The Skier’s Guide to Snacks in Chamonix

Pain Au Chocolat

As I’ve been reminded time and again by the locals here, pain au chocolat is not a “chocolate croissant.” Therefore this delicious creation gets its own mention here. You already know what this one is too, but I tend to eat at least one a day while I’m skiing in Cham. In town, I think the best one is from Cafe Richard, but the short trip to Argentiere’s L’Al’Pain bakery is well worth it to get their take on the matter.

Feuilleté Citron

A distant relative to the croissant, the Feuilleté Citron is yet another insane contribution to the world of pastries. This one is something like a cross between the citrusy kick of a lemon bar and the buttery pastry dough goodness of a croissant.

Mont Blanc

This is probably among the least portable snacks I’ve found in Cham, but it’s certainly quite delicious. Best enjoyed at a cafe on a sunny afternoon after riding all day, this aptly-named dessert is made with sweetened chestnut puree on a biscuit or meringue base, then topped with whipped cream. It’s a little weird, but really hits the spot if you’re looking for a sweet treat for après.

Clafoutis

I have to chuckle every time I say the name of this one (it’s pronounced cla-foo-tee), but it absolutely slaps. It’s a crustless sweet doughy tart, filled with cherries and other fruits. The best part of a clafoutis for skiing is that they are small and pretty sturdy, so they won’t get destroyed in your ski pack.

Quiche Lorraine

On my last trip to Chamonix, I was lucky enough to spend a few days riding with steep-skiing legend Vivian Bruchez. While watching him absolutely delete a Tiramisu atop the Punta Helbronner, I asked him what his favorite ski snack was. He smiled, and told me that he actually prefers the savory ones, and that it would undoubtedly be a Quiche Lorraine. These egg, cheese, and bacon quiches can be found at most bakeries in the valley and are best eaten warmed up while walking to the gondola station.

Coca-Cola

What’s Coca-Cola doing on this list, you might ask? Well, in France, the glass-bottled variety, similar to the Mexican Coke you can find in bodegas in the States, is quite easy to find. It’s made with real cane sugar and is oh so refreshing at a mountain hut or the trailhead restaurant at the end of a long day of skiing. That hit of sugar and caffeine is exactly what you need to keep it going.

Poco Loco Burgers

A local (and a tourist) favorite, Poco Loco has been serving delicious burgers and cold beer to hungry Chamonix skiers since 1996. Don’t be put off by the long line outside this divey joint, the wait is worth it. A personal favorite menu item after a big mission that ran a little longer than expected? The double hashbrown burger, with fries.

Italian Pizza

I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take advantage of a clear day off the Aiguille Du Midi but don’t want to ski anything gnarly, grab a friend and ski across the Vallee Blanche into Italy. If snow conditions allow, it’s possible to ski all the way down into the Courmayeur valley–if not, hop on the Skyway Tram and enjoy the view of Mont Blanc while riding down one of the world’s coolest aerial trams. Then, take a short bus (or walk) into the town of Courmayeur and grab yourself a well-earned pizza. 

Aperitivo

This one is also more of an Italian thing, but many bars in Cham are catching on. Hey, the Italian border is just on the other side of Mont Blanc. Aperitivo isn't a dish as much as it is a cultural phenomenon. Head into a wine bar that serves aperitivo during après hours, order a drink, and you'll be served a few delicious snacks for free. It's usually along the lines of various focaccias, olives, pickles, and dips, but can be as elaborate as whole pizzas, fried chicken, or entire sandwiches.