Tag Archives: food

A guide to Savoie food

A Guide to Savoie Food and its traditions

Keen British skiers flock to France each winter for the country’s spectacular ski slopes, vibrant après ski, wonderful family facilities and catered chalet holidays.

But there’s one more thing which keeps us coming back for more each year, the food! Not just in the chalets but on the slopes and in the resort restaurants.

Meribel - Savoie

History of Savoie Food

A large part of the French Alps sits across the Savoie region, and like any other region or départment in France, the Savoie has its own unique cultural, historical, political and social background.

A hugely varied terrain, much of the Savoie is covered by high-altitude mountain plateaux, steep gradients, deep river valleys, farmland and lakes, plus of course huge swathes of the land are covered in snow for half the year, so the people who historically lived and travelled here were very hardy folk.

Food sources had to be readily available and that meant their diet largely consisted of hardy vegetables, cheeses and cured meats.

Since the turn of the twentieth century, the Savoie has changed from a largely agricultural terrain to an area more readily associated with tourism and skiing, but the cuisine of the area is inextricably linked to the Savoie itself and over the years has proven hugely popular amongst skiing visitors from all corners of the globe – so much so that for many people the Savoie food is now a major reason to return to France for the annual ski trip!

 

The Ingredients

Savoyarde cooking relies exclusively on products and ingredients from the area and, because of this, is unmistakably authentic. Staple ingredients include potatoes, which were grown over the summer and stored during harsh winters, and cheeses.

Of course, being an Alpine territory cheese making has always been a hugely popular pursuit in the Savoie and abondance, Beaufort, Tome and of course Reblochon cheeses all work wonderfully well with traditional Savoyarde fare. Cured meats also form a large part of the Savoyarde dishes we enjoy today, and they feature in a number of traditional recipes.

Fondue

Perhaps the most instantly recognisable of all the Savoyard dishes, fondue is like no other meal! Wonderfully convivial and great fun to enjoy with friends, eating fondue involves placing hard bits of bread onto a skewer and dipping it into a pot of melted cheese.

There are two schools of thought on the history of the meal, one a lot more fun and interesting than the other. The traditional view is that fondue came about when poor mountain farming communities had experienced lean times and were forced to make meals out of nothing more than stale bread and hard cheese, so they melted the cheese down and ate it with the tough bread as a warm and hearty meal. The truth of the matter, if you believe the nay-sayers, is a lot less intriguing… fondue came about as little more than a marketing ploy to get punters

The truth of the matter, if you believe the nay-sayers, is a lot less intriguing… fondue came about as little more than a marketing ploy to get punters into restaurants when skiing because popular in the Alps. I know which one I’m happier believing!

Raclette

Named after the cheese it’s made with, raclette is another wonderfully convivial dining experience – there are more flavours at play than with the fondue as well, and it’s a complete meal.

Potatoes are cooked in a pan of boiling water with the skins on, and placed on a plate alongside pickled gherkins, picked onions and a selection of dried meats.

Then diners take melted slices of raclette cheese and pour them over the dish before tucking in. It’s a hearty meal and leaves you fit to burst!

 Tartiflette

For a dish with as much flavour as tartiflette, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Butter is melted in a frying pan then finely chopped onions, bacon bits and thinly sliced potatoes are added.

Once the potatoes are nearly cooked you put them in an oven proof dish, layered with the bacon bits and onions. Then you cover the dish in strips of reblochon cheese and bake until melted and browned.

Tartiflette is a very old and very traditional Savoyarde recipe, but it’s one that anybody can try. Wonderfully simple to prepare, it tastes amazing and goes well with a crisp Savoyarde white wine.

These Savoyarde dishes are all wonderful in their own ways, and although no trip to the Alps is complete without one they are also perfectly simple to make and enjoy at home.

It’s all pretty carbohydrate-heavy though, but if you’re feeling too full after one of these dishes a shot or two of Genepi, the Savoie’s own digestif spirit, will sort you out in no time at all!

 


A great place to taste all these delicious dishes is the 3 Valleys. We have catered accommodation in Méribel and La Tania.

