Vegan Friendly Ski Resorts: Eat the Slopes

Vegan Friendly Ski Resorts: Eat the Slopes

As Veganuary wraps up, it’s clear that plant-based dining isn’t just a one-month wonder – it’s here to stay! While the Alps are more famous for cheese fondue and big meaty stews than for vegan fare, there’s good news: a growing number of resorts are finally getting on board with plant-based options. 

Whether you’re after a quick bite between runs or a full-on gourmet dinner, there are plenty of tasty vegan dishes to fuel your adventure on the slopes. 

So, grab your skis and your appetite – here’s your guide to the best vegetarian and vegan-friendly ski resorts in the French and Austrian Alps!

Vegan food

France: Where Flavours Meet Adventure

France may be known for its cheese-laden dishes and rich alpine cuisine, but plant-based options are starting to make their mark. From cosy mountain cafés to gourmet dining, these resorts are now offering delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals to keep you fuelled for the slopes:

Morzine

Morzine might be best known for its buzzing après-ski scene and extensive ski area, but it’s also becoming a hotspot for vegan-friendly dining. Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a post-ski feast, or something indulgent, these spots have you covered:

  • Wild Beets Kitchen – This plant-based café is a dream for health-conscious skiers. Expect vibrant smoothie bowls, hearty buddha bowls, and delicious vegan cakes. Their peanut butter banana toast is a perfect pre-ski energy boost!
    • Google Rating: 5*
    • Google Review: “Initially visited for the bike hire but pleasantly surprised to find a brilliant cafe with LOTS of great vegan options. If you’re after proper healthy food look no further.”
  • Le Colibri – A stylish café offering fantastic vegan options, from warming soups to fully loaded vegan burgers. Their oat milk lattes and dairy-free pastries make it a great spot for a morning pick-me-up.
    • Google Rating: 4.7*
    • Google Review: “Three of us ate here – one vegan, one veggie and one anything. All enjoyed our food – very tasty, well-presented and good size portions. Service was fabulous”.
  • Hideout Restaurant – Known for its Asian fusion cuisine, Hideout serves up creative vegan dishes packed with bold flavours. The miso aubergine and crispy tofu bao buns are must-tries!
    • Google Rating: 4.7*
    • Google Review: ​​”Superb! The vegan tuna tataki is an inspiration. Could quite possibly be my favourite starter of all time. The main courses were packed with flavour and very plentiful. Delicious.”

How to Get There

Geneva to Morzine transfers are around 1 hour 30 minutes, making it one of the most accessible resorts in the Alps.

Chamonix

Chamonix, a stunning resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, offers more than just breathtaking views and exciting slopes. Though the area is better known for its rich, cheese-filled cuisine, the growing trend of plant-based dining is taking hold here too.

Here are a few of our favourite spots:

  • Sesame Mont-Blanc: This restaurant is all about sustainability and offers plant-based takes on traditional French alpine dishes. From vegan fondues to plant-based tartiflette, the dishes here ensure that vegans can enjoy a proper après-ski meal.
    • Google Rating: 4.5*
    • Google Review: “Vegan paradise. The meals are incredibly good. Delicious stuff, you need to try it out. Affordable prices, great location and friendly staff. 10/10.”
  • Arctic Juice & Café: A great takeaway place for breakfast or a post-ski refuel, serving vibrant smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and plant-based salads. Try their Green Warrior smoothie bowl for an energy boost or the smashed avocado with almond dukkah to start your day.
    • Google Rating: 4.2*
    • Google Review: “Finally some good clean food! Absolutely a hidden gem! Great healthy food. They have amazing coffee and fresh juice. The staff is super friendly and very helpful. They even had milk alternatives which I haven’t found anywhere else! Vegetarian options: They had options for vegans. Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free bread as well!”
  • Kitsch Inn: Located in Les Houches, this cosy spot serves comforting vegan versions of traditional dishes, like a veggie chilli, and offers a homemade vegan chocolate brownie for dessert.
    • Google Rating: 4.5*
    • Google Review: “During our stay in Les Houches we visited the Kitsch Inn several times for drinks, lunch and dinner. We were drawn back by the friendly and efficient staff and the excellent food. As vegetarians, we often struggle to find an interesting menu but the Kitsch Inn had really delicious and imaginative food in a perfect setting. Vegetarian options: Lots of choice for vegetarians & vegans.”

How to Get There: 

Geneva to Chamonix transfers are quick and easy, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère is synonymous with luxury skiing, and now it’s becoming a place where plant-based diners can indulge too.

