Unusual meals
After an exhilarating day’s skiing, as the sun sets behind the Valais Alps, it’s the moment to enjoy a meal with a difference. Valais offers many ways of discovering local cuisine in an unusual way. How about a dinner in a gondola, an igloo? Here are some suggestions for an original gastronomic adventure in the heart of Valais.
Fondue in a gondola – Grächen
Suspended between sky and earth, enjoy a fondue in a gondola. Several Valais resorts offer the chance to enjoy a new take on “haute cuisine” as you admire views of fairy-tale landscapes. The Hannigalp gondola, for example, at the heart of the Grächen ski area, invites you to finish a day up on the pistes with a delicious cheese fondue: the classic Swiss winter dish and the most convivial of all meals!
Gondola fondue – Zermatt
Watch the last rays of sun caress the iconic Matterhorn and its surrounding summits as you enjoy a fondue in one of the gondolas departing from the “Matterhorn glacier paradise” station.
Fondue in the gondolas – Saas-Fee
In Saas-Fee, tuck into a fondue in the Spielboden gondola and watch the majestic summits of Valais parade past your table. The outings are ideal for families or groups of friends: an original and unforgettable way to enjoy a pure taste of Valais.
Chetzeron restaurant
In the heart of the Crans-Montana ski area, for example, a converted cable car station houses the Chetzeron restaurant. Here, at an altitude of 2,112 m, guests enjoy exquisite views of the Valais mountains through panoramic windows as they eat.
Tipi in Siviez
On the southern side of the Rhône valley, the Tipi in Siviez – a large, native-American-style tepee – offers a memorable setting for a well-deserved meal following a descent of the iconic “Gentianes–Tortin” ski itinerary.
Late-night fondue – Zermatt
In Zermatt, enjoy a night-time excursion to the igloo village, crafted of snow and ice and ornately decorated. The tasty fondue served inside an igloo promises a unique experience.
Kitchen around – Zermatt
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Zermatt’s top restaurants? The gastronomic hotspots of the Valais resort have opened the doors to their kitchens for you and invite you to an exclusive gourmet experience. As you go from one restaurant to the next, discover the secrets and techniques of the leading Zermatt chefs and enjoy an exquisite multi-course meal that showcases local produce. Savour four different dishes prepared before your eyes, and with each one get to know one of the region’s finest wines!
Igloo on the Mont-Fort
Head for the highest point in the Verbier ski area to enjoy Europe’s highest fondue! Located at an altitude of 3,300 metres, the Igloo on the Mont-Fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of more than 110 Alpine summits including the Jungfrau, Weisshorn, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Before heading back down to resort – either in the cable car or, if you are brave, by skiing or snowboarding down the mogul run – make sure you taste the house speciality: the Swiss Rock Coffee, a hot drink made with “Douce de Abricot” fruit spirits, cane sugar, espresso coffee and whipped cream.
UNESCO “Crystal Gondola”
Step aboard the UNESCO “Crystal Gondola” for a gastronomic ride you will remember for a long time to come! As you glide over the idyllic landscapes of the Aletsch region, framed by the towering peaks of the Valais Alps, you will enjoy tasty treats prepared according to your personal wishes by the Bettmerhorn panoramic restaurant. When you arrive at the summit, head for the Bettmerhorn View Point to enjoy the bewitching sight of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the hundreds of mountains all around.
VIP gondola, Veysonnaz
Take your seats in Veysonnaz’s VIP gondola for a convivial gathering around a typical local aperitif: a bottle of Fendant wine served with an Assiette Valaisanne (Valais platter of cured meat and cheese). With 4 leather seats and a built-in TV and radio, this VIP cabin has everything to make your gastronomic “flight” from Veysonnaz to Thyon an unforgettable experience. The deal, which includes 3 return rides for 4 people (approx. 45 minutes), can be booked all year, summer as well as winter.
