Suddenly it's raining champagne: après-ski madness in the World Cup venue

“Have you been up there yet?” That’s a question I’ve been asked again and again since I arrived at the World Ski Championships. “Up” in this case is La Folie Douce, an après-ski hut that is famous not only in Méribel but far beyond. I do a bit of research and keep reading the following sentence: If you're in Méribel, you definitely shouldn't miss it. The prices are supposed to be steep, almost decadent, and the audience comes from the chic-micki and bussi-bussi milieu. But the party is legendary. I have to convince myself of that.

So here we go. I take a seat in one of the distinctive black cabins of the Saulire Express, a gondola lift right next to the finish area in Méribel, and float up. The breathtaking panorama and the stoic calm in the cabin are in stark contrast to what I am about to experience. But first of all, at the middle station at around 2100 meters above sea level, it's time to get out, go down a few meters and then I'm there, in this heart of Méribel après-ski, in La Folie Douce, which translates to "sweet madness". leaves.

The most expensive bottle costs 16.000 euros But there is still no sign of thundering bass, celebrating crowds and wild champagne excesses here. Which may be because it's only shortly after midday. Entrecôtes, truffle pasta and caviar decorate the plates on the wooden tables.

Dancers in futuristic outfits set the mood. © det

This gives me the opportunity to take a look at the food and drink menu. At least now I know that I have landed in the middle of the chic world. 39 euros for a cheeseburger, 37 euros for a risotto, 16 euros for a Hugo - and there seems to be no upper limit. A 1,5 liter bottle of Dom Pérignon Cuvée costs 4500 euros, the 6 liter version of the fine Cristal Roederer champagne costs a mere 16.000 euros. I'd rather stick with a fresh Carlsberg beer, for which the friendly bartender in a hip body suit debits 9 euros from my credit card.

Fireworks and champagne showers Suddenly life comes into the place. On the huge stage, which resembles a catwalk, two musicians, dressed all in white and equipped with an electric guitar, get ready, joined by dancers who choreograph to the electronic sounds with their futuristic mirror outfits. In the middle of the snow-white landscape, this spectacle seems surreal and spectacular at the same time.

In the VIP area, Big Ben ensures that everything goes smoothly. © det

It's 15 p.m. sharp when it becomes clear: the party has finally started. Fireworks shoot up in the sky, the partygoers are now standing on benches and tables, the bass from the head-high speakers makes your body vibrate through and through. And suddenly everyone feels like they're pulling out their cell phones, looking up and cheering along with the countdown: because now one of these incredibly expensive champagne bottles is being maneuvered into the VIP area using a mini gondola. La Folie Douce, you sweet madness.

money does not matter Access to this VIP area is of course strictly regulated. Nevertheless, I manage to chat briefly with the person in charge. Big Ben, whose real name is Benjamin, is a flashy guy; he wears a short T-shirt with a flamingo and pineapple decoration, a hat and unusual sunglasses. How much would it cost to party here? Big Ben digs out a price list and calculates the complicated minimum consumption. “1000 euros for a group of five, that’s roughly the dimensions we’re talking about here. But we don’t have to look at it that closely,” says Big Ben, and it’s clear to me: If you’re partying here, you’re not drinking at the minimum price. For him, money doesn't matter.

Benjamin says goodbye to me with a handshake, because the next task is waiting for him. At 16 p.m. there is a champagne shower, Big Ben himself stands on a bridge and lets the fine sparkling wine rain down on the screaming crowd. At that moment I run into James, an Irishman in his early 20s and a bear of a man. He is vacationing here for the first time with his two brothers and mom. How would he describe this madness? “If I ever die, please bury me here under these boards!”

The newly crowned world champion rushes into the party cave You won't notice that a World Cup is taking place just a few kilometers away. Unless the medalists have a tryst. Marco Odermatt celebrated his downhill gold at this hut, as did his compatriot Jasmine Flury.

I then set off again and leave the partying crowd behind me. When I arrive at the gondola lift, a young man in a ski racing suit rushes towards me. It is Alexander Schmid, Germany's gold hero, who became world champion in the parallel race just a few hours earlier. He doesn't want to miss the memorable party either. But there isn't much time left: it ends at 17 p.m. This is just as set in stone as the madness that goes on here every day. Yes, you definitely have to see it.

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Suddenly it's raining champagne: après-ski madness in the World Cup venue

Courchevel and Méribel are not only the two venues for the World Ski Championships, but also après-ski strongholds. We took a trip to the most famous hut - and saw incredible things.

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