Three of Local Foreigner's Favorite European Ski Spots
Local Foreigner has a dedicated and vocal contingent of ski bunnies on our team - the types who are off every other weekend between New Years and spring break on slopes local and far-flung. In recent years, many clients are looking across the Atlantic to charming gingerbread villages and towering alpine peaks, so we chatted with three of the team’s most enthusiastic skiers about their favorite European mountain resorts.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Surrounded by an astonishing thirty-eight 13,000 ft. peaks, this popular ski town in southern Switzerland is directly across the Alps from Cervinia, Italy. Although the resort destination is now popular all-year-round due to its high elevation, it was originally a small farming community where locals spent time in the valley during colder months and migrated, cattle in tow, into the mountains to live in picturesque chalets for the summer. While the quaint town is obviously fabulous for skiing, it is one of the best places in Europe for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts when lacking snow. Zermatt is a car-free town, which not only protects the environment but lends a peaceful element to this charming mountain village.
Local Foreigner partner Alex Erdman Ely says, “Zermatt continues to be at the top of my list of ski destinations. The town is a picturesque Swiss village, with electric cars and beautiful mountains surrounding you from all sides. There are tons of high-end shops, which mostly focus on ski gear, like Ogier, Moncler, and Bayard, but also a few cute boutiques which have products from Celine, etc. Great dining in town for dinner, but the highlight is the mountain restaurants, which are all accessible by ski, but many can also be reached on foot (with crampons). There is a lot of ski terrain and three different access points to the mountains, although they are all connected at the top. This is one of the few places you’re guaranteed to ski in December, although in a bad year, there still won’t be a ton of powder or great snow. Better than places like Jackson or Deer Valley though in my opinion! I’ve also spent a lot of time here in the summer/hiking season and it’s unbeatable. Same great town and mountain restaurants with miles and miles and miles of trails, many very challenging.”
Alex’s Favorites
Stay
Monte Rosa | “I love boutique hotels with a sense of place and very intimate service, so this is my personal favorite hotel in Zermatt. It is old old old school in decor, and feels very authentically Swiss and cozy. There is no room service, but there are three restaurants on property: Edwards, which is the bar (and a favorite for easy snack and solid food), Whymperstube (an old school fondue joint), and La Belle Epoque. The staff is really attentive and helpful and, since the hotel is small, really know all of the guests. They were on it with our restaurant reservations, transfers and ski guide. Loved it so much we want to book again for next year!”
For Lunch
Zum See | “One of my favorite mountain restaurants. This is a must for any itinerary in the winter or summer. Super cozy and set in a 300 year old house in a town just below the Furi gondola. Really delicious food and lovely staff. Lots of dishes feature their homemade noodles and their mille feuille is insane. Can ski or hike in and out.”
Chez Vrony | “Another classic option for lunch. This is much more sexy and sceney than Zum See, with an awesome porch and views of the Matterhorn. Food is good, but it’s all about the vibe and views.We went twice over our last trip because we have so much fun. Can ski or hike in and out.”
Fluhalp | “Ski-in Ski-out only, this is my favorite spot on the mountain. Food is really good, service is solid, and they have amazing views and a really fun lively bar. Inside is nice and cozy for colder days. We were there on a bluebird day and ate outside. There was a live band, tons of chic Europeans. fondue, and schnitzel was A+. We will be eating here twice next year!”
For Dinner
Sonnmatten | “This was a new spot for us and honestly, it might be my favorite restaurant in Zermatt. It’s on the outskirts of town, close to the Furi gondola, so it’s a longer cab ride or walk home, but it was fabulous. It’s the bottom floor of a cute little hotel, but it’s decorated so well (think Scandi minimalism with fun light fixtures and lots of Matterhorn/Zermatt themed art, but all tasteful). Food is incredible. Simple but well done and innovative. More of a date night spot than for kids!”
Stockhorn Grill | “This is a great grill experience located in Zermatt. It’s super traditional inside and very cozy. The menu has recently changed a bit, as they used to have fondue, etc, but now the focus is on meats and local ingredients. We had great wine, an AMAZING chicken pot pie, and some steak. Good for couples or families. I would go back next time we are there for a grill experience.”
