Val d'Isere Apres Ski Report: 11th March 2012

There’s a great vibe in town and it’s getting to the time of year for the annual event “Step Up for Africa” organised by the charity Rider’s Aid in conjuction with V-Spot bar and shop.

V-Spot has been up and running for four years now. The owner Anthony “Gumby” Gumbley is an ex-pro rider and has transfered his knowledge of the mountain to create a chilled out, friendly bar, staffed by keen skiers and boarders who are happy to share their love of the mountain with their clients.

The bar has had a bit of a revamp this year with an extended games area allowing for an extra pool table and plenty of cosy seating to relax in after a hard day on the slopes.

There’s also baby-foot and a screen showing the best skiing and boarding films as well as all the big matches whether it be football, rugby or any other big sporting event.

The bar itself is located on the first floor just above the cinema opposite the bus station in the centre of town. There’s a great view and you can grab a table in front of the large windows to people watch or just be in awe of the beautiful mountain view.

The interior is stylishly modern with brightly coloured chairs and tons of comfy sofas so, whether you’re in a big or small group, there’s plenty of room for all.

There’s some fantastic art work too that visiting artists have contributed to over the years so look out for special art events where you can see the work in progress with a chance to buy later.

Apres ski is a relaxed affair where you can grab a drink and have a game of pool whereas evening events include lots of DJs playing a mix of music styles with plenty of space for dancing. Alternatively you can grab a chair and sit back and watch. The crowd is a mix of nationalities; it has become a firm favourite with a lot of the French crowd as well as us Brits and Scandinavians too.

There’s also a modest shop with both street wear and riding gear and with the staffs' knowledge of both the mountain and all things technical, you’re sure to get some good advice. There’s a good selection of brands including some small local makes as well as lots of funky accessories too.

The weekly regular events are;

• on Mondays DJ Hippopotamus playing breakbeats and hip-hop
• Tuesday is Toss the Boss night where you can roll the dice to win your round
• Wednesday is house music from 10pm
• Thursday is the all important pool competition which is open to everyone starting at 9pm so make sure you get there beforehand to sign up. First prize is €120 followed by a second prize of €40 and the competition is of a high standard with many regulars coming to try their luck. It’s a really good, friendly night too and a good laugh although, remember, everyone is there to win that prize money!

There are also plenty of special events too, so look out for the many posters around town.

Which takes us back to the Step Up for Africa; this event is in its fourth year now and it’s for a great cause, supplying environmentally-friendly water filters to villagers in need of clean, safe drinking water.

The event this year is on the 29th of March and starts off on the hill with a massive step-up jump (a jump where you land higher than the take off). Whilst there’s no need to hit the jump if you don’t want to, it’s a great day with a BBQ and a chance to see some amazing riders showing off their skills all in the name of charitee, mate!

The event moves onto V-Spot in the evening with live music and a raffle with great prizes, last year's included lots of clothing, lots of activities and the chance to win a heli-skiing trip too so I’m looking forward to see what’s on offer this year.

Check in V-Spot before the day for the location information and to buy your tickets for the BBQ and raffle.

So that’s it from me this week, have fun and stay safe, TTFN.