Morzine Apres Ski Report: 6th March 2012

After another great week of warm sunshine in Morzine we have finally been blessed with some more snow; a very welcome sight for all. In addition to the snow, the town is also starting to calm down a bit as the half-term rush nears its end and the endless trails of ski schools snaking the pistes are growing shorter. So with the shorter queues and gorgeous sun drenched afternoons we definitely think this is a great time to come out here and ski.

Following last week's recommendation to try out the hog roast at La Grande Ourse, we took our own advice and went up there last Sunday. The weather was stunning so, after ordering our food, we headed outside to enjoy a cold beer on the terrace before our food arrived. The menu has plenty of choice, including a rather unique twist on one of the most traditional Savoyard dishes, being their signature dish of Lobster, scallop and bacon Tartiflette. However, there was only one option for our group as all ten of us opted for the Hog Roast dinner with all the trimmings. This was probably made all the easier as we were sat at a long table right by the roasting spit…not one for the vegetarians but a great sight for the carnivores amongst us! Overall the dinner was good and it definitely satisfied our truly British craving for a Sunday roast. However our favourite part of the dinner was dessert, an absolutely amazing white chocolate cheesecake and delicious sticky toffee pudding. I can honestly say we would go back here just to have dessert…it really was that good!

After skiing off our Sunday roast we headed into town to catch the Liverpool vs. Cardiff football Cup Final at Dixies. The bar, situated at the bottom of Rue de Bourg, was rammed full of eager fans and the atmosphere was buzzing, although definitely a little overcrowded as the match clashed perfectly with the France vs. Wales Six Nations game. However, to avoid disappointment, both matches were played simultaneously, split between the numerous screens around the bar…useful for the couple we met where one wanted to watch the rugby and the other the football! Luckily for us Liverpool took the cup in a pretty nerve racking penalty shoot out, putting us firmly in the mood for a good night ahead.

As the sporting excitement came to an end the bar came alive once more, this time to the sound of the Dixie Micks who are the regular three piece Irish band who play most evenings from 5pm. They play a great mix of tunes from traditional Irish jigs to lively covers of well known classics we can’t help but sing along to. Sunday was no exception with a big crowd of merry après-ers fully clad in their ski wear and boots all dancing and singing on the dance floor area in front of the band. The band played until around 8pm and it didn’t seem like anyone was ready to go home yet…but for us our craving for food took over so we headed back up the hill. We’d definitely recommend Dixies as a great place for a fun and lively après session which all the family would enjoy.

In light of all this extremely warm weather…and it has to be said, rather slushy snow, we’ve decided to turn our attentions to some alternatives to skiing and vin chaud drinking. As well as taking a few days trips to some nearby villages and chateaux, we’ve also enjoyed some lovely walks in and around the Morzine area. A detailed guide to the walking, snow shoeing and cross-country trails in the Portes Du Soleil area is available from the tourist office and most rentals shops hire out equipment by the day, where needed. This can also be a great option if someone in your party is not here to head up the mountain and ski.

One option in particular that is extremely accessible (no need for snow shoes) and great for all the family is around the Lac Montriond area, accessible by taking bus line M from Morzine town. The lake is surrounded by forest and there are plenty of trails to chose from, allowing you to walk for as long or short a time as desired. The scenery here really is beautiful, especially where the thin cloud hangs low over the lake and the sun streams across. There is also a lovely bar/restaurant on the edge of the lake with a large terrace that soaks up the afternoon sun. L’Auberge du Verdoyant offers some yummy afternoon treats such as pancakes, waffles and ice cream sundaes as well as a rather interesting selection of flavoured beers…raspberry proving a good option for us.

One last recommendation is for one of our favourite lunch time hangouts in Avoriaz. Changabang, situated opposite the top of the Prodain cable car, is a great little fast food/snack bar serving all the classic options at reasonable prices on the slopes including burgers, nachos, hot and cold sandwiches and some pretty amazing curly fries…definitely don’t miss these out! Indoor and outdoor seating is available and the staff are really friendly, basically we love this place and hope you will too.

So here’s a look at what’s coming up in the week ahead:

• On Thursday 8th March from 4.30-6.30pm there is Carpentry for kids in the tourist square with real wood-cutting equipment and wooden games for all. Also from 8-10pm there is the weekly night skiing on the Pleney slopes (snow permitting).
• On Friday 9th March at 10am there are Husky Dogs and Mooshers to be seen around Lac Montriond . Also from 10.30am-5pm you can get a safe introduction to Speed Skiing with X Speed Ski Tour on La Combe slope at Nyon. Then from 4.30-6pm there is a Sledge Race on the Mas Verjus Slope (nearby to Pleney) with prizes up for grabs. All you need to do is bring a sledge and some dutch courage!
• On Sunday 11th March from 4pm there is live groove lounge music at Le Tremplin
• On Monday 12th March Retro Rentals are hosting an 80s night at the Cavern from 9pm

That’s all for now so have a fun week everyone and, of course…

Bon Après