So the lifts aren’t due to open until the 20th December but that’s all the better for those of us who suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) as there is not much to miss (snow-wise) so we can indulge in some guilt free nights out.
To coincide with the opening of the lifts (and the new Plan Joran gondola at Grand Montets) is the opening of Bar’d Up’s bigger sister; “Fubar” in Argentiére, a two minute walk from the base of the lift in the Centre Commerciale. Built in a similar style to Bar’d Up, with even bigger big screens, and a bucking bronco bull ride just in case your après ski isn’t extreme enough.
Most of Chamonix’s bars are now open daily for the winter season…. the season launch party not to miss is Le Vert Hotel on Thursday 18th featuring free entry and a free drink if you arrive before 9pm and Vert Burger for €11 all night. On the decks will be Chamonix's favourite Soul of Man, Dj Sugarleg, Sammy Senior, Pedro V and in the courtyard Joe & Corin's silent 'Techno' Disco!
Chambre Neuf are having an opening party this Friday 19th with a taco buffet and 10 euro pitchers of beer. They've also got happy hour on from 5-7pm every day throughout the season, and it won't be long until their legendary apres ski sessions start again
Winter wouldn’t be winter without a late night stumble into the stalwart of Chamonix nightclubs..….. and this Friday its Amnesia’s winter season opening featuring music from Greg Delon, Maou and Phil Garner. The club will now be open daily which is strangely reassuring as it’s all change at Chamonix’s other late night hot spots.
Those of us who may ‘dare’ to venture to the other end of town may have noticed that the White Hub is now ‘Le Bunker' and apparently they've made a few changes to the inside, more details to follow. And also little word yet on Mix Bar changing over to a cocktail / sushi spot, new name 'Saumon Ivre', new offer, although they're still going to be having regular DJ's - more details to follow on that as well.
Former strip club now former night club, ‘No Escape’ is soon to open as ‘semi-gourmet restaurant’ La Télécabine.You won’t miss it- there’s a bright red telecabine outside. Run by Bea and Mike who have been in the area for some 20 years, it will feature a mix of modern and traditional food like fondue, hot stone and tartiflette.
Just over the road Chamonix’s favourite pre party venue, La Terrasse has had a facelift after being shut all summer. The revamped bar has live music and drinks deals every night with happy hours from 4-7pm and 9-10pm and you know what that means….’Tequilla Tuesdays’– Arriba!
Also open again after bit of a facelift is the Jekyll with a new menu, new cocktails and the fantastic comedy nights back once a month.
This weekend also sees the start of the season for South Bar in Cham Sud who have got DJ's in on both Saturday and Sunday.
After all this partying what’s needed most is a good stomach lining breakfast and what better than to be able back to the scene of where it all probably started the night before Monkey Bar are now opening everyday (apart from xmas day) from 9am to serve breakfasts such as eggs Benedict, full English, veggie English and breakfast muffins, all with free coffee and tea and free refills. Monkey also have a new winter menu, a new burger menu.
Bluebird Café in Cham Sud is also open from 7.30am for the classic British breakfast of sausage or bacon rolls. From January they will also be holding French conversational sessions over a drink covering topics close to my heart each week- such as French bureaucracy and, erm, speed dating…..
Also rumoured to be opening for breakfasts is the Moo Bar and now, ready for their very first winter season is Pointe Isabelle now open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and home made vin chaud. With all this going on - hell, I don’t even know if I want it to snow…..yet!
