Winter food in resorts

Fancy your food with a view? Look no further, we are here to give you some on Insider knowledge on some fantastic restaurants, cafes and hotels that offer outstanding local and international dishes for you foodie lovers out there. 

Be it on a mountain terrace, a 5* Hotel lounge or a true local restaurant, we have selected just a few of the best places to eat whilst enjoying your next ski or snowboarding holiday.

After a busy day out on the slopes, there is nothing better than tucking into one of your favourite meals or treating yourself to trying a new dish. 

Take a culinary tour around Canada & Europe’s best ski regions. Some of the top dishes to try whilst you are on a ski holiday in the best countries for the winter snow. A hearty, warm meal during or after a days ski is a highlight in many skiers or snowboarders day, here are a savoury and a sweet dish from every destination that you must try. 

San Cassiano, Italy

Best for: Gourmet Ski Safaris

The Alta Badia ski area, in the heart of the Dolomites, is renowned for its exceptional cuisine. It is a paradise for passionate foodies and skiers, with its ready access to the remarkable Sella Ronda ski circuit and world-class restaurants.

There is a genuine gourmet scene here, with three Michelin starred restaurants. The St Hubertus in San Cassiano has two Michelin stars and is recognised for using local ingredients to create colourful dishes full of flavour. There are only 11 tables, so make sure you book in advance!

La Siriola is run by the youngest Italian chef to have a Michelin star, Matteo Metullio. You should visit his restaurant for the Chocolate Room alone, where guests can sample and buy up to 40 varieties of chocolate.

In nearby Corvara the Stüa de Michil, run by chef Nicola Laera, creates innovative modern cuisine based on traditional Ladin dishes. The delightful décor of homely wooden furnishings and soft lighting also make this one of the most charmingly attractive restaurants in the region.

Excellent mountain restaurants

There are too many excellent mountain restaurants to mention. From the cool and lively Las Vegas to the incredible Col Alt, you can’t really go wrong.

Best ski food in Italy

The Dolomites Ski Region and Unesco World Heritage Site is home to the highest concentration of Michelin-starred chefs in Italy, so be sure to add this to the list if you consider yourself a’ foodie’. However, it doesn’t matter where you ski in Italy, great food surrounds you. No holiday is complete without stopping for a long lunch in the sun and enjoying a pizza or pasta dish.

Savoury - Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms:

Tagliatelle is one of the most-loved pasta dishes in Italy and when it is served with porcini mushrooms and pancetta, it really doesn’t get any better.

Keeping it simple and tasty, a traditional Italian pasta dish doesn’t require many ingredients and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Originating from Tuscany but widely popular throughout the whole of Italy, this superstar dish is a real winner.

We recommend Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and pancetta, but it can be enjoyed with any meat or fish.

Sweet - Tiramisu:

A combination of rich creams, coffee and delectable sponge, there is no dessert more Italian than tiramisu. Served across the country, if you’re looking to remind yourself of your recent Italian ski holiday, this is the perfect dish.

Tiramisu is an authentic Italian dessert and one of the most famous Italian desserts in the world. Born in Treviso, a lovely town near Venice, this dish is now enjoyed across the globe, and in ski resorts across the whole of Europe.

It’s famous for a reason, it’s absolutely delicious. Coffee, chocolate and cream make it an irresistible dessert, in our opinion, there’s always room for tiramisu.

Courchevel, France

Best for:  Michelin Starred Restaurants

Wow, there’s a grand total of eight Michelin starred restaurants in and around Courchevel – that’s more than enough for every night of your week’s ski holiday! If you’re looking for fine dining on your ski holiday, you will certainly find it in Courchevel.

One of them, Le 1947 has three Michelin stars; its menu is inspired by its Alpine surroundings and the restaurant serves modern takes on traditional dishes, such as tartiflette with black truffle.

One of the first gourmet restaurants in Courchevel, Le Chabichou has two Michelin stars. A family run enterprise, Chef Michel Rochedy has been creating exquisite cuisine in his restaurant since 1963. There is an exclusive lunchtime menu for skiers which costs around €55 per person.

If Michelin starred prices are outside your budget, we highly recommend Le Chabichou’s sister restaurant, Chabotté a contemporary bistro with a buzzing atmosphere and delicious cuisine. When we last ate there, a brilliant Jazz band performance accompanied our meal, and was all signed-off with a complimentary shot of Génépi poured from an exaggeratedly large bottle. This is dinner as theatre.