Go to our website for more details.

www.alpineaction.co.uk


How to beat the post ski holiday blues

Guide: How to beat the end of ski trip blues

After a great week of skiing, delicious food in your catered chalet and little bit of aprés it is hard not to feel a little blue on the run back to the airport. There isn’t a 100% cure to the glumness inside but there are ways you can make yourself feel a bit better…

Talk about buying a place in the alps

“Maybe we should all chip in and buy a place in the alps” is how the conversation starts. You all know deep down that it won’t actually happen but that doesn’t stop anyone. Before the coach has arrived at the airport you have started a WhatsApp group and are sharing links to wildly unaffordable properties. One member of the group provides a spreadsheet breaking down costs that unlike your home has zero outgoings. In the arrivals hall while waiting for your luggage you all agree to look at how much you can afford to “put in” and promise to meet up soon to discuss it. You all leave happy and dreaming about the chalet you will never buy.

Consider a job as a chalet host

To avoid the post-ski holiday blues you could look into getting a job in the Alps next winter. Start by asking your host/driver/rep on that last day if they are enjoying their season. Undoubtedly they will say yes and stir up your desire even more. You can then spend the next few days after your trip applying for jobs and imagining how good you will be at skiing by the end of next season.

Book your next ski holiday

Beating the blues is all about having the next thing to look forward to. If you are out early in the season you could always book another ski holiday that season. Or you can start planning next winter’s ski trip and maybe go all out and put the deposit down. As they say booking a holiday is almost as exciting as going on one. It is worth noting that booking a ski holiday a season in advance can often be cheaper as many tour operators will honour the current season price.

Concoct an epic ski trip

Why stop at dreaming about your next ski holiday. Why not plan an epic snow chasing adventure like Travis Rice in The Fourth Phase in an attempt to abolish the sadness. You could keep it local and plan to ride every dry slope in the UK. Or maybe dream of riding a mountain on every continent, just imagine ticking off Antartica.

Buy some new ski kit.

For instant gratification get online and buy some stuff. During your holiday you will have decided that something needs replacing, maybe your jacket is a bit drafty or your goggles are scratched. It could be that you are still skiing in rear entry boots. A post ski holiday spending binge is the perfect way to cheer yourself up. Plus you get the 2nd tier of excitement when they arrive in the post and a 3rd wave of joy when after 10 months of never actually using whatever you ordered you discover it just before your next trip.

Start eating mountain style at home

They say food invokes memories so why not spend the week after your trip trying to recreate that meal you fell in love with that your chalet host cooked. Or maybe if you want more cheese and cream google a recipe for Tartiflette and indulge in some traditional Savoie food. You could even dig out the fondue kit that you found in the house when you moved in. Then get the ingredient from the supermarket and invite some friends round to indulge in melted fromage and ski stories.

Watch a ski or snowboard movie

Your final option is to wallow a bit longer, pull on your PJ’s, crack open a bottle of wine and stick a pizza in the oven. Then choose your favourite winter sports movie, snuggle up on the sofa, reminisce about the fun you had during your trip and dream of next time.


If you need some help getting over this year’s trip by planning for next year then take a look at our catered ski chalets in  Méribel. Or give us a call on 01273 977677.

Don’t miss out on our latest offers, blog and snow reports


Meribel & La Tania – Three Valleys Snow report – Week 2

It has been a beautiful second week of the season here in Méribel and La Tania for our guests and us! Over half of the lifts and pistes have been open this week, with decent snow, mild temperatures and a lot of sunshine. Around resort you can begin to see the faint lines of goggle tans emerging, so you know the weather has been good!

Piste Conditions

With only a sprinkle of snow in the last week some of the busier runs are starting to show a little wear and tear, however thanks to the 3 Valleys trusty snow canons the pistes are being topped up with cultivated snow overnight. Half of the resorts lifts and pistes are now open with many more expected to open next week for our Christmas guests.

P1020382

Weather Forecast

As we move into one of our busiest, and most magical, times of year we can expect more sunshine and mostly clear skies. There is no snow forecast for the next few days but the solid snow pack means you will be guaranteed a white Christmas! Temperatures are set to stay mild, between 2 and 5 °C with some spots of cloudiness throughout the day.

