Which are the best mountain restaurants?

We ask the local experts where is the best places to eat on the mountain.

One of the joys of a day’s skiing is stopping for lunch on the mountain, and it’s safe to say that after plenty of fresh air in the morning, we’ve usually built up a healthy appetite by the time midday comes around.

It’s a time to loosen those ski boots, catch up on the morning’s events and take a well-deserved sit down over gourmet cuisine and a crisp glass of wine, before heading out to explore more of the slopes in the afternoon.

Being located on the piste, the views from these restaurants are often breath-taking and what better place to admire the beauty of the mountains whilst you refuel, than from a sunny decked terrace.

The best part is that you can enjoy your feast guilt free, as you’ll burn it off whizzing down the pistes in the afternoon!

Giving us their insider knowledge, we have asked the locals and resort experts who know a thing or two about the best places to eat slope side, for their favourite mountain restaurants.

Here’s what they suggest:

Courchevel 1850, France

We asked: Beth Niven, Kaluma Travel.

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in Courchevel 1850?

Cave des Creux – Accessed via the top of the Aiguille du Fruit chairlift.

What is it known for?

Formerly a cheese ripening cellar, Cave des Creux has been converted into a stylish restaurant. With a real mix of mountain and industrial chic and a stunning sun terrace boasting breath-taking views, it specialises in high quality local produce in a Savoyard style.

What would you order from the menu?

My favourite speciality would be the tuna tartare starter with ginger and soy; perfect with a cold, crisp glass of Sancerre on a Spring skiing day!

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1850

Chatel, France

We asked: Paddy Connor, Chaletneuf du Tenne

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in Chatel?

L’Escale – Located at the top of the Super Châtel Telecabine.

What makes it special?

The enormous balcony and stunning views of the Mont de Grange and ski area below.

On a sunny Spring ski day there is no better place to lunch, plus they serve a rather good magnum of Provence Rose which tops things off nicely.

Great for…

Families and pedestrians as it’s easily accessible from the Super Châtel lift. From here there are plenty of gentle runs to enjoy.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Chatel

Verbier, Switzerland

We asked: Malcolm Kerr of Bramble ski and local resident

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in Verbier?

Dahu – Access via the Ruinettes ski lift (La Chaux Expresss) or from Nendaz, by Siviez and Les Gentianes.

What do you love about it?

Great service, great range of food and stunning south facing terrace with amazing views of the Petit Combin, Grand Combin mountains and glaciers and the Mont Blanc Massif.

There’s a kids soft play area and crêperie downstairs as well as deck chairs and bean bags to bask in the sunshine.

What’s good on the menu?

I love the huge range of freshly made pizzas and looking in watching the chefs busily preparing lunch.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Verbier

Morzine, France

We asked: Claire Garber of Boutique Chalet Company and Morzine resident.

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in Morzine?

Chez Nannon – Access via the Ravarettes or the Troncs Express chairlifts.

What is it known for?

Chez Nannon is famous for its Tartiflette (Reblochon cheese, potatoes, lardons a large side salad and chunks of fresh bread) which is served in a bubbling pan to your table. The Cote de Boeuf and cheesy potatoes are also good, as are the steaks and burgers.

As you approach the quaint wooden structure (that can be partially hidden on a truly snowy day) you will be greeted with the scent of bubbling pans of melted cheese, a plume of smoke dancing up from the chalet chimney and an open fire oven on the terrace.

This is a classic Savoyard mountain restaurant of the highest order and inside it feels more like a mountain hut with small windows, cosy wooden furniture and with the same family working the kitchen every year. They might be busy but they will feed you well.

Top tip

Book ahead to ensure you are not disappointed. We recommend reserving a table inside in either of the furthest corners to avoid the incoming and leaving foot traffic.

What’s your favourite restaurant in Morzine town?

Ferme de la Fruitiere

Why do you recommend it?

Cheese fondue is the bedrock of alpine tradition and history; it is a dish born out of the harsh realities of alpine life. One must experience an authentic cheese fondue to have truly experienced the mountain. For this we recommend Ferme de la Fruitiere. Family owned, the restaurant is a beautiful wood and stone chalet with a cosy interior and roaring open fire?