Haute cuisine at high altitude

The on-mountain restaurants in Courchevel are eclectic. From the pricey but atmospheric La Soucoupe, which provides stunning views over the Three Valleys, to the bustling Le Pilatus. Expect delicious, traditional Savoyarde dishes, perfectly grilled steaks and delicious wine.

Best ski food in France

Savoyard is famous in the French Alps, this style of cooking is based on a staple diet of cheese and potatoes. It’s very calorific and a great fuel source for a day on the slopes. We’ve picked our favourite Savoyard dish for you.

Savoury - Tartiflette:

Tartiflette originated in Savoy in the French alps. It was purposely invented in an attempt to increase awareness of the Reblochon cheese. It’s safe to say that their plot certainly worked, as you will find tartiflette on every menu in the French Alps. Let’s just say, it’s not a meal your doctor would recommend having every night, but it certainly can’t hurt now and again! It is made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions and is oh so tasty. Just like the Cheese fondue from Switzerland, this cheese heavy meal requires a crisp glass of white wine to help with digestion.

Sweet – Fruit & Almond Clafoutis:

This is a really easy summer French dessert, it may sound fancy by the name (pronounced kla-foo-tee), however it is super simple to make and an absolute delight to taste. This was recommended to us by our very own Rachel, who is the Area Manager in France throughout winter and summer, so we’re sure she’s done her research! You could be eating this melt in the mouth dessert in less than 1 hours’ time, what are you waiting for?

Zermatt, Switzerland

Best for: Stylish Swiss Cuisine

Zermatt is an obvious choice for gourmet connoisseurs. This amazing ski resort has not one, not two, but four Michelin starred restaurants!

The most recent restaurant to receive this prestigious award is the After Seven. The celebrated chef, Ivo Adam is renowned for his creative flair and innovative menu. Instead of a choice of dishes you choose from a list of ingredients – the talented chefs do the rest.

There is a huge and diverse range of high quality restaurants on the mountain in Zermatt. One of the most popular is Chez Vrony, which is also mentioned in the Guide Michelin. Not only does the terrace provide stunning views of the Matterhorn, but the menu, created from locally sourced, organic ingredients is simply divine.

What to eat in Switzerland?

You can’t visit Switzerland without having the most famous Swiss dish - a fondue. Melted Gruyère cheese, white wine and garlic served in a communal pot, sometimes fondly referred to as ‘the Grandmother’, a fondue is great for sharing with friends and family.

We’re also big fans of rösti, a potato fritter that was traditionally served as a farmers’ breakfast. The basic ingredients are grated potato and sautéed butter, but don’t be surprised to find it served with extras. Bacon, onion, cheese, and a fried egg are all acceptable additions.

Best ski food in Switzerland

The Swiss have style and that certainly applies to their food. Like the Dolomites, there are plenty of Michelin starred restaurants in Switzerland, in fact Zermatt has not one, not two, but four Michelin starred restaurants. How many stars does your cooking deserve?

Savoury - Cheese Fondue:

One for the cheese lovers. This classic Swiss dish is typically enjoyed in the mountains after a long day on the slopes. But what’s to stop us from enjoying it in our homes with our families, or a fondue for one isn’t a bad idea either. You could graze on this dish all evening. Accompany with crusty bread to dip and a glass of white wine to sip. It’s actually suggested by the Swiss that you drink white wine with cheese as it helps with the digestion, whereas water, juice or beer will cause indigestion. If you say so, no arguments from us!

Sweet – Swiss Roll:

We had to choose the famous Swiss roll. However, despite its name, the Swiss Roll did not actually originate in Switzerland, it is believed to originate elsewhere in Europe. This cake is seemingly famous worldwide, even in places such as Indonesia, India and Japan. It’s a perfect dessert to make for any occasion, choose from the classic Victoria sponge, red velvet or chocolate, whatever tickles your fancy.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Best for: Sophisticated, Delicious Alpine Food

Traditional Austrian cuisine isn’t known for its sophistication, despite the deliciousness of weiner schnitzel and chips, käsespätzle, and apple strudel. But all that is changing. Kitzbühel is the home of civilised lunch time dining in Austria, with new on-mountain restaurants driving a culinary renaissance.

