Snowsports enthusiasts will agree that the après-ski is every bit as important as the on-slope activities! Nothing complements the thrills and spills of the pistes better than a delicious lunch or exquisite evening meal – especially when enjoyed with a few cheeky Jägermeisters!
If you’re planning a skiing holiday in France and want to make sure you’re staying somewhere that’s not only snow-sure but also foodie-sure, these are the French ski resorts you’ll want to check out!
Courchevel, France
Part of the huge Three Valleys ski area in the Tarentaise, Courchevel is the ski resort of choice if you appreciate the finer things in life. There are two six-star hotels here, 11 five-star establishments and seven Michelin-starred restaurants.
Le Chabichou sports two Michelin stars and the langoustine is legendary if it’s on the menu, while La Cabane des Bucherons serves traditional Savoyard food with a luxury twist.
Another alternative is Azimut, where chef Francois Moureaux serves up dishes worthy of its Michelin star, such as fillet of venison in juniper berry butter juice
Tip: Head to Au Pain D’Antan bakery in Courchevel to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s cake heaven!
Val d’Isère, France
A high-altitude ski resort in the Espace Killy ski area, Val d’Isère is a well-rounded destination with a range of pistes for skiers of all aptitudes, lively nightlife and a clutch of high-quality restaurants.
L’Atalier D’Edmond has two Michelin stars and when you taste dishes like juicy pink crayfish cooked to perfection and succulent duckling seasoned with fresh local ingredients, you’ll taste the quality immediately. Alternatively, contemporary restaurant Le Pier has a fresh, airy ambience and chef Joel Emery serves up marvellous dishes like monkfish medallion with parsley, watercress and nettle-infused pana cotta.
Tip: chat to ski holiday experts Erna Low about arranging a package break in Val d’Isère.
Val Thorens, France
One of the most snow-reliable resorts in the Alps, Val Thorens has also earned a reputation as a premium place to party, courtesy of après-ski venues like the legendary Folie Douce.
Foodies won’t struggle to satisfy themselves here either. At Les Explorateurs by Pashmina you can sample tender Japanese wagyu beef with radish condiment and meaux mustard, while L’Auberge des Balcons has a comfy rustic setting and specialises in fondue evenings. Another option is Au Mazot, where dishes like delicious lamb shank are de rigueur.
Tip: Read this Telegraph guide to Val Thorens cuisine for an overview of the culinary highlights here.
Choose any of these sublime French ski resorts and you’ll have the time of your life on and off the slopes – as you can see, you won’t struggle to find fantastic food with a certain je ne sais quoi!
What’s your favourite French ski resort for foodies? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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