Secret eating spots on the hottest European slopes and how to find them

Visiting all the trendy spots at a popular ski resort is exciting, but have you thought about tasting the mouth-watering traditional dishes, experiencing après-life like a local, or going off the beaten track for a view worth the trek?

It’s no secret that in a post-Covid and more eco-conscious world travellers more and more are prioritising authentic experiences that connect them with local cultures.

Gary Clark, academy director at SIA Austria, Europe’s largest ski-instructor academy, says: “Most of the ski resorts on our list are nestled in ancient villages that boast a long history and traditions. While blending in modernity is a great way to attract more tourists, people are trying to get away from the ‘hot spots’ and opt instead for the ‘hidden gems’.” 

Below are SIA Austria’s pick for the best “hidden gems” in the most popular ski resorts on the continent. 

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND 

In Switzerland’s expansive Four Valleys, Verbier is the largest and most renowned ski resort in the region. Its high-Alpine landscape offers a plethora of lines and routes, making it a haven for enthusiasts seeking challenging yet accessible off-piste experiences. And the après-ski life is just as exciting as the slopes.

THE BEST RESTAURANT CHERISHED BY LOCALS 

If you want to check out a spot that has been around for 40 years and is known both by locals and jet-setters, try Chez Dany. Located at an altitude of 1,715m, Chez Dany offers a tranquil escape from the bustling crowds, inviting you to savour a moment of paradise and traditional cuisine. Their classic fondue, made from local organic cheese, is truly divine and to be enjoyed while relishing the effortlessly chic ambience.

DINE WITH MONKS AT ST BERNARD 

For a day out in winter, the Great St Bernard Hospice, located on the border with Italy, is a great way to indulge in ski touring, topped off with a modest but delicious meal served by monks. Warming homemade soups and fresh tea served in huge mugs will make your trip.

Start your journey from the car park of the now-closed St Bernard ski area and trace the well-defined jeep track that ascends to the hospice, situated on the Col Grand St Bernard. The ascent, spanning about 90 minutes, unfolds amid untamed landscapes, offering a captivating experience through nature’s stunning beauty.

KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA 

Kitzbühel is a small village in Tyrol in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Seamlessly fusing centuries-old traditions with modern luxury, Kitzbühel is a true gem of its own, with picturesque medieval charm. The town boasts a rich skiing legacy, enhanced by cutting-edge snow-making and lift systems.

THE BEST LOCAL DINING

If you want to taste homemade gin and authentic Tyrolean cuisine while overlooking the dreamy panorama of the Kitzbühel Alps, head to Berggasthof Hagstein. For five generations, this spot has welcomed guests in a rustic setting for a truly authentic experience. Plus, it’s easily reachable by car.

THE BEST AUSTRIAN TAVERN EXPERIENCE 

For a genuine Austrian tavern experience, Huberbrau Stuberl offers a wide range of Austrian beers and traditional cuisine, such as a Tiroler Gröstl with fried potatoes and an egg, or a Wiener schnitzel. This is the perfect spot in the old town, where you will surely meet locals and become immersed in the culture and flavours.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE 

Chamonix, with its towering peaks and picturesque alpine meadows, stands out as one of Europe’s most sought-after and charming mountain resorts. Renowned as the home of the continent’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, and regarded as the birthplace of mountaineering, Chamonix proudly hosts some of the world’s premier ski resorts.

THE BEST LOCAL BAKERY 

The newly renovated L’Épicerie des Praz, next to the post office in the village of Les Praz, about 3km from Chamonix, offers local products and pastries carefully selected by the owner, Gaële. You can pick up made-to-order sandwiches prepared with fresh bread, cheese and local charcuterie produced by Gaële herself and her sheep (Cacao, Fleurs des Champs and Neige). The shop also offers an assortment of artisanal creations, such as ceramics and natural skincare products, perfect for a gift.

THE BEST HIGH MOUNTAIN CHALET REFUGE

The classic stone Chalet Refuge de Lognan is perched at an altitude of 2,023m on the slope of Les Grands Montets, just below the tip of the Glacier d’Argentière. It serves traditional Savoyard mountain dishes whenever the Lognan cable car is running.

Access is somewhat off-piste, which adds to the chalet’s charm. There are two options: skiing to it from the Herse chairlift or via the Point de Vue run that follows the glacier from the Aiguille des Grands Montets cable car. Along the run from the Croix de Lognan, you will find stunning views of the village of Argentière.

The refuge is run by a local high mountain guide, the grandson of France’s famed alpinist Armand Charle.

“Your skiing trip can be much more exhilarating and enriching if you immerse yourself in the local spots and give the Alpine ski villages a chance to surprise you,” concludes Clark.