Leader of the pack is the Sonnbühel, which was reopened by Italian chef and veteran, professional ski-racer, Ivan Marzola in 2015. His aim? To bring gourmet restaurant dining to the mountain. Sonnbühel is no traditional mountain restaurant; there’s an expansive seafood menu. Booking a table is strongly advised, as the innovative and delicious dishes certainly draws the crowds.

Also on the mountain is the stylish Bärenbadalm which remains faithful to the culinary traditions of Austria and prides itself on the quality of its regional ingredients and freshly prepared food. The Bärenbadalm is well known for the quality of its beef dishes, which are all made from locally sourced Jochberg Angus.

Incredible hotel dining

The gourmet dining continues in town, the Inghams Select hotel, Hotel Schloss Lebenberg boasts of over 150 different wines from all over the world that perfectly accompanies the kitchen which has exciting and varied recipes with space for creative ideas.

Best ski food in Austria

It’s not an easy task to choose from all of the tasty options on offer in an Austrian ski resort. From Tiroler Gröstl (a carb-fest of piping hot potatoes with bacon and onions) to Käsespäetzle (Austria’s take on Macaroni cheese). But we’ve given it a good go.

Savoury - Wiener Schnitzel:

This authentic Austrian dish originates from the capital – Vienna. In Austria they are very particular that Wiener schnitzel is made using veal, however if you can’t get hold of any veal, then you can replace with chicken or pork, your secret’s safe with us! This a real home comfort dish, a crowd pleaser for the whole family. The Austrians usually serve this with lemon slices, green salad and French fries.

Sweet - Apple Strudel:

Another home comfort from Austria’s capital, the classic apple strudel. Vienna is a haven of coffee shops all selling the most beautiful pastries, and apple strudel is not one to be missed. Best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla custard with a strong cup of espresso. It’s sugar and spice and everything nice. Give it a try.

Best ski food in Andorra

Andorra is the hidden gem of Europe when it comes to skiing or snowboarding, it's not usually at the top of everyone's winter destination list, but it should be - it has so much to offer, with ski areas such as Grandvalira and Vallnord, there is something for everyone here in this unique country - including a variety of food influenced by Spain and France. 

Savoury - Escudella:

Escudella is the national dish of Andorra, a warming winter stew influenced by Spain and France. The locals do not have a set recipe for this stew, so you will find a variation that suits your taste - usually consisting of a meat base topped up with vegetables and then either potatoes, rice or noodles.

Sweet - Coca:

Coca Massegada is a traditional Andorran cake that is usually made during a festival or for a celebration. You will find this cake in most bakeries, with a zesty lemon flavour and lots of powdered sugar - this light and fluffy cake is worth a try alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Best ski food in Canada

Canada is one of those once in a lifetime skiing trips, with fantastic resorts set in amazing areas of the country. Whilst you are there it is worth trying something of the local favourite dishes after a day skiing in Canadas finest areas, from Whistler to Banff. 

Savoury - Poutine:

In Canada it of course has to be the classic dish of Poutine - a bowl of chips covered in cheese curds and gravy. Originating in Quebec, this famous dish even has a festival dedicated to it called La Poutine Week as it is so popular across the country.

Sweet - Touton:

Touton (also fondly known as Beaver Tails) are a sweet, fried pastry dough that come in many flavours. They are served hot and of course you will find these served with the well known Maple syrup as a dip or sometimes a glaze.

Best ski food in Norway

The magic of a ski trip to Norway is unbeatable, heading down slope under the night sky with hope of catching the Northern Lights is certainly an adventure. With ski resorts such as Narvik and Voss to stay at where local food is in abundance, you will certainly be able to get a taste of Scandinavian cuisine. 

Savoury - Reindeer:

A hugely popular and main source of food in Norway is reindeer - created into hearty stews, meatballs or cured and served with a platter of cheese and bread. Reindeer is a staple in many Norwegians' diets - it’s worth a try if you have an adventurous palate.

Sweet - Trollkrem:

Trollkrem is a dessert steeped in history for Norway - a fresh, light dessert that has been made for many years. A Norwegian take on an English Eton Mess - egg whites, whipped cream and berries are the essential ingredients. In Norway they use berries in cooking a lot, often the popular choice of cloudberries (which can be found across Scandinavia), however for this dish they usually opt for Lingonberries.