There are certain things that simply taste better in the mountains.
Cheese, obviously. A glass of wine after a day on the slopes. And, when you’ve spent a few hours outside in the cold, a really good hot chocolate.
I think hot chocolate is one of those little pleasures that can become part of a ski holiday without you ever really planning it. You don’t necessarily wake up thinking, “Today I’m going to find the perfect hot chocolate.” Instead, you ski for a few hours, your fingers start getting cold, somebody suggests stopping somewhere, and suddenly sitting down with a steaming mug in front of you sounds like the best idea you’ve had all day.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few places around La Plagne that I’d happily recommend for a warming drink. They each have a slightly different feel, so it really depends on what sort of afternoon you’re looking for.
And, of course, sometimes it’s the view and the atmosphere that make the drink memorable.
Croq’Neige, Plagne Centre
Front de Neige, Résidence de L’Orée des Pistes, Plagne Centre, 73210 La Plagne
Let’s start somewhere very easy.
Croq’Neige is perfectly placed on the piste very close to the main lift in Plagne Centre. It’s a great place to stop for a mid morning or afternoon hot chocolate, it’s pretty famous for being one of the best and richest in La Plagne.
The Croq’Neige is also a great lunch spot if you need somewhere central to stop and perhaps meet up with your group in the middle of the day. With classic french dishes such as Tartiflette and of course vin chaud to enjoy, it’s one of my favourite and most convenient places to stop.
The bar/restaurant sits just along from the main lifts leading up from Plagne centre and has great views of the mountain.
When I’d go: Mid morning or mid afternoon before heading back to Bellecote to catch the last ski lift over to the Les Coches side of the mountain.
La Casa de l’Ours, Plagne Villages
Centre station et Front de neige, Plagne Villages, 73210 La Plagne
Then there’s La Casa de l’Ours. You’ll find it right on the snow front at the bottom of the slopes. And yes, hot chocolate is specifically on the après-ski offering here, alongside crêpes, waffles and vin chaud. I think that combination tells you quite a lot about the sort of place it is.
It’s somewhere you can stop when you’re ready to take a break before skiing back to your accommodation.
There’s a large sunny terrace with loungers, while the restaurant also has a cosy interior and a fireplace for snowy days. It’s actually classed as a bar/pub as well as restaurant and pizzeria facilities. Personally, I think the terrace would be lovely on a bright winter afternoon.
When I’d go: Late afternoon, when you’ve done some serious skiing and want to relax before heading back to Les Coches.
Chalet des Dolines, Plagne Villages
Restaurant d’altitude Plagne Villages, 73210 La Plagne
Now this one might be my favourite suggestion if you’re looking for a proper mountain hot chocolate stop. Chalet des Dolines is an altitude restaurant in Plagne Villages at around 2,100 metres, and it can be reached via the Colosses or Bergerie chairlift, followed by the Trieuse piste.
And the reason it has made this list is very specific: hot chocolate and a homemade waffle.
I don’t think that needs much explanation. It’s one of those combinations that sounds almost too obvious once someone has suggested it.
The Chalet des Dolines also has a seated restaurant area for people who want to take their time, as well as a self-service section for those keen to get back out onto the slopes. The restaurant’s cuisine includes homemade dishes and desserts.
For me, this is much more of a “let’s make an occasion of it” stop.
So, take your gloves off, get comfortable, and have the waffle.
When I’d go: I’d choose a clear or reasonably bright day and make it part of the skiing. At 2,100 metres, the setting is a big part of the experience.
Sometimes It’s The Setting That Makes The Hot Chocolate
I think this is something people can forget when they’re researching a ski holiday in La Plagne.
We spend so much time thinking about the skiing, including which pistes to try, how much snow there is, and where the lifts go, that it’s easy to forget that you’re actually coming to the mountains to enjoy being in the mountains.
A hot chocolate is a very good excuse to do exactly that. You might sit outside in the sunshine for half an hour, perhaps find a warm table by a fire, or you might stop somewhere because your legs have had enough.
That’s one of the things I like about skiing. You don’t have to plan every minute of your day.
When is The Best Time For a Hot Chocolate?
For me, there are two particularly good moments.
The first is mid-afternoon.
You’ve already had a good few hours skiing, but you aren’t quite ready to finish the day. You stop somewhere, have something warm and sweet, and then decide whether you’re going back up for another run.
The second is after your final run.
This is probably the one I enjoy most. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about finishing skiing for the day, getting rid of your boots and knowing that there is absolutely nothing else you have to do.
There are some lovely places to stop in Les Coches for hot chocolate too!
A Few Things Worth Remembering
Mountain restaurants and bars are seasonal businesses, and opening arrangements can change with weather, snow conditions and the season. I’d always check the current information before making a special trip, particularly early or late in the winter.
As we are situated on the Les Coches side of the mountain, many of the amazing restaurants and bars on our side are accessible via lift as a pedestrian. This means that no one has to be left behind.
That’s worth knowing if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t skiing.
So, now you have all the insider knowledge, the next time you’re skiing around La Plagne and someone suggests stopping for a hot chocolate, I wouldn’t argue.
I’d probably join them.
Johanna