P1020378

Whats on

If you are coming out to join us this Christmas make sure to dig out your best Christmas jumper as there will be plenty to do in resort. Vin chaud, hot chocolate, Christmas markets and even a visit from the big guy himself, there truly isn’t a better place to spend this time of year!

Check out all our last minute ski prices here.

P1020010


10 reasons why Méribel is better than Courchevel or Val Thorens!

Our guide to why Méribel is the best resort in the 3 Valleys.

The resort of Méribel sits in the Tarentaise valley of the French Alps. It’s a vibrant ski resort with an international following, popular across the winter ski season as well as the more relaxing summer climbing and hiking months. But with two such illustrious neighbours as Courchevel to the east and Val Thorens to the west sharing the mighty Three Valleys ski area, we got to wondering what puts Méribel so far ahead of the competition! Well, we’ve made a list of exactly why Méribel beats Courchevel and Val Thorens. 

#1 Location

Méribel takes pride of place in the centre of the Three Valleys and no other resort in the area offers such easy access to all corners of the ski area. With the Saulire gondola swinging rapidly up to its namesake peak for skiing over in Courchevel, and the Tougnete lift winging people swiftly up towards les Menuires and beyond, Méribel wins hands down in this category. You could argue that Méribel-Mottaret is the actual winner here, being closest to the true centre of the Three Valleys, but Mottaret is part of the Méribel Valley!

3 valleys piste map 2017

#2 Best après ski

Méribel’s après ski scene used to be good. Now it’s excellent. The Rond Point has been a favourite amongst seasonnaires and visitors for years and remains a wonderfully popular venue. As the Méribel Folie Douce grows in popularity it means we have two epic venues to choose from and puts Méribel firmly at the top of the après ski tree in the Three Valleys.

Folie Douce Meribel

#3 Best beginners’ area

Anybody mastering their first turns on the snow, whether on skis, board or blades, needs to head to one of two spots in the Méribel valley that are dedicated to families and beginners. The first is the Altiport a long, rolling, green run that is simply ideal for learners and has trees on either side sheltering skiers from the elements.  The other is the Yeti park located around Mottaret. It is comprised of a gentle blue run called Yooni and a green run named Himalaya. The Yeti park area discourages the more adventurous skier leaving you safe to enjoy the wide runs, obstacles and entertainment.

Meribel- Mottaret Family ski area

#4 Best nightlife

Whilst it’s true that Courchevel Moriond and Val Thorens have good nightlife, neither of them can compete with the proximity of great bars to be found in Méribel town centre such as Jack’s Bar, famous for its live music and comedy and Barometer to name a few. And when they close, O’ Sullivans down the road is on hand to welcome revellers into the wee small hours. Val Thorens’ Malaysia nightclub offers strong competition but the overall winner has to be Méribel!

Take a look at all our LAST MINUTE SKI DEALS to Méribel 

#5 Prettiest resort centre

This is really a two horse race between Courchevel and Méribel – Val Thorens doesn’t get a look in here. Courchevel 1850 is pretty enough, and so are Moriond and le Praz, but none of them match the lovely Savoyard wood and stone to be found across Méribel, and charming, traditional villages in the Méribel valley such as Les Allues complete the picture.

#6 Best range of accommodation quality/price

Courchevel dominates the luxury market and Val Thorens is often a great resort choice for the budget conscious, especially in the last minute market, but none of them offer such a spectacular range of catered ski chalets, hotels and apartments from basic 2* properties all the way up to top-end 6* opulence. Again, Méribel trumps the competition.

#7 Best ski schools

This category is open to debate, because many of Méribel’s best ski schools also operate in Courchevel and some in Val Thorens as well. But the fact remains that Méribel offers some of the finest tuition of any resort in Europe, with classes, courses and clinics for every pursuit and every level imaginable. Alongside the established ESF are some great independent schools such as Magic in Motion, Marmalade and Parallel Lines.

Magic in Motion

#8 Best non-ski activities

Where better to be if bad weather keeps you off the snow than Méribel? The resort offers ice rink with ice hockey league matches to watch, climbing wall, swimming pool and cinema. Courchevel and Val Thorens have some of these facilities between them, but neither of them have the full list.