  • Arctic Café: The café’s menu includes energising oat milk lattes and hearty Buddha bowls filled with protein-rich ingredients.
    • Google Rating: 4*
    • Google Review: “Nice place with good vegetarian options, cosy interior with lounge music and very reasonable price. Food is fresh, well prepared and served by a friendly staff. Recommended dishes: Hummus & Avocado Soul Bowl, Vitamin Boost.”
  • Le Garage: While not fully vegan, Le Garage offers a selection of vegan-friendly dishes, such as vegetable risotto, pizzas and creative salads made from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
    • Google Rating: 4.7*
    • Google Review: “Great atmosphere, nice staff and delicious Neapolitan style pizza with a vegan cheese option. Vegetarian options: Vegan options available.”

How to Get There: 

Geneva to Val d’Isère transfers take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Val Thorens

At Europe’s highest ski resort, vegan food is reaching new altitudes. Check out our favourite spots:

  • Chez Pépé Nicolas: This family-run restaurant blends traditional Savoyard cuisine with modern vegan-friendly adaptations. Their vegetable tartiflette made with a creamy plant-based sauce is an unexpected yet delightful treat.
    • Google Rating: 4.8*
    • Google Review: “Everything about this place is perfect, a real gem in the mountains. As a vegetarian it’s a real delight to eat something other than pasta or risotto.”
  • Wok Ski: A fantastic spot for a quick and healthy bite. Their vegan stir-fries are filled with fresh vegetables, tofu, and aromatic spices. Their Vegan Superfood Bowl is another popular choice, packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you fuelled for the slopes.
    • Google Rating: 4.4*
    • Google Review: “The concept of Sk’ewok is so good! The products are of good quality, the prices are super affordable and it’s a pleasure to be able to eat well and at a low price in Valthorens, the managers are super friendly and there is a choice of flavors. Vegetarian options: The fried tofu and vegetable tempura are amazing.”

How to Get There: 

Geneva to Val Thorens transfers take around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Annecy

Located just outside the Alps and set against the backdrop of the stunning Lake Annecy, this picturesque town is renowned not only for its crystal-clear waters and scenic canals but also for its blossoming vegan food scene. Here are our top spots:

  • Granny Smith: A cosy café that offers a mix of delicious vegan dishes with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With vibrant salads, hearty wraps and indulgent desserts (don’t miss their signature vegan pastries!).
    • Google Rating: 4.6*
    • Google Review: “Very delicious food and very fast and good service. I really liked to eat here and recommend it to most vegetarians and vegans that like a special lunch. Vegetarian options: Everything is completely plant-based. It’s great.”
  • Kia Ora: A laid-back, trendy spot using fresh, local ingredients and serving up delicious plant-based bowls, smoothies, salads and snacks.
    • Google Rating: 4.7*
    • Google Review: “A must try. Consistently amazing food, exceptional service, cozy atmosphere. Family friendly, dog friendly, vegan, vegetarian and “mangetout” friendly. The brunch is absolutely perfect in size, quality and value. I can’t think of anything significant to improve so will just say the tiniest thing… Another plant milk option rather than oat milk would be super :)”

How to Get There: 

Annecy is just a 45-minute drive from Geneva, making it a convenient gateway to the Alps. Nearby ski resorts like La Clusaz, Manigod, and Le Grand Bornand are all within easy reach for those looking to hit the slopes.

Vegan-friendly food at resorts in the Alps

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Austria: Beyond Schnitzel

Austria might bring to mind images of schnitzels and strudels, but its food scene is evolving. Whether you’re after a hearty vegan stew in a mountain hut or an inventive plant-based dish in a stylish restaurant, these Austria’s ski resorts are proving that there’s more to alpine dining than just meat and cheese:

St. Anton

St. Anton is known for its après-ski culture, but it’s also catching up when it comes to plant-based dining. Here are our top picks:

  • Hazienda: A chic restaurant offering dishes like a coconut vegan curry, served with fragrant jasmine rice, and a comforting lentil stew.
    • Google Rating: 4.6*
    • Google Review: “Good restaurant overall, presentation and their variety of dishes are very good! Everything tasted great. I had two vegetarian dishes and loved them both. Good wine selection.”
  • Galzig Bistrobar: A modern eatery with a fresh take on vegan dining. Their quinoa power bowls, filled with roasted vegetables and tahini dressing, are a favourite among the plant-based crowd.
    • Google Rating: 4.6*
    • Google Review: “Really nice place with friendly service and a very nice varied menu. As a vegetarian I had several good options and really enjoyed the pasta with mushrooms! The salad was fresh and I loved the sauce too.”
  • Sennhütte: This mountain hut offers mushroom goulash, Kaiserschmarren, and a delicious vegan spätzle, served with sautéed mushrooms and an almond-based creamy sauce, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.
    • Google Rating: 4.6*
    • Google Review: “Nice and interesting place for families with kids above all. Produce and sell local products. Restaurant has a good selection of meals to offer.”

