A Taste of the French Alps Is Coming to Manly Beach!

Why This Isn’t Your Average Ski Night

Emma Wilson 15.07.2026

For the Australian snow community, the arrival of August usually means one of two things: squeezing the absolute last drop out of the domestic season, or letting your mind wander to winter in the Northern Hemisphere. If you fall into the latter camp – or if you just really love melted cheese and fine wine -and you just love winter- or talking about cool faraway places, there is an upcoming evening in Sydney that deserves a permanent marker on your calendar.

On Thursday 20 August 2027, the team behind Loving the Snow Life and Snowlife Tours is throwing out the traditional, dry ‘ski information night’ playbook. Instead, they are bringing a genuine slice of l’art de vivre (the art of living) from the French Alps straight to Hemingway’s Bar in Manly.

Beyond the Brochure, a Celebration of Les Trois Vallées

Standard ski nights often consist of sitting in a dimly lit room, watching a PowerPoint presentation on season passes, and leaving with a handful of glossy brochures. This event aims to be the exact opposite: a relaxed, alpine-inspired social gathering designed to mimic the warmth of an authentic après-ski lounge. Glass of French wine in hand.

As the world’s largest interconnected ski area, this European destination is a bucket-list mecca for anyone who slides on snow. The evening will celebrate the distinct personalities of its legendary, interconnected resorts:

  • Val Thorens: The highest resort in Europe, famous for its unparalleled snow reliability and vibrant, high-altitude energy.
  • Méribel: The heart of the valleys, loved for its traditional, chalet-style architecture and family-friendly charm.
  • Courchevel: The glamorous alpine retreat, renowned just as much for its pristine, manicured slopes as it is for its Michelin-starred dining.

Whether you are a seasoned local who can navigate the Grand Couloir with your eyes closed, or a daydreamer planning your very first European winter escape, the night offers a rare chance to tap into a collective wealth of knowledge. You can swap stories, gather un-Googleable insider tips on the best mountain lunch spots, and get practical advice on how to conquer this massive network of slopes.

Raclette, Red Wine, and Alpine Real Estate

Of course, you can’t truly celebrate the French Alps without honoring their greatest winter tradition: alpine comfort food.

The $70 ticket includes a welcome drink to kick off the evening, followed by a feast of traditional raclette. Expect bubbles of rich, melted cheese scraped over potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons—the ultimate mountain fuel, even if the only elevation you’re tackling that night is the stairs at Manly. Hemingway’s Bar will also feature a curated selection of beautiful French wines to perfectly complement the menu.

The Details:

  • When: Thursday 20 August 2027 | 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Where: Hemingway’s Bar, Manly
  • Tickets: $70 per person (includes traditional raclette and a welcome drink)

TICKETS HERE: https://shorturl.at/hDYtJ

Ultimately, the night is about connection. The snow community is bound by a shared obsession with winter, and this event is built around that camaraderie. Come with your regular ski crew to get hyped for the next trip, or show up solo and mingle with fellow powder hounds.

Spaces are strictly limited to keep the evening intimate and conversational, so securing a spot early is highly recommended.