Whymper Stube | “Great option for anyone who wants a traditional Swiss fondue meal. It’s in the bottom of the Monte Rosa hotel, so right in the center of town, and super casual. Wood paneled dining room and very cozy. Traditional Swiss fondue is great here.”
Les Trois Vallées
Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, connects eight prestigious resorts in the French Alps: Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires among them. Courchevel offers glamorous slopes like Combe de Saulire, while Méribel blends charm with runs like La Face. Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, is known for its snow reliability and thrilling descents. The area’s history dates back to the 1940s when these villages evolved into ski havens. Linked by a seamless lift system, Les Trois Vallées boasts over 600 km of pistes, catering to skiers of all levels, making it an iconic alpine destination.
Local Foreigner advisor Amanda Schulenberg, who is based in London and always seems to be hopping over to the alps of a winter weekend, says, “The Three Valleys has unbelievable skiing, with so many options for different level skiers. I have skied in different European locations and Courchevel is definitely the best place I have skied so far. The mountain is amazing, with access to Val Thorens and Mirabel, and there is good skiing for all ski levels. Half of people who visit Courchevel do not ski, so there are a lot of activities (ie. shopping, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, water parks etc.) that cater to non skiers. But each of the sub locations has a selling point, with Val Thorens being a younger crowd than Meribel and Courchevel, given that it's a bit more affordable. Courchevel is super high end and everything is ski in/ski out, and Meribel is in the middle, with charming boutique properties.”
Amanda’s Favorites
Stay
L’Apogee | “L'Apogee was literally heaven on earth. It is the perfect ski resort in my opinion. Ski on and ski off property, with a very comfortable and cozy feel that is welcoming to all clientele - families, multi-gen, couples, and guests who are traveling on their own. This property is ski-in, ski-out with total 5 star service - every aspect of the hotel is incredible, including the staff at the ski shop, who were so helpful and efficient. The property has 2 restaurants - Le Comptoir de L'Apogee and Koori. Le Comptoir serves high end, traditional French food, whereas Koori serves Asian fusion, including amazing sushi! The main restaurant area is also where guests enjoy an amazing buffet spread for breakfast while looking out the window at the mountain. Vibes here are luxurious, cozy, and sophisticated, and the property is amazing for all types of travelers. The spa is also beautiful with a large pool and sauna area.”
For Lunch
Clos Bernard | Accessible by ski, foot, or snowshoe, Méribel’s Clos Bernard ispecializes in traditional Savoyard cuisine, including grilled meats cooked over an open fire. With its intimate atmosphere, outdoor seating in the snow, and warm interiors, Clos Bernard is perfect for long lunches. “Clos Bernard is the just the best,” Amanda adds.
La Cave des Cruex | Originally a shepherd's hut, La Cave des Creux is located at the top of Courchevel 1850 and accessible directly from the slopes. The menu features hearty casseroles, fresh seafood, and dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill. Its spacious terrace is perfect for a sunny lunch, while the cozy interior provides a warm retreat from the cold.
Le Cap Horn | 2,000 meters up in the French Alps may not be where you’d expect to find a restaurant full of boats, but one of the best parts of Le Cap Horn is its quirkiness. In keeping with the nautical theme, the seafood menu includes fresh oysters, lobster, and sushi, and its lively, festive vibe attracts skiers and celebrities alike, making it a popular spot for a long lunch or après-ski revelry. “Cap Horn is amazing, and does get rowdy sometimes,” Amanda says.
For Dinner
La Cendree | La Cendrée’s Italian menu reflects owner Ted Di Trapani’s heritage, with an all-Italian kitchen team. Fresh pasta is made in-house, featuring pesto, morels, and white truffles. The restaurant, which is perfect for a romantic dinner a deux, attracts regulars and high-profile guests, including politicians and artists, all captured in the photos adorning the walls.
Le 1947 | “For a fancy night out and Michelin starred food, Le 1947 in Cheval Blanc is so good,” she adds. Named after the prestigious vintage of Château Cheval Blanc, at Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc, renowned chef Yannick Alléno creates a bold, contemporary menu with just five exclusive tables. The star here are his unforgettable sauces.
La Folie Douce | Okay, this one isn’t dinner - but you may not make it to your evening reservation when you apres at La Folie Douce. It’s the ultimate après-ski destination in the Alps, and while there are several outposts, at La Folie Douce Meribel, expect saxophonists, incredible singers, and a vibrant snow-show that kicks off the evening in style.
