Skiing The Alps

Just over a month ago now my Mum, Dad, Sister and I took to the slopes. A fresh dump of snow, the sun was shining, and we had a list of great restaurants to visit - all the ingredients for a fantastic week away. 

We stayed in Vallandry which is one of the lower villages in Les Arcs, not only is the village traditional looking, with beautiful chalets (no concrete tower blocks here). It is also perfectly situated for ambitious skiers who want to explore both Les Arcs and La Plagne, as the Cable Car joining the two areas is just 200meters up the road or one ski run away. 

My personal mission for the week was to ski every run... although too much Vin Chaud (hot wine) permitted me from doing so. I gave it my best shot though, and broke in my new ski boots. (now discounted... grrr)

The ski area is vast and varied and probably one of my favourite for skiing, obviously fresh snow makes it all the more enjoyable. 

While I love to ski, another one of my favourite things about coming to France is the food. Wether it's the mountain air, the rustic surroundings, or the fact that you work up quite the appetite skiing all day long... mountain food is the BEST food.

Here are some of my favourite bits from throughout the week;

One of our favourite spots on the mountain is Chalet Sud Verdons; right on the slopes (La Plagne Side) with spectacular views of the mountains, this large rustic chalet serves up all the traditional dishes, and everything tastes fantastic.

I went for the Tartiflette, it's a must do when in the mountains - potatoes, onions, bacon, cream and cheese. Whats not to like? 

 Tartiflette is a traditional alpine dish that changes as you move round the Alps, each restaurants uses local cheeses and meats so you should try them all!! When in Rome... 

I then had the selection of deserts - that's right, i had one of everything as i couldn't decide between them. Creme Brûlée, Chocolate mousse, tiramisu, macaroon, meringue, and apple tart... 

My Sister went for the Larger chocolate mousse.

Another day, another ski area, and another lunch time came: we arrived at the Les Chalets de l'Arc. Otherwise known as the 'Altitude Bakery', as it is the highest bakery in the Alps. Now, I'm not sure if it is scientifically proven that altitude can assist in the quality of bread, but it tastes pretty darn good to me.

leschaletsdelarc.com

We got one of their speciality stuffed breads, this one had mushrooms and local cheese's... delicious and moist, there is just something about bread straight from the oven; 

For main course, I had spiced mince meat wrapped in puff pastry, it was kind of like the French version of a Cornish pasty: a better and tastier version (and I am prone to a cornish pasty).

My sister went for a pasta dish, she is after all the queen of pasta!!

and then we shared a Creme Caramel for desert... just scrummy!!

Definitely worth a visit if your ever in the Alps.

One evening we decided we wanted something nice and simple, of course this meant fondue and other traditional french dishes.

French Onion Soup

Escargots (aka snails in garlic butter... nom nom)

Now for the main event... What is it about cheese that is just sooo good??

Happy families start with happy tummies... 

It is very rare for just the four of us to spend time together, so to have a whole week together was fantastic, I am very lucky to have such a loving family. 

We stayed Here if you are planning a holiday to Les Arc.