Les 4 Vallées in the Swiss Alps is immense for skiers – one of the largest ski resort in the world – with 400-kilometers of trails, all interconnected via 72 ski lifts – gondolas, trams, chairs, pomas and T-Bars. All this 4 Valley skiing, and amazing views, at high elevation – up to 3330-meters (10,925’) conjures up an appetite. Skiing around the multi-resort region, you will see so many huts, chalets, even Tipis, and cow barns serving local cuisine. Stopping at a chalet or sun terrace along the slopes is part of the experience in the Alps, whether its for a morning cappuccino, or a mid day lunch, or an aperitif – an Aperol spritz, wine or beer to start your aprés ski. You may want to do all of the above during your ski day. When the sun is high, the Swiss love to sit outside, its an alpine tradition, but most huts and restaurants also have cozy wood interiors too.
But which chalets and restaurants to visit of the dozens in 4 Vallées? Here are few to plan your ski day, and enjoy wonderful local cuisine along the way.
Etagnes et Cheersbar
In the heart of the ski resort in Nendaz, ski down the Tracouet run under the gondola, look for the cheery red umbrella bar and deck just 100 feet above the base of the lift. This wonderful restaurant at Hotel Etagnes is just above the Nendaz gondola, tucked between two buildings. You may recognize the Cheers logo from the 80’s TV show and the classic Boston bar! Sit outside on the terrace with a view of the slopes, or inside the cool umbrella bar, or upstairs in the chic hotel dining space. Pretty views of the valley surround you. Cheers menu is diverse and reasonable, with delicious bountiful salads, classic Rösti and Croute, and cheeseburgers. Be sure to ask about the daily “menu” – the plat du jour. This Chef’s special of the day is often a fresh creative plentiful entrée plus a salad very reasonable – great value. We enjoyed a big salad and pasta carbonara during our visit for under $20 Suisse francs. The service, is friendly and efficient at this fun place.
Les Chottes
In Veysonnez on a beautiful ski plateau, Les Chottes sits beside the T-Bar of the same name, on Piste 21. This chalet and cow barn is a fabulous spot for lunch. You can choose between an quick affordable self-service menu, or have a seat and table service at the Terasse restaurant. Menu offerings include pastas, local beef, fondue and cheese dishes. The menu du jour during our sunny day visit was duck with spaetzle – delicious and plentiful for $21. Les Chottes is popular with locals, ski instructors, and mountain guides, for good reason – great food, service and a great setting with views of the Sion valley and the ski slopes.
La Cambuse – Thyon
La Cambuse on the eastern flank of 4 Vallees, at Thyon-Les Collons, is a chic hotel with legendary food- including lunch. La Cambuse is popular with locals, for its grand sun terrace in the afternoon – just steps from the (new in 2023 six pack with gondolas cars) at Thyon 1800. Cambus serves excellent cuisine outside, or in the cozy alpine chic dining room with glass wall views. La Cambuse is on the quieter but sunny and pleasant side of the 4 Vallées skiing. We also recommend staying here at Hotel La Cambuse, with breakfast and dinner included.
La Remointze – Veysonnaz
This very “memorable” (hence the name) chalet is perched above the slope of Maynes on your ski down to the Gondola Veysonnaz. They’re known for their grand fresh salads, Rösti and beef dishes. This traditional chalet serves excellent Swiss cuisine featuring local products in a happy humble setting, with amazing Alps views of course. In a region known for great Rösti we had the best Rösti in the 4 Vallées at La Remointze.
Chez Dany Verbier
Chez Dany is a cozy chalet with great typical Swiss food, and you’re almost down mountain and done skiing. Ski down from Les Ruinettes towards Verbier and you will find the restaurant in Chambin.
3023 Verbier
3023 is surprisingly charming inside a utilitarian building at 3023, at the top of the Les Attelas chairlift. 3023 is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a drink, a meal or a bite to eat in a retro British pub-type setting. Serving Shepards pie, ribs and chicken wings, its a diversion from the usual Rösti and Swiss cheesy dishes of the region.
Le Dahu Verbier
Le Dahu makes great pizzas and salads, some say the best in Verbier. Located at the base of the La Chaux area in Verbier, Dahu is easy to reach, spacious and alpine modern inside.
See our review of skiing Les 4 Vallees
More Europe Ski Reviews:
Our Guide to Skiing the Alps
Top Ski Resorts in The Alps
Top Swiss Ski Hotels
“Swiss food is more than just cheese & chocolate”