There’s nothing more enticing than the typical greasy cafeteria fare—pizza, hamburgers, fries, etc.—that’s kept lukewarm under a tiny little light bulb at the standard ski resort. And I say that with all of the sarcasm in the world.
But even though you’ll eat just about anything after a thrilling morning on the slopes, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your food. Check out a list of some of the best ski towns around the world and you’ll see what we mean:
Whistler, British Columbia
Embracing the slow food movement, Whistler is all about the farm-to-table trend, meaning diners will enjoy the freshest local produce, meats, and fish in town. From tapas to fresh oysters or even wild game, this is a great spot for the sustainable foodie.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Sure, the area features some incredible snow trails. But some would argue that half the fun of the trip is eating the food. From Mexican to Asian to traditional Alpine cuisine, Zermatt offers a variety of dishes to satisfy every type of craving—you’ll just have to hold back on the cheese. And when you’re not eating or skiing, you can sign up for a rejuvenating spa experience or for a session with a personal trainer.
Niseko, Japan
Seafood lovers will definitely want to make a trip to Niseko, located on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. After hitting the slopes, enjoy a warming bowl of crab ramen, or dig into some fresh oysters or snow crab legs. Niseko also has some incredible natural hot springs, so you can enjoy a nice soak to relax after a day on the slopes!
Alta Badia, Italy
Whether you want a farm-to-table dining experience or an upscale gourmet dinner, you’ll find it all in Alta Badia. Sign up for the A Taste for Skiing package for access to ten different restaurants, all of which feature some of the best chefs in the world. Or explore at your own pace—the six villages in the area are known for their great cooking and quality local produce, so anywhere you go will be a sure hit.
Val Thorens, France
If an upscale, Michelin-starred restaurant is your kinda thing, stay at a local resort in this popular ski town. Most dining spots prepare their meals with only the freshest meat, fish, and vegetables from the local area as well. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s an award-winning ski resort.
Bad Kleinkirchheim, Austria
Don’t let the name fool you—everything in Bad Kleinkirchheim is extremely good. The popular ski town is home to the World Cup for skiing, as well as 23 highly rated restaurants from which to choose. So you certainly won’t have to worry about eating the same thing every day. You can also unwind with a nice massage or evening at one of the town’s spas.
Wherever you go, remember you’ll be burning tons of calories skiing or snowboarding, so a salad and half sandwich won’t always cut it. Just try to keep it healthy!
Photo from Whistler Information.
