If you are anything like the team here at Oxford Ski Company, you will know that one of the most important parts of any skiing holiday is the food. We think the best way to round off an excellent morning of skiing is with a 'big lunch'. With every resort across the Alps offering a vast array of dining options, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to eat. Most of our team have had the pleasure of dining at some of these world class eateries, from simple mountain huts serving fondue, incredible mountain cuisine to international fine dining. We have put together our list of the top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps to complement your next luxury ski holiday
Le Panoramic, Tignes
Part of the excellent Les Suites du Nevada hotel, this unique restaurant is warm, cosy and full to the brim with sheepskin rugs. The food and service are exceptional and most of the dishes are cooked on an open fire for an authentic experience. As the name suggests, the sweeping views are amazing, however even on the foggiest of days, a visit to Le Panoramic is well worth the trip up to the height of 3032m!
- Recommended by Annie Lambert - Pre-Arrival Concierge
La Peau de Vache, Val d’Isere
Tucked away at the top of the Bellevarde-Loyes Express sits this cosy and traditional mountain inn. La Peau de Veche is one of the most renowned mountain restaurants in Val d’Isere, highly regarded for its excellent food, ambience, and service. The restaurant is uniquely decorated with cow hides and old ski photos whilst being dimly lit by candelabras. The menu boasts a variety of dishes such as tartiflette, burgers and Savoyarde classics all served in generous portions.
- Recommend by Alex Harvey, Senior Chalet Specialist
Rud-Alpe, Lech
This mountain hut restaurant is constructed from 250-year old timbers and is filled with rustic, Austrian charm. 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 (Tuesdays and Thursdays only).
- Recommended by Mark Gibbins- Managing Director
Chez Pepe Nicolas, Les Menuires
Up next on our list of top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps is the delightful Chez Pepe. Situated between Val Thorens and Les Ménuires, the restaurant is part of its very own alpine farm where cheese and regional products are made on site. Enjoy Savoyard specialities in this hidden gem which is full of rustic charm.
- Recommended by Tim Newns - Senior Chalet Specialist
Le Cap Horn, Courchevel 1850
Being the oldest and one the most famous restaurants in Courchevel, Le Cap Horn is the place to be seen. 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.
-Recommended by Rupert Longsdon - Founder &CEO
Le Clos Bernard, Meribel
Nestled away in the forest near the Meribel Altiport, you will find Le Clos Bernard, a beautiful cabin in a magical setting. It is a little off the beaten track so make sure you follow the signs to find it! The restaurant has a charming atmosphere and, on the menu, you‘ll find a selection of tempting classic alpine dishes.
-Recommended by Mark Gibbins - Managing Director
Chetzeron, 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. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and even stay the night if you fancy waking up at an altitude of 2112m high in the mountains.
- Recommended by Rupert Longsdon - Founder
Chalet du Lac Besson, 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.
- Recommended by Toby Galtress - Hotel and Japan Specialist
Le Paika, 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 barbeque. For a truly unique experience, La Paika also offers free showshoeing walks up to the restaurant (on request and subject to availability).
- Recommended by Alex Harvey - Senior Chalet Specialist
Chez Vrony, Zermatt
Last but not least on our list of top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps is the beautiful Chez Vrony. Steeped in 100 years of history, and with incredible views of the Matterhorn from the terrace, the traditional Swiss menu is based on local, organic products made by the family that run the restaurant.
-Recommended by Annie Lambert - Head of Pre-Arrival Concierge
Main image credit - Le Panoramic snowy image, copyright: R. Gaury
