Toffee vodka and roast turkey for breakfast...

It must have been Christmas. And a white one at that. Finally the resort had some snow and here were far more important things to be done than worrying about proper meals. The race for first tracks has begun, and with some runs still unpisted, the 10" of powder that fell last week has been well used - back on the board, skis in the locker.

All change this week though - clear skies and no snow for a few days have meant gorgeous runs at the top with the last 300m into town sheet ice. The most common injuries in the medical centre are currently frostbite and concussion. And drunken accidents....

Of which there have been plenty. Luckily the bars are all still open when we need them most. The new improved and larger Ice Café unveiled its new cocktail bar with a night of general debauchery and live music and everyone got comfy on the new sofas.

Alpine Superband Superfly rocked El Ponchos on Christmas Eve, deemed by many to be the best night of the season so far with the restaurant packed to the rafters. The evening finished in a big sweaty heap at Dicks Tea Bar with the longest queue in memory.

Christmas Day heralded a very messy lunch at the Rondpoint, many of us led astray by the Brown Rock staff who truly know how to have a good time. With many shattered from the build up, toffee vodka consumption was limited - just half a bottle per head followed by the traditional stumble back down the slopes to town.

With the sad news of Manu’s passing in early summer last year, the Capricorn is no more. A favourite venue with workers for years, it is sorely missed. The only bar in town where you could drink superstrong Mutzig safe in the knowledge of no guests arriving to spoil the fun, its quirky design and dingy back corners are among those essential memories. The new bar, La Poste de la Montagne, is a more “grown up and classy joint”, but lacks the mood that made the Cap such a haven. Full report soon, but in the meantime it might tickle you to know that they have already had an English lass in there trying to buy stamps... scary.

Every bar in town had a huge night for New Year - once more the main square was packed to bursting point with drunken Brits, but damage was low compared to previous years despite some people desperate attempts to bring down the lamp posts (you know who you are).

The Taverne door remains intact, although this cannot be said for many of the survivors who made it for the champagne breakfast there at 7.30am New Years Day - 30 bottles sold to the accumulated staff of every bar in Meribel. Madness ensued with a monstrous beer fight as the bar plunged into darkness as they-that-shall-remain-nameless swung off a light, pulling it to the floor. Bagpuss played live music to the masses and the traditional Hogmanay pipers roamed around town.

The Rondpoint was buzzing, as Superfly were supergood and superdrunk. They followed up with a fabulous last gig of their Meribel tour on at the Tsaretta in Les Allues for all their La Tania posse. Ceiran had a special New Year's resolution - not to fall down face first on the way back down the hill from the Rondpoint. Superfly we wish you luck in London, but don’t forget us - you’re welcome anytime.

So begins 2002, a calmer week ahead, but is there ever such a thing in Meribel? Now if only there was time to sleep...

Words and Pictures from Phin - Natives Resort Reporter in Meribel

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