How to Get There: 

Innsbruck to St. Anton transfers take about 1 hour 15 minutes. 

Salzburg

Known for its baroque architecture and musical heritage, Salzburg is also making strides in the vegan food scene. Whether you’re refuelling after a day on the slopes or exploring the city’s charming streets, these eateries offer delicious plant-based options:

  • The Heart of Joy Café – A cosy vegetarian and vegan-friendly café serving wholesome dishes made with organic ingredients. Their vegan scrambled tofu breakfast and homemade cakes are local favourites.
    • Google Rating: 4.5*
    • Google Review: “Delicious food, and very friendly and smiling staff. A little bit pricey. We took the vegan curry, tofu sandwich and apple pie.”
  • GustaV – 100% plant-based and packed with flavour, this café and bistro is perfect for a quick bite. Try their signature falafel wrap or one of their hearty vegan burgers.
    • Google Rating: 4.9*
    • Google Review: “We were a group of 3, ordered dish of the day along with the tofu sandwich and all of it was extremely delicious. The flavour was spot on. No wonder they have perfected the dishes with only having limited menu items. A must visit for Vegans, but I believe everyone should try this once.”
  • The Green Garden – A stylish restaurant offering innovative vegan dishes. Their creamy truffle pasta and indulgent chocolate mousse are must-tries!
    • Google Rating: 4.3*
    • Google Review: Just might be the best vegan food I’ve ever had… The sauce on the summer rolls is exquisite, and the butter “chicken” is supreme. 10/10, this place makes me want to move to Salzburg — a must visit for vegan/vegetarian/plant based food for everyone.”

How to Get There

From Salzburg Airport, it’s a short transfer into the city or to nearby ski resorts like Zell am See and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. 

Innsbruck

Famous for its stunning mountain views and rich history, Innsbruck is also home to a growing vegan food scene. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a gourmet dinner, these spots have something for every plant-based foodie:

  • Olive – A cosy, fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant serving creative, hearty dishes. Their sweet potato gnocchi and homemade vegan cakes are local favourites.
    • Google Rating: 4.7* 
    • Google Review: “We went early as we hadn’t booked and wanted to make sure we could eat there. It was quiet when we arrived but getting nicely busy as we left. The menu isn’t vast but so much choice we were still torn between dishes. We shared a delicious salad to start and then I got the mushroom burger and my husband the falafel plate…Lovely service and lovely decor too. The best meal we had in Austria!”
  • Café Moustache – A quirky café offering vegan-friendly snacks and drinks. Their oat milk cappuccinos and vegan pastries make it an ideal spot for a cosy break.
    • Google Rating: 4.5*
    • Google Review: “Excellent cool spot for food and drinks with lots of vegetarian options. Nice beers on tap, including a house craft beer. It was so nice to find a menu with lighter options, vegetarian dishes and less heavy food than lots of the traditional Austrian fare you get in central Innsbruck. Vegetarian options: Loads of vegetarian and vegan choices available.”
  • Vapiano – This popular Italian chain offers customisable pasta and pizza, with plenty of vegan-friendly options like their delicious arrabbiata pasta or veggie-loaded pizza with dairy-free cheese.
    • Google Rating: 4.2*
    • Google Review: “This is not just good this is near perfect!!! This concept of ordering your favourite pasta or pizza just the way you like it also made the way you like… I love it”

How to Get There

Innsbruck Airport is just a short drive from the city centre and within easy reach of major ski resorts like St. Anton and Ischgl. 

Plant-based

Tips for Vegan Skiers

  • Pack Snacks: While many resorts are embracing vegan menus, it’s always helpful to carry some protein bars or trail mix just in case.
  • Self-Catering: Many ski resorts have local markets with fresh produce. Renting a chalet with a kitchen allows you to prepare your own plant-based meals.
  • Learn Key Phrases: To ensure your dietary needs are understood, it’s useful to learn a few local phrases: “Je suis végétalien(ne)” (French), “Ich bin Veganer(in)” (German), and “Sono vegano/a” (Italian).

Final Thoughts

The Alps may not have always been known for their vegan-friendly options, but with a growing number of restaurants embracing plant-based dishes, vegan skiers now have plenty of delicious choices. So pack your skis (and your appetite), and enjoy a ski holiday with both stunning slopes and satisfying plant-based meals!

For a hassle-free transfer to your favourite ski resort, book with Alps2Alps – your trusted ski transfer service in the Alps.

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