Skiing is an activity that is often associated with being expensive and luxurious. Many mountain resorts feature spas, wellness centers, and lavish accommodations for their guests to enjoy. One amenity that many resorts around the world have to offer is having the option of dining at a nice restaurant. Sitting down to a nice meal at a resort is always something skiers look forward to after a long day on the mountain. For some ski resorts, that means dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Chef’s Pencil started as an online cookbook where professional chefs share their favorite recipes. It has become a valuable resource for professional chef recipes, professional cooking advice, and news from the culinary industry. Chef’s Pencil was started by Sydney-based Chef Paul Hegeman. Chef’s Pencil specifically researched to identify the ski resorts (specialized in alpine or cross-country skiing) and nearby mountain destinations within 10 miles of a ski area that boast the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants globally. Out of all the ski resorts in the United States, only Bosq, located in Aspen, Colorado, made the list of U.S. ski resorts.
This is a list of ski resorts (and mountain destinations near ski areas) featuring at least two Michelin-starred restaurants according to Chef’s Pencil:
Top Ski Resorts with Michelin-Starred Restaurants
#6 Andermatt, Switzerland – 3 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Andermatt has quickly become a rising star, with three Michelin-starred restaurants blending luxury accommodations with top-tier dining for an unforgettable experience.
#5 Madonna di Campiglio, Italy – 3 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Known for its beautiful Dolomites backdrop, Madonna di Campiglio offers three Michelin-starred restaurants where visitors can enjoy sophisticated Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
#4 Bad Ragaz, Switzerland – 3 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
A destination combining wellness and skiing, Bad Ragaz is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants offering serene relaxation and culinary excellence.
#3 Zermatt, Switzerland – 4 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
With the iconic Matterhorn towering above, Zermatt offers four Michelin-starred restaurants where Swiss culinary traditions meet innovation, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
#2 Saint Moritz, Switzerland – 4 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
As one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, Saint Moritz boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants and is renowned for offering the highest dining costs, with an average tasting menu price of around €355 ($375).
#1 Courchevel, France – 7 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Leading the pack with a staggering seven Michelin-starred restaurants, Courchevel is the crown jewel of alpine dining, combining elite skiing with unmatched culinary excellence in the French Alps.
It is not a surprise that France leads the list of countries for most Michelin-starred restaurants. The Michelin Guide first began in 1900 in France, began awarding stars in 1926, and later expanded to include other countries. Europe as a whole leads the list of ski resorts with the highest number of Michelin restaurants, while the United States and Japan miss the mark.
Capri is Zermatt’s most expensive Michelin-starred restaurant, with its most exclusive tasting menu priced at 280 CHF. On the other hand, the most affordable tasting menu can be found at Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, priced at 150 CHF.
Every skier knows that dining at a ski resort can be expensive. It seems the idea of grabbing a cheeseburger for less than $20 at a resort now is a thing of the past. However, dining at these Michelin restaurants takes the price point to another level. For those who are looking for the best dining options where cost is not an option, these ski resort restaurants are geared toward you.
Dining at a Michelin restaurant does not mean that you have to break the bank to eat there. There are options at ski resorts that offer Michelin-starred culinary experiences that won’t disappoint. There are affordable Michelin restaurants at ski resorts that offer dining options that do not cost over $100. That price point is a very good deal when the cost of a frozen burger patty, pre-cut-frozen fries, and a bottle of water at the lodge can easily exceed $40.
Every skier looks forward to the feeling of taking their ski boots off after being on the slopes, grabbing a nice beverage, and sitting down to a tasty meal. While you’ll have to travel to Europe to experience most of the Michelin-starred restaurants near ski resorts, it is not unlikely. Many Americans seek more affordable skiing options, with lift ticket prices in the U.S. breaking $300, and many choosing to travel to Europe for lower costs instead of staying in the U.S. If you enjoy a great meal after a day on the mountain or are just a foodie who loves trying out amazing food, these Michelin restaurants at ski resorts should be on your list.
For more information, visit Chef’s Pencil’s website.