Mountain restaurants

Whether it’s to thaw out and refuel when it’s snowing a blizzard outside, or to dine al fresco on a sun-drenched terrace whilst lapping up the admirable mountain scapes, there’s no shortage of reliable mountain restaurants with a touch more charm and charisma than those in many purpose built resorts.

With more than 21 restaurants on the mountain you are spoilt for choice. There is of course the full monty three course, truly delicious, wine fuelled terrace lunches that put a dent both in the wallet as well as that afternoons skiing plans. But we are also blessed with plenty of down-to-earth great food restaurant-chalets to choose from - the kind of places the instructors and guides take their clients to; simply fab fresh food, but without breaking the bank. Why not join our Ski Peak ski leaders and let them show you?
Here are some of our favourites - we can of course make reservations for you each day and will be happy to do so...

Bonsoir Clara, Villard Reculas

Named after an obscure Belgian song, the restaurant - a rare find just down from the pistes at the top of Villard Reculas – is in no way obscure. The food is undoubtedly some of the best on the hill. Large plates, an innovative menu combining traditional mountain flavours with modern French twists and a great wine list: try the Savoie Chardonnay – really quite outstanding and the cheapest of the lot. What a find!

Les Airelles, Montfrais

Pascal and Natalie Basset, long-time owners of La Remise in Vaujany, have taken over Les Airelles and promise to provide a first-class service at this popular mountain restaurant that has a brilliant situation and great character. A perfect spot for lunch if your children are in ski school and also for a late afternoon sun-downer on your way home!

L'Auberge Campagnarde, Alpette

You are assured of a warm and friendly welcome from Martine Passoud and her family. Just near the start of the run down to Oz and beside the short l'Alpette button lift, the terrace has spectacular views across to the Belledonne Mountains and to the valley floor below.

La Grange, Alpette

Wood-fired pizzas and just a short walk from the cable-car station - so perfect to meet other members of the family who are non-skiers. There is also an area for tobogganing just beside the restaurant and the tiny 'lama' button lift - a favourite for beginners.

Le Chalet du Lac Besson, Chamois

This beautifully furnished chalet restaurant is situated in an idyllic location off the beaten track in the middle of a cross-country circuit (approached down a path branching off from the Chamois piste). Very peaceful and serene, away from the crowds, with first-class service and excellent cuisine including fire-grilled meat and regional specialities. It is chic and stylish and always a treat.

La Combe Haute, Gorge de Sarenne

Set beside the stream and amongst some trees in a very pretty location this lovely mountain restaurant is always a pleasure to arrive at after one of the long and beautiful Sarenne descents. It is always warm and cosy inside, and later in the season the terrace is bathed in sunshine.

L'Altiport, Alpe d'Huez

At the little airport and easily approached down a path that cuts across to the left as you start the last pitch down to the Marmottes bubble. Small inside but a spectacular terrace overlooking the tiny airstrip and magnificent mountains beyond. Superb cuisine and fun to watch the planes and helicopters coming and going.

Le Foret de Maronne, Le Chatelard

Great fun if you want to do a bit of 'travelling', this is tucked away on the edge of the forest near the bottom of the Maronne chair-lift. A beautiful location and absolutely idyllic on a sunny day. Recently their 'plat du jour' has been excellent value.

Other recommendations:

Super Signal, Alpe d'Huez

Easy meeting point and fantastic views.

La Bergerie, Villard Reculas

Cosy inside.

Perce Neige, Poutran

Plenty of space inside, a superb sundeck and good service.