Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, is synonymous with snow safety and sporting challenges. But a stay here is not only about speed and altimeters; it is also a culinary discovery of the authentic flavors of the Alps. During our trip, we wanted to experience the real taste of the mountains and found two unique addresses deeply rooted in the traditions of Savoy: Chez Pépé Nicolas and La Cabane.
On snowshoes to a hidden gem: Chez Pépé Nicolas
Those who think a winter sports vacation is all about skiing are wrong. Val Thorens also offers plenty of alternative snow activities, and one of the best ways to experience the area in all its purity is with raquettes (snowshoes). With a group of five, we left outside the ski station for a trek of about two hours, far away from the busy slopes.





We made our way through deep snow, between mountain slopes where no trace of other winter sportsmen could be seen. Unspoiled nature, absolute peace and the fresh mountain air, that was what made this trek so special. The climbs demanded perseverance, while the descents challenged us to stay balanced on the soft, sometimes treacherous snow carpet. Intense, physically challenging and at the same time magical, that’s how this hike felt.
The best thing about this tour? That it led us to a hidden gem: Chez Pépé Nicolas.
Chez Pépé Nicolas: een family story in the mountains
Adress: Lieu dit Les Menuires, 73440 Val Thorens
Website & reservations: www.chezpepenicolas.com
Located on a snowy slope between Val Thorens and Les Menuires, Chez Pépé Nicolas looks like a postcard from days gone by. This domain is much more than a restaurant: it is a place where ancient mountain traditions are kept alive, and where gastronomy goes hand in hand with craftsmanship and nature conservation.









The story of Chez Pé Pé Nicolas begins generations ago, when Nicolas Jay, aka “Pépé Nicolas,” started his first farm here. What began as a simple alpine barn grew into a family estate where today people still work with the same passion. Today his descendants run the business, with respect for their heritage and a deep love for the mountains.
Chez Pépé Nicolas has its own cheese dairy, where they produce traditional Savoy cheeses such as Beaufort and Tomme. They also raise their own trout, which swim in a natural pond among the snowy mountain sides. In the summer, their goats and cows graze on the alpine pastures surrounding the restaurant, contributing to the purity and quality of their cheeses.
After our intense snowshoe hike, we couldn’t wait to sample their dishes. We chose the homemade pasta, served with their own aged cheese. At the table, we were given a large piece of cheese with which we could grate ourselves to taste. The perfect balance of creaminess and spiciness gave the pasta a full, rich flavor we didn’t taste anywhere else.
Chez Pépé Nicolas is a place where you don’t just eat lunch. You experience mountain culture in its purest form here.
An evening at La Cabane: cheese fondue at its best
Adress: Quartier des Balcons, 73440 Val Thorens
Reservations via phone: +33 4 79 00 75 52
After a day of skiing through the powdery snow of the Belleville Valley, it was time for an evening where warmth, conviviality and good taste took center stage. We headed to La Cabane, a cozy mountain restaurant in the Les Balcons district , perfectly located for a relaxing evening after a sporting day.
Our goal? The house cheese fondue, a dish La Cabane is known for. Not a standard fondue, but a carefully balanced mix of locally aged cheeses, melted to a perfect texture. Creamy, savory and with just enough spice, this was cheese fondue as you should eat it in the Alps. Served with crusty bread and potatoes, it was the ultimate end to our ski day.





The charm of La Cabane is not only in the food, but also in the experience. After a day on the slopes, there is nothing better than sitting together around a fondue table, sharing stories and feeling the warmth of a good glass of white Savoy wine. This is where you come to relax, catch up and simply enjoy the good things in life.

Val Thorens: more than just skiing
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and is part of the gigantic ski resort Les Trois Vallées, with more than 600 km of slopes. The resort is known for its excellent snow conditions, lively après-ski and varied range of activities.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also:
✔️ Snowshoeing (as we did)
✔️ Paragliding over the mountains
✔️ Ice karting on a frozen track
✔️ Relaxing in wellness centers
More information & ski passes: www.valthorens.com
Conclusion. Skiing in Val Thorens is not only a sporting experience, but also a culinary journey. From an adventurous snowshoe hike followed by an artisan lunch to a cheese fondue evening in a cozy chalet, these culinary stops gave our trip an extra dimension.What could be better than plopping down in a warm restaurant after an action-packed day and enjoying flavors straight from the mountains? That’s the magic of culinary skiing in Val Thorens.