenty of options this Christmas, its all about exploring and embracing the mountains festivities.

Joyeux Noel everyone!