Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski Report: 24th December 2010

Christmas week, and Alpe d'Huez is full of cheer. I'm not sure if it is all Christmas cheer, but it is certainly a very cheery place. I have had another birthday this week, and in my opinion there is no better place to celebrate.

The ESF (French ski school) hosted a bit of a shindig for all the reps and tour operator staff in the resort on Friday. There was a tour around the ski area and the day concluded in a party in Smithy's Tavern. Drinks were drunk, food was eaten, stories were shared and goodie bags were handed out.

Saturday was an evening to remember. For everyone else that is, Personally, I barely remember a single minute of it. After opening my birthday socks, I headed into work at 10 o'clock for the first Smithy's Big Breakfast of the season, after getting my coffee count into double figures I tucked into my fry-up, complete with candles, Superb.
After heading up the hill to enjoy the fresh snow, myself and Dale thought it was about time for a trip round resort to advertise our events for the week and meet some people. First stop was at popular lunch and après ski spot, the Beau Soleil. We had a nice demi in their piste-side bar as we watched the end of the rugby. They have quite a reasonable lunch menu, and when the weather is nice there is no better place to stop and sit on the terrace when your ski legs get tired.

After a quick stop at the Belle Aurore hotel bar for one more demi and a nice shot of their grenadine sambuca, we headed down to Captain Sandwich for their new look opening party. There are quite a few fast food places in the town, but for the quality of the food you can't beat the captain. Captain sandwich (real name Rachel) gave the shop a bit of a makeover during the interseason this year, so there is now seating indoors as well as outside, and everything is just a bit shinier. Despite the lovely new seats, it was pretty much standing room only however as Rachel was dishing out platefuls of ribs, meatballs, canapés and a host of tasty snacks to the huge crowd of people who had turned out. After washing down the treats with more then a couple of glasses of wine, we were both due back at Smithy's where the real birthday celebrations took place. I'd like to give you all the stories of the night, but I honestly can't remember them. Photographic evidence tells me that I drank something that was blue and on fire, I did some crowd surfing, and I spent an indeterminate amount of time in Igloo.

Tuesday was seasonnaire night in resort. The Pacific Pub threw a bit of a party with Dj Dkat providing the music, with Neil and Skye providing the refreshments. I managed to sneak in for a quick demi and taste of their new flavoured rums, and the night seemed to be going well by the time I left. I couldn't help noticing as I passed the Zoo Bar that there seemed to be some excitement inside, and was not disappointed when I stuck my head in to see some salsa lessons going on. A bit of a first for the bars in ADH, but I've always said it is a resort which has something for everyone! Unfortunately I'd left my dancing shoes at home and so headed upstairs to Smithy's Tavern. Dancing shoes were missing, but monkey costume was present, which was fortunate as tonight was Animal Night in the Tavern. So the monkeys, pandas, cats and sharks partied on into the night.

Looking forward to next week, Alpe d'Huez has a lot in store. Tomorrow is obviously a big day being Christmas Eve, and the biggest party is without doubt going to be in the Tavern. O'Sharkey's usually has a pretty huge Christmas eve party, but due to some technical difficulties (a burst waterpipe) they are currently shut. Fingers crossed that they will be open for New Years. Christmas day is usually a more relaxed affair in resort, as most people are usually too full of turkey or too hungover from the night before. Sphere bar have a Christmas sing-a-long planned, so if any musicians in resort feel like bashing a drum or plucking some guitar strings, they should make their way over there. I hear the resort's favourite acoustic superstar Pee-Wee might be making an appearance along with resort rockers Still Nameless. After that, the resort will be looking forward to Dr Bruce at Smithy's on Thursday, who always put on an amazing show and then the big one. New Years Eve. Once again, Smithy's Tavern will be the place to be to see in 2011, with their “Heaven & Hell” theme, it's sure to be spectacular.

Remember, we're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time!

Pete

For a full list of this week's events, check out our What's On Calendar. You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.