Chamonix Apres-Ski Report: 6th March 2013

We have two months left, TWO WHOLE MONTHS, of skiing, snowboarding, fresh powder, piste-side picnics, soft afternoon slush, happy sun-kissed goggle-marked faces, sunny apres-ski... As tempting as it is to look forward to getting the bikes, climbing ropes and running shoes back out, we still have so much left of winter to enjoy so please stop wishing it away!

Especially when we have such an awesome 4 days ahead of us with The Black Weekend kicking off tomorrow. The opening party takes place at Brevent Plan Praz at 8pm with guest DJs playing a mix of groove, funk, electro and soul; tickets cost 20€ each and include lift access. After that the party carries on in town with bands and DJs playing at Les Caves, Amnesia and White Hub.

Events, parties and competitions will carry on through the weekend, both in town and on the mountain. If you survive the massive party at The Podium on Friday night then cure that hangover with some fresh air up at Grands Montets on Saturday, where they'll be hosting the Hot Dog Day - a fine event where it is perfectly acceptable to ski in denims, fluoro onesies, head bands, retro sunnies... as long as you have the skills to carry it off! The Hot Dog Day is a moguls competition carried out on a dual parallel track by teams of 5; each team must comprise 3 skiers, 1 snowboarder, 1 monoskier or telemarker and at least one of the above must be of the female persuasion (yes, a girl!). Points are given not only for speed but also for style, so the winner will have to spring down those moguls super-fast before pulling some crazy crowd-pleasing manoeuvre as they finish. In the past we've had everything from back-flips (some landed, some... erm, not) to ski-ballet from the ever-graceful Mr Glen Plake. So, if you think you've got the skills, or at least the guts, to enter then get your team signed up asap at chamhotdogday@gmail.com.

Click here to see some of Chamonix's finest athletes in training for The Hot Dog Day - at least they have their outfits sorted.

If you missed the Friday night party at the Podium then fear not, there'll be another one on Saturday. 15€ entry with live music from 11pm from Poni Hoax followed up by Pachanga Boys, Phil Garner, Jeem Collins and Mimetic. The festivities close with a pool party at Hotel Les Aiglons from 5pm on Sunday - DJs Dada Disco and Pachanga Boys and live music from Dream Koala, fingers crossed for more sunshine!

Some of the events over the weekend are free, some are ticket only - check out the full schedule on The Black Weekend website to find out exactly what the line-up is, it might be worth your while buying one of the passes that give you unlimited access to all events and parties; 1 day 20€, 3 days 50€ or 4 days 70€ available from digitick.com.

Prior to The Black Weekend though, we have the Chamonix Chamois competing in the 1/4 finals of the Magnus Ice Hockey League tonight, playing against the Dauphins from Epinal at 8:30pm. The 1/4 finals are played in 5 games, and 3 wins are needed to qualify for the next round, which makes it very important to win the 1st two games played at home. The first game of the 1/4 finals was played last night, with Epinal winning 4-2, so the Chamois' need your support tonight! Tickets are 15€ for adults and 10€ for children, get there early as the good rink-side sides will fill up fast!

Secret Eats is back with another "pop-up" restaurant night, this time in conjuction with Thali (www.thali-chamonix.com) for an Indian feast at La Terrasse this Thursday from 8:30pm. There will be 3 courses, including vegetarian dishes, for 25€ per person - call into La Terrasse in advance to book your table, or email chef@thali.chamonix.com.

Enjoy your week, the winter's got plenty of life left in it yet!