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Verbier Apres Ski Report: 2nd January 2013

Christmas and New Year in Verbier – what could be better?!

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Angus Griffin, Verbier Reporter Updated

Nearly all who have been lucky enough to make it to Verbier this week have borne witness to a Christmas and New Year period like no other. As the dawning of January often brings the winter blues to those stuck in the ‘real’ world, post-party period depression is a thing of myth in this snowy wonderland. So as we all begin to recover from the incessant, self-inflicted over-indulgence, let’s have a look back at what treats the last week has brought us.

The Christmas period saw thousands of holiday-makers flooding to the resort as a festive energy filled The 4 Valleys. Those who could find their skis amongst the tinsel and wrapping paper ventured onto the slopes for a ski on Christmas Day and were met with Santa hats and snowy cheer. The restaurants filled up and the bars were bustling, and those who were still standing after the day’s excesses ventured to Casbah for its Christmas Party.

The rest of the Christmas week was packed with events including international superstar DJ Brandon Block taking to the decks at The Farinet on Friday. Sunday was World Snowboarding Day 2012 which Bluebird Seasonaires took as a great excuse for a group ride. Spending the majority of the afternoon in the park, they ripped round the slopes and ended the day with some lively après fun.

The run up to New Year meant it was time to get the Aprés-ski ball rolling and partying really kicked off this week with the opening of the Aprés Ski Bar at The Farinet on Thursday. Providing early afternoon hedonists with a chance to throw down the ski poles and pick up a pint, hundreds of people crammed themselves into the recently upgraded bar to see Waste live. The swarming crowd proceeded to use every available space as a platform to throw some shapes and the atmosphere hit boozy levels. Hit after hit drenched the crowd with fun causing vibes as the bar staff proceeded to take to the bar top and tip various concoctions down the throats of thirsty customers.

The icing on this year’s Christmas pudding had to be New Year’s Eve however. With more activity than you could shake a ski pole at, there was something to cater for all tastes. With late night clubbing extending to those with deeper pockets, the more deprived of us were certainly not left behind. Around 22:00 the mountain started rumbling with excitement and the Place Centrale steadily filled with more and more people. With music blaring from mammoth speakers, the Euro House got everyone dancing and by 23:30 the swelling mass had become a sea of flailing hands and swinging hips. Literally thousands proceeded to join in the throng and with fireworks being set-off left, right and centre, it was difficult to know where to turn your head.

The first few minutes of 2013 played host to a scene of mind-blowing mayhem. Champagne spray drenched the pulsing crowd whilst hugs, kisses and plenty of ‘I love you man’s were exchanged. One particularly exuberant thrill-seeker even took to a lamppost and proceeded to climb in a particularly attractive pair of Y-Fronts.

If somebody stole your dancing shoes (why else would you have missed this week?) don’t despair however as there’s plenty more where that came from throughout the winter. HedKandi takes its Saturday slot for the season at The Farinet with DJ Pheobe D’Abo starting on 5th January. If you feeling partied out and fancy something more relaxed head over to Chalet Carlsburg in the afternoon to see Edelstein play some Folk Rock. Starting at 14:00, the picturesque views and acoustic vibes make for a great afternoon. Check out our events calendar for an up-to-date glance at what’s to come.

Happy 2013!