Tignes Apres Ski Report: 23rd January 2013

The recent freezing temps really were a reminder that we are smack bang in the middle of the French Alps and that we are at the mercy of the weather. Because of the icy nonsense out there if we didn't have to be outside, we tried at all costs to avoid it. I still managed to get up the hill Monday to Friday, searching for untouched fresh powder. I was able to find hidden pockets most days as the slopes were fairly empty this week. When I walked into Loop Bar for some Après on Wednesday afternoon it was clear to me where most the people were. In the pubs.

Loop Bar have a fantastic pub menu filled with your favorites, done to a high standard. After walking past the deck out the front a number of times, drooling at the sight of the burgers people were smashing, I thought it was time to get amongst. I ordered the beef burger and I was well impressed! Being a burger critic I couldn't complain about the size, price or taste and would recommend it for sure. A great addition to Loop Bar is the "Loop Card". Every purchase you make you get 10% put on your loyalty card for you to cash in when you wish. It surprising how fast it adds up, especially when your catching up on the live sport on the TV from around the world - yeah, cheers Lance "crackhead" Armstrong, you owe me. Before you know it, the live band turns up and then you wonder where the night went. It's a great bar to make your local if your staying in Le Lac for the week.

On Thursday night the Kiwis had to say goodbye to one of the Super Seven, our token Indian 'Bhaji Vinderloo'. We thought it was only fitting to head along to curry night at the Alpaka. We all headed along at around 19:00 to find a very busy and warm pub, which to my delight had sports highlights on. For €12 we got a tomato based curry and a drink of our choice. The meal could have been a little bigger but the company made up for that. We chatted over the couple of months that have been and wished Bhaji all the best for cooking school back in Aranui, New Zealand.

I feel a bit guilty writing this but on Sunday Night the Kiwi flat joined the posh side and headed over to Val d'Isere for the night to watch one of my favourite DJ's, The Nextmen. The Nextmen are a duo from my old stomping ground in London. They love to mix Hip Hop and have done a number of tracks with stars like Lupe Fiasco and Dizzee Rascal. To get to Val from Tignes cost us €100 return for 8 of us in a taxi van, which is pretty reasonable for a 40 min return trip. The gig was held at DicksTea Bar in Val, which I have been told is home to most of the gigs in the resort. We had a fantastic night grooving to the beats of The Nextmen and I was lucky enough to meet the duo afterwards for a sealed yarn and a drink. It's definitely worth keeping an eye out for gigs and events on in Val if your based in Tignes as it is very easy to get too and it's a completely different night out!!

With the snow on the way again I'm trying to keep my head clear to make the most of the pow and also try preserve the little cash I have left. With all the visitors gone from the Kiwi flat now it might be a quiet week ahead. We are not ones to plan too far into the future though and plans change fast so we will see what the next week holds.

Till then, enjoy the fun...bon apres!