One of the best things about going on an Alpine break is the chance it gives you to come together with friends and family, and enjoy comforting, communal dishes
When you’ve been exerting yourself in a hostile, frozen environment, you’ll need the calories that come from a rich, simple dish, and it’s for this reason that so many local delicacies in the world of European skiing tend to be so indulgent.
The Magic of Shared Meals on the Slopes
Group ski holidays can be great fun, because skiing is a fantastic group activity. With that said, it’s not an activity that’s naturally conducive to chatter. When you’re actually going down the slopes, you’ll be on your own, and you can’t always guarantee that you’ll be on the chairlift with your friends. A communal meal, therefore, presents a great chance to decompress and to reflect on the quality time you’ve spent together. You might find yourself bonding over the right food in a way that might otherwise not have been possible.
Classic Comfort Foods for Cold Evenings
If you’re making your own food in a self-catered apartment or chalet, then certain foods might leap out at you as worth making. Stews can be made in a slow-cooker while you’re out during the day, while hot cocoa can be whipped up in a matter of minutes in the evening. Use real chocolate and cream for the best results.
In large parts of the Alps, of course, it’s fondue that’s the ultimate shared delicacy. To do it right, you’ll need a pot and skewers for dipping. But you’ll find that the local selection of cheeses is perfect for a traditional pot of gorgeous, gloopy cheese.
Bringing Everyone Together
If you have a large group of people, then bringing everyone together might require a little bit of coordination. This is particularly so if not everyone is staying in the same lodge or chalet. Decide in advance when you’re all going to eat together, and delegate tasks. Don’t allow one member of the group to handle everything from washing up to cooking.
Creating Lasting Traditions
One of the best things about a good ski holiday is that you often end up repeating it the following year. You might decide that your shared meal can become an ongoing tradition – and even one that you bring home with you, and repeat throughout the year, back home. You might find yourself looking forward to a round of hot chocolates or an appointment with the fondue set, long after you’ve come home.
