CHARGE! an Après Ski Band
We brought the party to resorts all over the french alps!
50 gigs in 2 months…A packed January and February for CHARGE!
CHARGE! were a big part of the winter season this year, performing at a huge selection of popular clubs, bars and hotels in Chamonix, Les 3 Vallées, Val-d'Isère, Tignes and the Portes Du Soleil. This was our second year returning to the mountains and they just kept on giving, if you’ve been on a ski holiday before you know what we’re talking about…
We kicked off our après ski tour in style at the prestigious Hotel Annapurna in Courchevel 1850 on New Years Eve. The Michelin Key hotel hosted a full evening itinerary packed with dancers, magicians, a three course dinner curated and prepared by renowned chef Jean-Remi Caillon and live music from yours truly. Then followed by a CHARGE! DJ set for the afterparty! Performing at Hotel Annapurna was a huge highlight for all of us and we’re delighted to have been asked to bring in the New Year at such a respected hotel.
Every day we drove up and down some very bendy (but beautiful) roads to perform to thousands of skiers - their energy is unmatched and if these gigs were in the UK, bouncers would have their work cut out getting people off the tables, whilst here it’s encouraged! We thrive in this atmosphere and when we finally get to sleep it’s always with a smile on our faces.
The weather was mostly beautiful however we won’t forget performing at CocoRico in -12°C any time soon (our drinks were frozen solid!). Here’s to another fun and fulfilling winter season!
Video highlights
Away from the gigs, we were able to work on our skiing (Ben even turned up to our gig at the Rond Point, Meribel via skis), we also found some time to steam our battered voices in the amazing spas which can be found everywhere and most importantly we got to taste lots of amazing food and drink…We are a band that are quite often led by their bellies so it’s no surprise we ended up in France, although Becky still has PTSD after completing a whole Raclette, a decision she came to regret later on. #racletteregret
We shared many fun moments with the community of seasonaires and musicians that were also working in the French Alps this season. There’s something truly special about returning to a seasonal residency abroad and being reunited with friends - shoutout to the fellow musicians, seasonaires, venues and our agents for all of your hard work and making unforgettable moments for the holidaymakers and workers.
We made so many great memories in 2025, a few highlights have to be performing for Man United owner Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS in the alpine Hotel Le Portetta, annoyingly we only learnt of his billion pound empire following the gig, perhaps we would have cheekily asked for a tip…
There were only a few challenging journeys this year - the snow only posed a problem once or twice, mostly for other cars who clearly hadn’t invested in the right tyres. So gripping the steering wheel tightly we able to pass cars on the side of the road that were clearly unequipped and make it to our gigs on time.
Some stand out songs for this year were Freed From Desire (or anything with a big chant), however Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield was one that always set the ladies off and Abba never fails to unite a dance floor.
We can’t wait to return for the ski season in 2026, we are already planning the trip so watch this space!
CHARGE! Recommends
Here are some of the places we enjoyed and would return to! These are places with the best parties, most welcoming people and value for money versus experience.
Cavern Bar • Morzine
An underground music venue that’s open for après and evening gigs, Cavern is unlike most other bars in the Alps as music is the priority here. The owner Russ has created a great stage for music to really come alive with a super impressive lighting rig and top spec speaker system.
The Rond Point • meribel
How can you not love a venue with it’s very own slide…Possibly one of the best places to après, the ‘Ronnie’ has a sunlit terrace to listen to acts on its large stage and an indoor stage to keep the party going once the sun goes down. The staff are also some of the friendliest around.
https://lerondpointmeribel.com
Tsaretta • Les Allues
The village of Les Allues was our base for most of our time so we often found ourselves in this pub, you’d be hard pressed to find a better local with things going on most nights, a great selection of beers and somebody always up for a chat at the bar.
La Grand Spa Thermal • brides Les Bains
An affordable spa with excellent facilities, the pool has some very unique high powered jets to get in to all the aches. They also have a huge Hammam room, as well as all the common spa saunas and steam rooms. Great for a hangover or to steam tired vocal cords.
Chambre neuf • Chamonix
There are limited places to see a band in Chamonix so Chambre Neuf quickly gets packed, the result is an intense party atmosphere were crowd surfing and dancing on tables are guaranteed. Also come for lunch during the day for the best Plat Du Jour in town.
https://www.instagram.com/chambreneuf
Cool Cats • Chamonix
Not your usual French cuisine but if you love street style food then cool cats is not to be missed. Pro tip - find it during the day and then you’ll know where to find all the best bars later in the evening.
https://instagram.com/coolcatschamonix
Coco Rico • Tignes & Val - D’isere
If you like the Folie Douce then you’ll love Coco Rico, both are situated at the end of the slopes so you don’t have to worry about a drunken ski to the bottom. The open air venue is open everyday and never fails to be a huge party, bands play from 4ish and are followed by DJs.
After Ski • Chamonix
We stumbled across this little gem that’s surrounded by luxury clothing brands. After Ski is full of second hand clothing, very similar to the vintage shops found in the UK but with tonnes of retro ski wear.
Bec Juane • Morzine
It’s hard to come across good asian food in the alps but Bec Juane is exceptional! Plus the beer brewed on site is incredible. A great place to go if you’ve eaten too much cheese and fancy something a little different.
https://en.becjaunebrewery.com
La Fromagerie • Meribel
The ultimate Savoie experience… You have to try a Fondue or Raclette on a ski holiday and this place is the real deal! Set under a cheese shop you’ll have a really authentic meal accompanied with local wine. Just make sure to go before a hair wash day as you will leave honking of cheese.
masion chevallot • Val - d’isere
A favourite lunch stop of ours before a Coco Rico set, it’s hard to not feel giddy looking at the amazing cake displays in this bakery. Anything you buy in here will look and taste delicious.
Le pleney • Morzine
This is a great spot for complete beginners to learn skiing, just buy the pass that allows you to go in the green area (that’s all you’ll need). There’s a genie lift and a practice area to help you find your legs without the stress of people whizzing past you.
https://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/discover-morzine/winter/morzine-les-gets-ski-area/
