Courchevel Apres Ski Report: 23rd December 2012

Last week brought a new kind of entertainment to town in the form of Katie's comedy night at the Boulotte. Comedy nights always scare me a little and I must admit feeling a tad hesitant as I entered the Boulotte last Thursday. I've attended some awful comedy nights in the past and they've been really painful as you fake a few laughs to ease the discomfort in the room. This night though was a whole new world of pain as our sides and bellies ached as we rolled and shook with laughter from start to finish. There were only two acts performing, each filling an intimidatingly long slot but they really did rise to the occasion. First up was Brit Tiffany Stevenson whose self-deprecating humour mocking modern life had us all lol-ing – a term she openly despises. Her observations were on the nail and aided by her facial expressions and southern accent really got the crowd going.

Following the interval was one of the most exhausting but entertaining 40 minutes of my life. Canadian Phil Nichol delivered a totally manic set as he gained momentum, pace and volume throughout, whipping the audience into fits of laughter and exhaustion in their seats. This one-man-show, sucked every last ounce of energy from my failing body as he adopted Ian as his unwilling boyfriend and then proceeded to yell, gyrate and serenade him, all within minutes. The crowd left shattered, sides and cheeks aching, recounting highlights of the shows. Quite how Katie will top that is beyond me but we eagerly await the next instalment!

Whilst being wined and dined last week, I also came across a new bar in town at The Portetta hotel. At the foot of the piste in 1650, where some old-timers might remember après-haunt the Floride used to sit, now stands a fancy 4* hotel with some lovely touches. Inside is a cosy Savoyard bar area, complete with open fires, and an impressive drinks collection for snowy days. Then, when the sun shines, or you head down from the piste for lunch, you can relax on the sun terrace with open fire pits and comfy seating.

They plan to play live music at après, and their wood-fired pizzas are pretty tasty, but what really wowed me was their selection of shorts which come served in a shot glass carved out of ice. Granted, it’s not the cheapeat bar in town, but it isn’t as ridiculous as you’d think and worth the splurge for that special occasion.

The other highlight of last week was Daisy B and Co who really raised the roof at the Bubble. Cover bands can get a little tiresome after a while and there’s certainly a fair number touring the Alps. But what Daisy and her boys brought was a heady mix of classic tunes delivered mash-up style which got most of the bar on their feet as they enjoyed track after track mixed together, with a saxophone accompaniment to add some variety. I’d go as far as to say that they’re the best thing since Bring Your Sisters. They’re back in the Bubble on Boxing Day so get yourself down there to work off those roast spuds.

There is also the little matter of Christmas to contend with this week. Was it not for the panic stricken chalet hosts darting around resort hunting for missing ingredients and the arrival of parsnips in the Spar you could almost miss the fact that it is in fact Christmas Day tomorrow! With festivities underway I’d better get the pigs in their blankets so Joyeux Noel one and all and raise a glass of vin chaud this Christmas to happy holidays, plentiful snow and an amazing season ahead!