Mountain restaurants you need to visit this season
We all have our favourite spots for lunch. The kind of place we return to every year, where we are greeted like old friends by the owners and we don’t need to look at the menu to know what we are having. The times we look to try somewhere new, more often than not it just doesn’t quite hit the same.
These restaurants don’t need to replace your warm fuzzy favourites, but we can guarantee you will enjoy the experience of getting to some of them and hopefully relish all the delights they have on offer.
Chez Gaby, Champoussin, Switzerland
From the top of Mosettes, follow signs for Champoussin. When you reach the bottom of the Point de L’Au chair, keep skiing down the beautiful wide blue below it. You will reach a button lift at the bottom in the trees and you find Chez Gaby at the top. Be ready for HD views of the Dents du Midi, hot chocolates with entire cookies broken up into the cream, and one of the best Rostis in the PDS. You can also stay the night here if you call and book ahead. Enjoy their wood-fired hot tub under the stars or for something more lively you could find yourself in their little underground bar for a bit of cosy Apres vibes!
Alpage Lapisa, Champery, Switzerland
A wonderfully quiet and hidden gem at the start of one of the most scenic runs in the PDS. A great place for mid-morning coffee and cake, or some relaxed afternoon apéro. Take the Ripaille button or t-bar to the top, then ski over the back following signs for Grand Paradis. The restaurant is about 400 meters down the run. Make sure not to spend too long soaking up the sun if you need to ski back to the French sides, it's a long ski down into Champéry and 2 chairlifts to get back into the base of Les Crosets. Would recommend having your skis waxed before you take it on!
La Ferme des Piste, Linga, Châtel
When half term hits, and you want to escape the crowds, spend your day lapping the lifts on Linga. With around 1000m vertical descent from top to bottom, your legs will thank you when you take a break and slip into this cosy little nook on the side of the pistes. A roaring fire that you can all fit around and all the crêpes you could ever want, it's a family favourite for those wanting to have a quick rest and warm up before getting back to hero carving from top to bottom.
Chez Denis, Plaine Dranse, Châtel
Plaine Dranse has an overwhelming amount of choice of lunch spots. We have quite a few favourites here but we expect there is one you might not have tried and you really must go now. If you want the classic Savoyard experience, walk right to the back of all the old buildings and find Chez Denis perched up at the back. Denis will be there every day, changing people's lives with his delicious cheese (direct from his own cows) being served in all the different ways you can imagine. Don’t forget to order a large side of potato Beignets! You can thank us later.
Les Aiguillettes, Col de Braitaz, La Chappelle D’Abondance
Last, but definitely not least, Les Aiguilletes. Situated in the most beautiful location right on the French / Swiss border. With views of the Mont Blanc massif in one direction, and the Swiss area of Les Diableteres in the other. You can get here by skiing from Super Châtel, via Torgon (Swiss) and over into the area above Panthiaz (La Chappelle D’Abondance). Alternatively, you can drive to Panthiaz parking and take the iconic old bubble then chairlift to the top and you are here! It feels like a step back in time using some of the slower lifts here, but it is always quiet and has lovely skiing. You can spend a day here and barely see another person. The restaurant is more affordable than those in the busier areas but the food is still delicious. For dessert, check out some of their own variations on Irish Coffees/hot chocolates and of course, a tarte aux myrtille to share!