Tignes Apres Ski Report: 7th March 2013

As it has done so often throughout this season, the snow has stopped and the near tropical weather has set in.

This week has been nothing but blue skies, with temperatures reaching as high as 10 degrees. The roads now have a steady flow of snow melt, and the BBQ is now the regular mode of cooking in the evenings. Our secret snow stashes are now used, which leaves us thrashing the terrain park and looking forward to our après wets that keep creeping closer and closer towards mid-day starts.

This week we bid farewell to one of our super seven, Tarnz "Rotor" O'Conner. Tarnz is from a cold and dark town in NZ named Palmy North, where the microwaves run on petrol and their favourite hats are buckets. Skiing was not a priority for Tarnz during her stint here in Tignes, but making the most of the resort nightlife and Après deals certainly was.

Fitting to her priorities we had a few large days to send her off. On Thursday we decided to make the most of the arvo sun and head to the Folie Douce to get amongst their 80's themed party. The Folie is the club on the hill, just below the Marmots Chair and on blue bird days it hisses from 3-5pm. As Tarnz had never been, and J-Dub was fizzing for a visit, we thought it was fitting to bang a seal and make the most of it!

Kelly Starlight was at his absolute best, dressed as the Pope. The DJ played what is known as the "Folie Bangers" and the table tops were full. This place still absolutely amazes me. It must be what Ibiza is like but 2,700m above sea level. Fire breathers, a sexy violin player, champagne covering the crowd and a larger than life MC. As always, it was an amazing afternoon that set the platform for the rest of the night. The Folie should be a compulsory stop on everyone’s trip to L'Espace Killy and makes for an exciting and interesting ride home.

On Monday, all nursing dusty heads we decided to head out for a meal at an Lavachet local restaurant, Tar'tignes. It is my personal favourite in the resort and again it didn't disappoint. The duck had been my go to in previous visits but feeling a bit daring I went for the pork this time. Our table went for various options and all passed with flying colours. We made the most of the cheap wine on offer to wash the delicious meals down. The great thing about Tar'tignes is that the price is very respectable. With 6 hungry Kiwi’s all eating a main and leaving light headed, the bill was less than €100. It is a great restaurant to have in the neighbourhood and will be back before the end of the season for sure.

The sun over the last two weeks has well and truly influenced the amount of arvo drinks and nights out. It has been perfect timing for sending off Tarnz as well as the guests to the Kiwi flat, with shout outs to Devo, PD, Georgie, Kate Gilby, J-Dub and Rob. The combo between these guests and the tropical weather has been like a summer away from home for us Kiwis, and a welcomed change from the Arctic temps. We are now ready however to get face deep in more powder and put the bbq away for a couple of weeks. More snow is needed as well as more zero’s in the bank account.

This Thursday the SoBar in Lavachet are having their beer pong tournament with multiple tables, beer deals on jugs and prizes for the teams that place. The following night, it’s the return of their Anti-Quiz where the Kiwis are on the hunt for the top prize. Its great way to kick off the night and all the cool kids of Lavachet turn out for it. I will see you there.

On a parting note, we wish you all the best Tarnz on your new role as a cleaner. I hope the toilets aren’t as dirty as Val’s.