End of an era as Choucas announces closure

After almost 70 years at the heart of the Chamonix apres-ski scene Le Choucas has accounced that it will not open this winter.

First opening its doors in 1943, Le Choucas has shown generations of us how to master the art of skiing all day and partying all night, then getting up the next day to do it all over again.

Le Choucas has welcomed visitors from all over the world into its authentically Alpine-style wooden chalet, to enjoy a taste of classic Chamonix apres-ski with live bands playing during the early evenings followed by resident DJ Phil "The Bull" Garner packing out the dancefloor until 5am. Marketing itself as a "night-pub" it charged no entry fee and was a staple part of many a night out once all other venues had closed at 2am.

The reason given for the closure is that local authorities have responded to complaints from residents regarding noise and "trouble". However, given that it has been operating as a nightclub for longer than most residents have been on this planet it seems a bit of a drastic measure, so perhaps there are other factors that have not been made public.

The ever-reliable Chamonix rumour mills report that the premises will be turned into a clothes shop, brand yet to be confirmed.

The devastating aftermath of the demise of Choucas was made shockingly apparent last night when hoards of late-night revellers were refused entry to Le Tof and Amnesia, due to overcrowding. RIP Le Choucas, you will be missed.