Swimming Pool Meribel

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR ALL OUR LATEST OFFERS 

#9 Best range of restaurants

With the same range of basic burger joints as you’ll find in Val Thorens and the same quality (although perhaps not quantity) of Michelin starred restaurants as Courchevel, Méribel really is a foodie’s paradise. The resort offers cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets, from fine dinning in Le Blanchot over in the Altiport area to amazing pizza in La Refuge, located in the centre of town. Although prices can be high, the quality of the restaurants in Méribel means value for money is very good.

Meribel Restaurant

#10 Best off piste

This is another contentious point as both Courchevel and Val Thorens boast spectacular off piste in the right conditions. But with so many lines to choose from running down from the Saulire peak into Méribel Mottaret as well as the open powder fields to be found on Mont Vallon, to name but two, Méribel is the best part of the Three Valleys to find yourself in when the skies have opened and fresh powder has fallen.

Of course this is all hugely subjective and Courchevel and Val Thorens have just as many die-hard fans as Méribel does, and with good reason. One of the most wonderful things about the Three Valleys is the range and variety of the resorts, pistes and amenities found therein. That said, Méribel is still the best…!

If you would like to go on a ski holiday to Méribel then give us a call on 01273 466535 or go to www.AlpineAction.co.uk

Take a look at our catered chalets in Méribel


How to tell if you are a ski geek

unnamedHow to tell if you are a ski geek.*

*nb: In this article ski can be substituted for snowboard in most instances and as the ski v’s snowboard things is getting old we are just using the word ski because a). there are more skiers, and b). ski is a shorter word than snowboard. Any real ski geek may want to dispute this, please do so in the comments below.

 

Can you remember every ski holiday you have ever been on?

A true ski geek can remember more than if they just had a good time. They should be able to remember the exact dates, who went on holiday with them, which ski resort they went to, the flight times, the exchange rate at the time and the chalets hosts name.

Do you own your own skis?

Most experienced skiers will at the very least have their own boots, which is sensible and comfortable. But the true ski nerd will have their own pair of skis, preferably two, a set for normal conditions and a wide pair for powder days. They must also own a pair of ski poles.

Can you pack everything into your ski bag?

A proud ski geek should be able to proudly inform you that they can pack all they need for a ski holiday into their ski bag, thus making a saving on excess luggage. For extra kudos they should have a story about being told off by an airline for this, with the story concluding “anyway they let me on and they said don’t do it next time”.

Do you have a second “budget” ski holiday every year?

The best ski geeks will take a second ski holiday every year. However, this trip must be so cheap that it doesn’t sound any fun. The holiday must include some of the following; a coach trip from the UK with three or more stops: hostel style accommodation; two hour commute to the slopes each day; no free wine; other ski geeks; no eating out; hitch-hiking; homemade fondu; booking every aspect online separately.

Can you name every run in resort?

For most people a simple “I will meet you at the bottom of that run yesterday next to the bar we like” is all we need to arrange to meet up. For the ski nerd you must you use the piste name as well as give a recommended route and call each lift by name.

Have you ever been on a ski holiday on your own?

If you love skiing so much that you are prepared to leave your loved ones at home so that you can ski all day where you want and apres as late as you want, not get first lifts if you don’t want, drink as much at lunch as you want, then…. errm…. why don’t we all ski alone?

Do you have a collection of lift passes?

Most ski geeks will have at least one electronic lift pass in their wallet at all times. They will also have a collection of passes from all past ski trips. Attached to their ski trousers must be at least one day ticket from a snow dome or obscure ski resort. The older skier must also be able to produce a photo id ski pass from the good old days.

Is your facebook/twitter profile a picture of you skiing?

All true ski nerds live ski all year round on their social media pages. That is until they get married, then they will change their profile to a photo of them getting married, this will last a week then it will be back to a picture of them in hat and goggles, or of them getting some air, or a snow covered mountain range.

Have you ever had an argument about which is the best ski resort?

This is similar to an argument about which football team is better, the only difference here is that they will be using examples of black runs as opposed to formation strategy.

