Carnival Week in the Belleville Valley

If you want to get fully involved you can buy costumes in the Tourist Office in St Martin or La Croisette in Les Menuires. The parades are taking place on Tuesday and can also have your make-up done and there will be live street music and refreshments. So, if you fancy a break from skiing then take your family along to join in the fun. The timings for the parades are 2.45pm in Val Thorens, 3.15pm in Les Menuires and 5.30pm in St Martin. There is also a costume ball in St Martin to follow on in the evening.

As an aside, I’ve been confused by this seemingly well known ‘carnival day’ in the mountains in previous years and have since discovered the more well known name in the UK is Mardi Gras. Whilst I’ve heard of this, I’m still pretty oblivious as to what it actually is! So a quick Google search has revealed that mardi gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer fattier food before the ritual of fasting for the season of Lent. I think the reason I’ve never come across this before is being more focused on the same day as pancake day! So, there you go, today’s interpretation seems to be getting dressed up and having fun, so why not get involved if you are in resort?

On Wednesday if you fancy treating yourself to a slightly more involved restaurant experience then the Montana restaurant in Val Thorens is holding a presentation and tasting session of local producers by the Chef, Jérémy Gillon and his guest chef Vincent Lucas (1star in the Michelin guide) followed by a meal at 65 euros and 45 euros for accompanying wine. Just call the restaurant direct to book (04 79 00 21 30).  

Something new this week is that there is a snow rugby tournament taking place ‘Tournoi 6 Stations’. With six teams made up of seven ex-international players and players of each ski resort. I understand that you can catch the semi-final in Val Thorens Place Caron at 6pm on Friday with the final taking place in Les Menuires Croisette on 22 February at 5.45pm. Rugby on snow eh, there’s nothing they won’t try out here..

Finally, unfortunately one of the biggest après venues in Val Thorens, La Folie Douce, is required to tone it down for the time being after a few reported incidents of guests leaving the venue last week. It is a real shame and whilst they are a lively bar on the slopes, you really need to bear in mind that you need to get yourself down to the piste afterwards. Here is their official message for future events over the next month and if you are heading there please bear in mind so that they don’t have any more issues and can continue providing the entertainment they do:

“Dear Folie Douce friends, Until further notice, we are obliged to cancel all events employing guest DJs at our venue. Coming up to Folie Douce on the lifts without skis has also been forbidden by the SETAM until March. Last week's party had a sad turn out, too many people got too drunk, it was plain ugly: this is not what Folie Douce is about. We do our best to offer you the highest quality music, we work hard to keep the venue beautiful with respect to the nature that surrounds us, our staff and security strive to keep you safe and satisfied, that is what we are about, this is Folie Douce. Good music, beauty and great vibes. We want that every person leaves with the sensation that they had the best time of their lives, not the nightmare of leaving in an ambulance. So out of respect to our staff, our artists and most of all yourselves, we expect YOU to come to our venue with the same attitude.”