From washing and jewellery to boot fitting and cross country skiing - it's all happening in Chamonix!
We love this time in year Chamonix. All the new seasonnaires are arriving, all the shops, bars and restaurants that have been 'taking it easy' during the down season are dusting off their wares ready for re-opening and all the new businesses are frantically working to get ready on time.
And if you're canny (as they say in Geordie-land) this is the best time of year to invite yourself to opening parties and get some beginning of season bargains and freebies.
Let's start with Friday night, when there's a launch party for local artisan jeweller David Gavin who'll be presenting his collection at Hotel Le Vert in Les Gaillands from 18:30. Get down there to see what the man can do and you could win yourself one of several gift certificates on offer worth 150 euros in total.
Then Saturday it's time to slip into the lycra (!) and head over to the Foyer Ski de Fond opposite MBC in Chamonix for the Nordic Monster Test. It's a free event and all the big name cross country ski brands will be there, letting you test all the latest classic and skating gear for free (take a credit card for the deposit). You can benefit from free guidance/instruction with qualified trainers and instructors on hand and there's a free tombola too. Even we won a rather funky baseball cap one year, so it's not to be sniffed at!
Save some energy for Saturday night though, as it's the opening party of SOLE Boot Lab and Snow-Sports Store. All the SOLE brothers and sisters of Chamoland are invited to a BBQ, hog roast and yard sale from 17:00.
SOLE is a new venture for this winter, set up by the Seb, John and Steve, the team who used to work at a renowned Chamonix boot fitting shop, bringing together all their experience to set up on their own in premises, down by the River Arve on the opposite side of the river to the cobbler's and kebab place, off avenue Aiguille du Midi. And, quite frankly, you know you got SOLE when there's even a snifter of free food on the go!
Last but by no means least, we're pleased (for our own personal hygiene reason if nothing else) that Cham'Laverie serviced launderette is back open for the winter season. Located in the little road that runs round the back off the Spar supermarket in Chamonix Sud, Cham'Laverie can wash pretty much anything, from that stinky ski jacket to that manky duvet.
If you've just arrived in Chamonix to find your accommodation hasn't got a washing machine, you'll be looking for somewhere to get your washing done. All you do is drop off your load and a couple of hours later it's all done - washed, dried and folded. Result! And to celebrate this time-saving goodness, you can get 'mates rates' on your washing if you say 'Are you Arno the king of linen?' to the man in Cham'Laverie when you next drop off your washing. It's the phrase that pays!
We'll be back on the case next week to tell you about anymore free events you can blag your way in to.