 

Why not unleash your inner ski geek and give us a call to discuss your next ski holiday 01273 466 535 or take a look at our chalets in Meribel and La Tania.


3 Valleys Snow Report – 30/1/15

FotorCreated3 Valleys Snow Report – 30/2/15

By Pete & Karolina

It has been a snowing all week here in the 3 Valleys, we started off with a couple of centimetres of snow on Saturday night and then about 10 centimetres on Monday night and into Tuesday. We woke up on Thursday morning to a similar amount of snow and it is still snowing now as I pen this. It is set to continue snowing on Sunday with the heaviest snow falling on Thursday night. 

It has been cold this week and with the fresh snow the slopes have remained in good condition and are improving as the grooming team work their magic. The forecasters are saying that next week the snow is due to return on Tuesday and the temperatures are set to stay low. 

I think we will have to get a prediction from the guys at cab9 snowboarding more often as they said it would snow most of this week and it has! The skiing and snowboarding conditions are improving everyday and with the amount falling at the moment it’s looking good for skiing this half term week!

We are heading out nearly everyday to the slopes to get some footage of what the snow is like for you (I know, it’s a hard job! ;)) So check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, get that tingly feeling in your feet and then come out and stay with us here inMeribel!


3 Valleys snow report 19th December 2014

FotorCreated3 Valleys snow report – 19th December 2014

The winter is here!!

The first week of the ski season 2014/2015 is almost behind us and I am happy to announce that yesterday on Wednesday, the 17th of December no less than 15cm of fresh snow has finally appeared  in Meribel and La Tania!!

As you might well know there has not been a lot of snow fall so far this winter and not all the lifts and runs have been opened. But every day we watch the pisteurs and the snow cannons in the Three Valleys working real hard to open up most of the area. Although the snow is definitely coming it is reassuring to know that the 2000 snow cannons alone can produce enough snow to cover 1/3 of the pistes . At the moment there are 69 lifts and 111 pistes open and with more likely to open for next week there is plenty of great skiing to enjoy here. It’s looking good for those of you coming for Christmas week – it seems that they have been keeping few runs closed to save them up for upcoming  festive weeks.

The first week’s guests have been out each morning catching the first lifts. Undoubtedly it took more planning and informative help from our resort reps to know what is open and how to make the best of  what is available. We have really enjoyed our time on the slopes this week especially yesterday, on our day off, as the snow came down and the pistes just got better as the day went on.

What our guest say

The Hutchings family staying in chalet Toubkal 2 this week had this to say about the conditions,  “It was occasionally icy, but surprisingly good given the time of the year. We even had some fresh powder for our family snowboarder. We’ve always been able to ski. For intermediate skiers there is plenty to ski with what is already open.”

Snow Forecast for next week

It looks like we could be getting some more snow on Saturday, followed with sunshine and colder temperatures for the rest of the week. However the weather changes so quikly in the mountains that you cant really predict more than a couple of days at a time!

The skiing is still really good out here and is set to only get better. Fingers crossed for some more snow!

piste meribel


This seasons favourite meals!

This seasons favourite meals!

by Kayleigh Foreman

I am sure this is a blog post everyone has been waiting for! During the last season we are happy to announce that the favourite canapé was Honey Mustard Sausages, favourite starter was Garlic Chilli Prawns and the favourite main was Lamb Shanks! So here is a short and sweet post with the recipes for these delicious meals, we thought you might want to try them at home! If you do try these out please post a picture on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and #alpineactionski we would love to see what you do!

Canapé, Honey Mustard Sausages

Preparation time 5 minutes

Cooking time 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 550g pack cocktail sausages

• 125g honey

• 60g grainy mustard

• 1 whole loaf brown bread

Method:

1. Prick the sausages and place in a roasting tray.

2. Pour the honey and mustard over the sausages and cook for about 1 hour in the oven until the sausages are nicely sticky. Meanwhile, slice the top off the loaf of bread in one piece. Hollow out the rest of the loaf so that you can use it as a basket to hold the sausages. Keep the insides – they can be used for breadcrumbs. Fill with the sausages and place the lid back on top. Serve immediately.