What makes it unique?

The restaurant is one of the oldest and most celebrated cheese producers in Morzine (whose fromagerie and cheese shop which is located next door offers the chance to watch the cheese making process on Wednesdays).

Acknowledged in the Michelin guide as a restaurant to experience, this is the place to try local dishes and produce, specifically cheeses and fondues.

What would you suggest to order on the menu?

Cheese of course! Sit upstairs next to the roaring open fire (it’s the largest we think we have ever seen!) and order the Fondue with Morels. The portions are generous and the desserts all-handmade. The restaurant is incredibly popular so we advise booking ahead.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Morzine

St. Anton, Austria

We asked: Malcolm Kerr, Bramble ski.

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in St.Anton

Rodelalm – Access via the Nassereinbahn lift.

What do you love about it?

It’s a warm and welcoming restaurant with lovely open log fires perfect for a late lunch with endless home cooked comfort food. The pork knuckle is the speciality of the house.

Top tip

You can get the lift up here on the evenings on Tuesday and Thursday and sledge down to the restaurant for a Gluwein or dinner. Then take the floodlit sledge run back to St. Anton and finish at a little bar in the woods with log fire, gluwein and music.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in St.Anton

Val d’Isere, France

We asked: Lewis Mckay, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges.

What are your favourite mountain restaurants in Val d’Isere.

La Peau de Vache – Pedestrian access on foot via Bellevarde Express.

What do you love about it?

The staff are welcoming and friendly and the food is outstanding. Located half way up the iconic black run La Face, La Peau de Vache has outstanding views across the village of Val d’Isere. On a clear day you can sit outside and admire the views while inside, you’ll find a cosy candle lit bar and dining room, the perfect place to stay warm on a cold day.

What would you order on the menu?

The hamburger, their signature dish which is renowned around Val d’Isere.

L’Etincelle – Access via the foot of the Solaise cable car and the Stade piste.

Why do you recommend it?

Newly opened this season, L’Etincelle is located just above the nursery slope area of Val d’Isere giving great access to both skiers and non-skiers. The décor is a mixture of traditional Savoyard combined with a modern twist with floor to ceiling windows giving a great view of the surrounding mountains.

What would you order from the menu?

Last week I tried the Scandinavian Salad, which I would highly recommend to anyone popping in for lunch.

Le Signal – Access via Le Fornet cable car

What makes it special?

Bridgette the owner is always on hand to make you feel incredibly welcome, she is a true delight with a wonderful character. The restaurant has been voted the best mountain restaurant in Europe and you can understand why when the food is so delicious.

What would you order on the menu?

The menu has something on offer for all tastes, but my favourite is the lamb shank.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Val d’Isere

Three Valleys, France

We asked: Georgia Harrison, Kaluma Travel.

What is your favourite mountain restaurant in the Three Valleys?

Chalet Marine, Val Thoren – Access via Les Cascades followed by Les Dalles chairlift.

What do you love about it?

It’s in a superb location with a stunning sun terrace which boasts breath-taking panoramic views of Val Thorens; just perfect for a crisp glass of rosé on a spring day! The restaurant itself is really stylish but with a laid-back vibe and the food is incredible! The desert ‘buffet’ has to be seen to be believed!

Do you have a favourite local speciality?

My favourite local speciality would be the ‘Parmentier d’éffiloché de canard, sauce vin rouge avec mousseline de pommes de terre à l’ail & suage’. Which to you and me is shredded duck leg in red wine sauce, topped with whipped mash potato, fresh garlic and sage.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Meribel

Lech, Austria

We asked: Malcolm Kerr, Bramble ski.

What’s your favourite mountain restaurant in Lech?

Goldener Berg – Accessed via the ropeway to Oberlech, it is located 330 metres from the top station.

What do you love about it?

Amazing service, ice bar, good music with live options regularly. The huge south facing terrace has stunning views, and the friendly and efficient waiting staff speaking any language you want.

What would you order on the menu?

I love the tasty hot chicken or steak salad and Austria speciality beers.

>> View our collection of luxury ski chalets in Lech

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