Meribel Apres Ski Report: 2nd January 2012
Happy New Year and a Merry Moose
A very Happy New Year to everyone and a huge apology for not writing a Christmas report. Unfortunately I must have eaten a dodgy mince pie and I was struck ill on Boxing day. I am now back to full health and have spent the last couple of days frantically running around the town catching up and finding out what I have been missing, as well as information about some exciting upcoming events in Meribel.
Much to everyone’s delight the weatherman got it right and Christmas day was one of the first completely blue, beautiful days of sunshine this season. The slopes were full of smiling people, feeling very festive. Between Christmas and New Year the skies seemed determined not to disappoint and snow fell pretty much constantly until New Year's day when, once again, we were treated to a clear blue sky to bring in 2012. What better way to start the New Year?
As always Meribel was a hive of activity on New Year's eve and after several days recovering from illness I was finally ready to go and enjoy a night out. I started my night at the Chaudanne and could have quite happily stayed there all night. From 10pm there was a (really rather good) DJ playing inside an enormous snow globe on a stage. There were some incredible light and video projections inside the bubble and on screens surrounding it and hundreds of dancing revellers filled the Chaudanne. At one minute to midnight a 60 second countdown began on the big screens and when the clock hit 12 we were treated to an impressive firework display. Ten minutes after this, as if not content with the previous firework display a second one began, to everyone’s delight.
After an hour or so more enjoying the music in the Chaudanne I headed up into town to Le Pub where resident DJ Tom Newman was manning the wheels of steel for the evening. Mr Newman kept the crowd extremely happy in between well received sets from local band ‘The Dominos’. A drunken crowd lapped up every song with a ‘verging on threatening’ call for ‘ONE MORE SONG’ at the end of their final set. Sadly, I didn’t make it to Dick’s Tea Bar to cash in on their promise of a free bacon sandwich at 5am as I had work the next morning but if any of the atmosphere from Le Pub spilled over into Dick's, I’m sure it was a great end to the night!
This Thursday, Taking the Piste are bringing yet another stellar line up of comedy gold to Jack’s Bar with their first event of 2012. Sun newspaper columnist and stand up comedian Tommy Holgate will be standing in as MC for the evening. With regards to the next act, it is highly likely that you may be one of the millions of people who have seen his smash hit youtube video known as ‘Gap Yah’. Headlining the night is an award winning Irish hip hop comedy due known as ‘Abandoman’ who I have been told are seriously not to be missed. Also on this night I will be popping down to Jack’s myself with my ukulele to play a couple of songs including a little ditty about getting revenge on rubbish chalet guests in some very inappropriate ways called ‘The Chalet Host Song’. Tickets are just €15 and these nights fill up fast so buy in advance to avoid disappointment!
MOOSE WATCH!!! I promised to keep you abreast of any news regarding the poor injured moose that had his antlers carelessly broken off by a drunken vandal early on in the season. I can happily reveal that the moose has made a great recovery and is now standing (albeit with slightly chipped and cracked glue stained antlers) in pride of place by the Olympic centre. A wise move by Meribel council to keep him further away from the pubs and bars and hopefully avoid another antler bashing! Scroll up to see a photo of the moose back where he belongs.
Anybody looking for something slightly more civilised to do in Meribel in the coming weeks should head up to 1600 or the Morel area. Here you will find a hotel called ‘Le Lac Bleu’. It can be identified by 2 old disused ski gondolas sitting out the front. As well as a hotel, ‘Le Lac Bleu’ serves as a charming bar covered in old ski related memorabilia. There is free wifi, board games and a large solitaire set complete with marbles in the back room. I recently discovered that they have a wine tasting evenings every Monday. It’s a lovely little bar and a wine tasting evening would be the perfect excuse to go and check it out!
Musicians and music fans alike will be pleased to hear that two of last season’s most well loved nights are back again this year. Open mic nights on Friday in Scott’s and on Saturday in The Den (above Dick’s Tea Bar) are a really enjoyable way to spend an evening, hear some good music, sometimes hear some bad music and meet some of Meribel’s talent! The Den also operates as a casual restaurant selling snack sized portions of delicious food at very reasonable prices. The ‘chilli ravioli nachos’ are highly recommended at just €3.50 a portion, bargain!
I haven’t managed to persuade anyone to come and join me for a drink at ‘Le Savoy Meribel’ quite yet, I think people are worried they just don’t have enough funk so nothing to report there I'm afraid. Happy New Year once again to you all, hope you have a great 2012!