Starter, Garlic, lemon & herb sautéed Prawns

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking times 15 to 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.2kg of large frozen prawns (defrosted).

• 3 lemons

• 10g of fresh parsley chopped

• 10g of fresh coriander chopped

• 10g of fresh chives chopped

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Mache leaves

Method

1. In a large frying pan heat the oil up then add prawns and sauté for 5 minutes then add the garlic and herbs. And cook for 5 more minutes then add the juice of 1 lemon.

2. Cut the other lemons into wedges place on the side of the plate with a neat pile of the prawns and the dressed leaves then serve.

Main, Confit Lamb Shank

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cooking time 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 10 lamb shanks

• 11 sticks fresh rosemary

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 1 orange

• 45ml olive oil

• 35cl red wine

• 200ml beef stock

• salt & pepper

Method:

1. Grate the zest of the orange.

2. Heat the oil in a heavy lidded casserole dish or roasting tray and brown the lamb shanks on all sides.

3. Remove the shanks, and add the onion to the dish. Cook the onion with the orange zest until browned.

4. Add the wine, beef stock, 1 stick of rosemary and the juice of the orange, with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a simmer.

5. Replace the shanks, cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and place in a 180ºC oven for 2 1/2 hours. Check once or twice to ensure the liquid is not drying up, and add a little water if necessary.

6. Serve on a bed of sweet potato mash with some of the sauce spooned over the top and roasted vegetables around.


Eating out in Méribel

Eating out in Méribel

  The French ski resort of Méribel draws people from across the globe keen to experience the resort’s spectacular slopes, lively nightlife, charm and character for themselves. But aside from the pristine pistes and varied après-ski on offer, there’s another major reason to pay the resort a visit; the food.

meri1

Méribel is a mega-resort with a reputation for luxury, so you’d be forgiven for thinking dining options were restricted to expensive restaurants and Michelin-level fine dining, but this is simply not the case. Visitors to the resort can find everything from basic baguettes, burgers and pizzas all the way up to exquisite haute cuisine in five star surroundings. In short, there are eateries and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes.

Budget

 At the lower end of the dining spectrum, Méribel offers a wealth of sandwicheries and burger bars perfect for picking up an inexpensive lunch in advance or taking the kids for a cheap treat. With baguettes freshly made each day and fresh produce throughout, these inexpensive eateries are the perfect option for the price-conscious.

Venues such as the ever popular Jack’s Bar plus other centrally located options like la Taverne and Scotty’s all offer broad menus of filling burgers, pizzas and the like and the value for money is good. Over in Méribel Village, the Lodge du Villagebar and restaurant has been a favourite for years and with good reason. Other cheap eats like hot dogs, wraps and nachos are also popular options for seasonnaires, parents and kids alike.

Mid range

 Méribel’s superb mid-range restaurants are notable for those ever popular Savoyarde specialities so many skiers know and love. Fondues, raclettes, hot stone pierrades and tartiflettes feature heavily and make for a wonderful change from the norm, though international cuisine is also popular.

 For a good quality meal out which won’t break the bank, Méribel offers myriad options. Highlights include Chez Kiki andAux Petits Onions up the hill in Mottaret, plus le Refuge and la Galette in the heart of town centre. These traditional and characterful French restaurants may enjoy a certain mark up on their meals, but the food is superb and you’ll leave feeling full so the value for money is pretty decent overall.

Top end

 With stories of seafood being flown in directly to slope-side restaurants in time for the luncheon rush and cellars full of the finest vintage wines, the top-end restaurants in the Alps take their service very seriously and Meribel is no exception. The resort has a long history of haute cuisine and boasts some of the finest restaurants of any resort in Europe.

 For discerning diners looking for something truly special Meribel offers a few highlights, both on and off the mountain. Up on the slopes, establishments such as les Allodis offer the ideal location for a terrace lunch in the sun. Les Allodis sits opposite the mid-station of the Rhodos cable car with spectacular views and a menu to dine for. Other highlights include theGrand Coeur in town centre, a traditional restaurant with tip top service and superb food, and le Blanchot up near the Altiport, which is undoubtedly one of the very finest restaurants in the Meribel valley.

By – Liz  Camperhand