Imagine sitting with an ice cold drink, on a sun drenched terrace, overlooking the most awe inspiring mountain views after a day on the slopes. Sounds like paradise doesn't it? Whenever the sun comes out in the UK we cannot help but remember our favourites winter days soaking up the sunshine in the snow.
Here at Iglu we’ve had our fair share of sunny days on a mountain restaurant terrace (after a hard day skiing of course!) so the competition was tough but we’ve narrowed it down to our favourites. Here are our top 5 sun terraces on the slopes in Europe.
5. Restaurant Combatseline, Nendaz
Best for a Swiss fondue
This sun soaked restaurant is well priced for Switzerland and dominated by magnificent mountain views from the middle of the 4 Valleys. Combatseline is located at the top of 63 Novelli chairlift from Siviez, right between Nendez, Veysonnaz and Verbier.
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Photo: MySwitzerland.com
4. Cap Horn, Courchevel
Best for people watching
This large, swanky, sunny terrace overlooks the Courchevel Altiport and is an ideal spotting celebrities and millionaires. It is the perfect place to make the most of the sunshine, just don’t forget a bundle of cash.
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Photo: facebook/caphornCourchevel
3. Chantebise 2100, Alpe d’Huez
Best for a long lunch
This large restaurant terrace is perfectly located at the first DMC stop overlooking the stunning Alpe d’Huez ski slopes. Once you sit down and tuck into your substantial Croque Monsieur, burger or salad you’ll find it had to leave this sun trap whilst surrounded by the glorious vista.
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Photo: Chantebise.fr
2. Grillhof Alm, Mayrhofen
Best for a quick pit stop
A great spot if you have just skied the Harakiri (the steepest slope in Austria) and you need a beer to calm your nerves (exactly how I came across the bar!) Located in the Penken/Horberg bowl by the Vans Snow Park in Mayrhofen, surrounded by pistes, this huge terrace is a great place for a quick drink, a spot of lunch or a chill out in the beanbags in the sunshine.
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Photo: Grillhofalm.at
1. Rond Point, Meribel
Best for après
Le Rond Point is a popular spot that offers great food, ski in-ski out sun terrace and lively après ski. As the ‘Ronnie’ is located on the sunny side of the Meribel valley it is in goggle tan heaven and the ultimate location whether you are looking for a quick refresher drink, or an afternoon of live music and toffee vodka. With regular live music you’ll be rocking in your ski boots throughout après before attempting to ski back to the village.
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The runners up...
Panorama Alm, Kitzbuhel
At Panorama you are really sitting in the ‘front row seat in the Alps’ with the incredible 360 degree mountain views. Located on Pass Thurn Mountain there is a huge sun drenched terrace with tasty and reasonable priced food.
Las Vegas Lodge, San Cassiano
A jewel in the Dolomites, the beauty of this place is remarkable with its wooden décor, bordered by the finest ski slopes and totally immersed in unforgettable panoramic views.
Chez Vrony, Zermatt
Priceless views and exceptional food. This beautiful terrace has spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the Vrony burger is a must try!