If you’re anything like our team at Oxford Ski Company, you know that great food is a key part of any skiing holiday. After a fantastic morning on the slopes, there’s nothing better than enjoying a big lunch.
With countless dining options available in every Alpine resort, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to where to eat. Many of us have had the pleasure of trying some amazing spots, from cosy mountain huts serving delightful fondue to exquisite international fine dining.
To help you make the most of your next luxury ski holiday, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps.
Le Panoramic, Mountain Restaurant in Tignes
Set high in the Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area, Le Panoramic was opened by the Bouvier family in 2011. It is accessible on skis via the lifts or for walkers via the Perce-Neige funicular.
The restaurant offers a Michelin-starred dining room, self-service options, a snack area, and a large sunny terrace. At La Table du Panoramic, guests can trade ski boots for slippers while enjoying dishes cooked over a wood fire, from exceptional meats and fish to fresh homemade pasta. At 3,032m, panoramic views in every direction complete the experience.
The extensive wine cellar holds over 750 labels, including the Bouvier House’s renowned Chartreuse collection.
La Peau de Vache, Mountain Restaurant in Val d’Isere
Tucked away at the top of the Bellevarde-Loyes Express sits this traditional mountain restaurant, exuding rustic charm and a cosy atmosphere.. La Peau de Veche is one of the most renowned mountain restaurants in Val d’Isère, highly regarded for its excellent food, ambience, and service. The restaurant is decorated in traditional alpine style with wood panelling and roaring fireplaces. It’s also uniquely decorated in cow hides, old ski photos and dimly lit by candelabras. The menu boasts a variety of dishes such as tartiflette, burgers and Savoyarde classics all served in generous portions. Making it the perfect place to indulge in hearty, comforting food after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Rud-Alpe, Mountain Restaurant in Lech
This mountain hut restaurant that sits on the slopes of Lech is constructed from 250-year-old timbers and is filled with rustic, Austrian charm. Think wooden beams, a roaring fireplace, and the kind of warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home after a day on the slopes. You’ll find traditional dishes on the menu at Rud-Alpe, including Schnitzel, Gröschtl and Spätzle, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the sun on the bustling terrace or in the evening by candlelight.
Chez Pepe Nicolas, Mountain Restaurant in Les Menuires
Chez Pepe Nicolas is an iconic mountain restaurant that attracts both locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. This restaurant is part of its very own alpine farm, where cheese and regional products are made on-site. You can enjoy plenty of Savoyarde specialities in this hidden gem with classics like fondue, raclette, tartiflette, and croûte savoyarde. The delightful Chez Pepe is situated between Val Thorens and Les Ménuires, making it an ideal stop for lunch or après-ski.
Le Cap Horn, Mountain Restaurant in Courchevel 1850
Being the oldest and one of the most famous restaurants in Courchevel, Le Cap Horn is the place to be seen and often attracts a VIP crowd. With an expansive and indulgent menu which mainly specialises in seafood and sushi, you can enjoy a long lunch followed by après ski drinks on the large terrace. The terrace is particularly stunning, offering diners an almost 360-degree view of the mountains. This prime location makes it a top choice for those who want to dine while soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the French Alps.
Le Clos Bernard, Mountain Restaurant in Meribel
Nestled away in the forest near the Méribel Altiport, you will find Le Clos Bernard, a beautiful cabin in a magical setting. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner of Méribel, providing a more tranquil and relaxed alternative to some of the busier restaurants in the area. It is a little off the beaten track, so make sure you follow the signs to find it. Once you’re there, it’s the kind of place where you can escape the crowds and truly soak in the traditional alpine atmosphere and unwind. On the menu, you‘ll find a selection of tempting classic alpine dishes like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette.
Chetzeron, Mountain Restaurant in Crans-Montana
For the best views across the Valais from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, head to Chetzeron in Crans-Montana. This restaurant serves up first-class, locally sourced Swiss mountain food with stunning mountain views. Whether you're enjoying lunch on the terrace in the winter or on a sunny summer’s day, the views are absolutely unforgettable. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and even stay the night if you fancy waking up at an altitude of 2,112m high in the mountains. This restaurant is the type of place where you can dress up for a nice meal or come in fresh off the slopes.
Chalet du Lac Besson, Mountain Restaurant in Alpe d’Huez
For one of the best steakhouses in the mountains, we highly recommend dining at Chalet du Lac Bresson in Alpe d’Huez. This hidden alpine gem is tucked away from the piste but boasts amazing mountain views from the terrace and sundeck. Whether you're dining on the sun-drenched terrace or cosying up inside, the natural beauty of the surroundings adds to the charm of the restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in hearty mountain fare as everything on the menu is designed to be rich, comforting, and filling.
Le Paika, Mountain Restaurant in Les Gets
Located in the heart of one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the French Alps, Le Paika offers a memorable dining experience for anyone visiting Les Gets. This restaurant perfectly balances traditional and contemporary dining, both inside in the rustic wooden refuge and outside on the beautiful terrace with perfect views across the valley. Here, you can indulge in a variety of classic French dishes along with meats and fish cooked over the wood-fired barbecue. The casual and welcoming vibe makes it a great choice for families looking for a satisfying meal after skiing or snowboarding. For a truly unique experience, La Paika also offers free snowshoeing walks up to the restaurant (on request and subject to availability).
Chez Vrony, Mountain Restaurant in Zermatt
Last but not least on our list of top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps is the beautiful Chez Vrony. One of the primary reasons people visit Chez Vrony is for its jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn. The restaurant offers an unobstructed view of the iconic peak, which is one of the most recognisable mountains in the world. Dining on the sun-drenched terrace, you’re surrounded by stunning alpine vistas that create an unforgettable backdrop to any meal. Steeped in 100 years of history, the traditional Swiss menu is based on local, organic products made by the family that runs the restaurant. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who values sustainable dining and supporting local producers.
Main image credit - Le Panoramic snowy image, copyright: R. Gaury
Ask Oxford Ski for Recommendations
Whether you're looking for fine dining restaurants, restaurants with a view or restaurants that are family friendly, our team are experts at booking and planning luxury alpine experiences. Just tell us your requirements, and our knowledgeable team will be sure to help you as best as possible. Contact us online or call +44 1865 817 420 for any recommendations.
