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Val d'Isere Apres Ski Report: 26th January 2012

Australia Day celebrations

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Katherine Harle, Updated

Val d’Isere is such a multi-national little bubble that sometimes you forget where in the world you are.

When taking the Olympique telecabine up to the top of Bellevarde, it’s possible to hear over 5 languages at the same time; French, English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian are all commonplace around town…and that’s just the people who live here.

Add into the mix Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and all the accents of every language and you have a truly multi-cultural melange. Not bad for what was a small farming village 1800m up in the Alps!

Of course, full respect is due to our French hosts who have built this town into an international ski resort.

But this week's report is dedicated to our Antipodean friends, as today is Australia day and it’s one of the biggest parties in Val d’Isere.

There are a lot of Australians here! There are those who stay all year, some who return year after year and some who just show up for one season. But there’s no escaping the fact that’s there are lots and lots of Aussies here and when the 26th of January comes around there are some big events going on.

The biggest and best has to be at the Saloon Bar. Run by Aussie Simon for years, it’s become a bit of an institution when it comes to all things “Down Under”. The Saloon is a big party bar and it’s all about drinking, dancing and having fun and today the party is out in force.

One of my favourite things about Saloon is après ski, especially on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays when Bulgarian rock legend George More is playing. George plays a range of covers and some of his own too and you’re guaranteed to be either up dancing (possibly with your trousers around your ankles) or rolling around on the floor laughing. Either way you’ll have a great time whenever George is playing.

There’s a great cocktail list with cocktails available by the glass or by the jug and they’re guaranteed to keep the party flowing. I know a fair few seasonaires who, as soon as service is done in the chalet, head down to Saloon and grab a jug to get the party started, the option is yours whether to share or not!

There are also plenty of shooters to choose from. As well as all the usual, try their delicious flavoured vodkas which are available in a triangle (that’s 15 shots), for you and your friends to share.

Saloon is located under The Hotel Brussels on the Front du Neige so this is one of the few places you can actually ski to the door.

So, with today being Aussie day if you’re around town, head down and check out their €5 Aussie beers, €10 for boomerang shots, €5 Dark n Stormys (that’s Bundie rum and fresh lime) as well as lots of fun and games, plus George More during après (5pm until 7pm).

As for their weekly events:

  • tonight is Thirsty Thursdays with a different drink on offer every week
  • Friday offers €3.50 Jagerbombs all night
  • Saturday is two-for-one cocktails until midnight
  • on Sunday, bottled beers are €5
  • Triangle Tuesdays give you a triangle of 10 shots for only €15
  • Wifebeater Wednesdays are keeping up Aussie traditions so if you’re in there wearing a “wifebeater” (an Aussie style vest top) you’ll get a free shot with every drink you buy

Finally, everyday from 3pm until 5pm you can get two pints for €6 which is a good excuse to get there early if you’re cold or tired.

That’s it from me this week. Take care, stay safe and TTFN.