Val d’Isère
A perfect first stop for Americans testing out European ski, Val d’Isère is celebrated for its vast terrain and lively après-ski scene. The ski area, part of the larger Espace Killy, offers over 300 km of runs catering to all skill levels, from beginner slopes to challenging off-piste adventures. Its high altitude ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the season, making it a great spot for travelers keen to racking up runs in December. Historically, Val d'Isère evolved from a modest alpine farming village into a premier ski destination after World War II. It hosted events during the 1992 Winter Olympics, and today, the resort's unique highlights include heli-skiing, ice diving, and its lively winter festivals. Its charming village atmosphere, combined with top-notch amenities, creates a balanced blend of adventure and relaxation.
Local Foreigner advisor Kate Mitchell is an enthusiastic skier who is always looking to optimize her travel, especially when her preteen twins are in tow. “Val d’Isère is a fantastic first-time European ski resort for Americans looking to expand their repertoire because it offers so many of the amenities and benefits we’re used to in the states - true ski on/ski off properties, a proper charming and walkable village, and a great mix of terrain - but it combines them with the benefits of skiing in the Alps. So often you have to sacrifice one or the other, but in Val d’Isère, you have the incredible on-mountain dining and apres scenes and the off-piste terrain without sacrificing the ease of access to the slopes.”
Kate’s Favorites
Stay
Airelles Val d'Isère | Hotel Airelles Val d’Isère boasts an unparalleled location at the base of the Olympic Bellevarde and Solaise slopes. A member of the renowned Les Airelles portfolio, the hotel features a French baronial design, offering a range of dining options, an outdoor terrace, and a state-of-the-art wellness area. Highlights include a 20m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam. There’s also a children’s club, a cinema room, and a spacious bar and lounge area.
But if you’re looking for more space, Kate is a big fan of opting for a chalet. “The most comfortable way to do a group or family ski trip is in a private chalet, which offer more space to spread out, overstuffed couches to flop on after a long day on the slopes, and full kitchens that can be stocked with your favorite snacks. They can also come fully staffed, with concierge service to assist with restaurant reservations and ski arrangements, private chefs, childcare, and daily housekeeping.”
For Lunch
Gigi’s | “Gigi’s is one of my favorite spots for lunch - it’s at the top of one of the lifts from the base of Val d’Isere, and it’s a really pretty Italian restaurant with incredible views right over the mountains. Just a lovely experience,” Kate says. The menu includes hearty plates like black truffle pizza, lasagna with Parma ham and Beaufort cheese, and spaghetti with langoustines.
Le Panoramic | Located at 3,032 meters, this high-altitude restaurant offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and can be reached via ski lifts or the Perce-Neige funicular; once there, guests can swap ski boots for slippers and enjoy wood-fired dishes prepared by the father-and-son chef duo. “Panoramic is great for lunch or dinner,” Kate says. “After dinner, you can even ski down in the dark, accompanied by guides.”
Restaurant l'Edelweiss | Above Le Fornet, L’Edelweiss is a cozy on-piste restaurant accessible only by skis, requiring intermediate skills via the blue run from Le Signal. Known for its daily specials, menu highlights include the casse-croûte du berger (locally cooked meats, Beaufort cheese tart, and tomme de Savoie) and suckling lamb saddle with olives and mushrooms.
For Dinner
Cocorico Apres Ski Bar | “Okay, I am cheating here, because this is not dinner,” Kate says, “but Cocorico has amazing live music every day for apres. There’s nothing like listening to Sweet Home Alabama with no Americans in the crowd.” There are burgers and pizza if you can’t tear yourself away from the fun.
La Mourra | The restaurant at La Mourra is a great option when the fondue has been fon-done. This is the spot in town for sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese inspired dishes (yes, there’s crispy rice and miso black cod on the menu.)
La Table de l'Ours | At the wood-paneled restaurant of Hotel Barmes de l’Ours, chef Antoine Gras offers creative combinations like Savoie snails with hen’s eggs and Arctic char with lovage-flavored olive oil. The chalet-style setting and the enthusiastic front-of-house team (including an excellent sommelier), makes it one of the best dinner reservations in town.