Snow-Filled Ski Escapes

Taking a winter holiday to a ski chalet is one of the most traditional ways to embrace the months of snow, ice, and little sun. Both in the US and abroad, fully serviced ski chalets, resorts, and hotels offer a simple way to escape with as little hassle as possible. Though finding lodging willing to cater to your vegetarian diet might be a challenge, with some good faith and guidance, discovering that scene-from-a-snow-globe vacation isn’t hard to do.

Skiology
Les Carroz and Morzine, France
Nestled in the French Alps, Skiology has four vegan-friendly chalets to choose from—two in Les Carroz: Deux Freres and Chalet Du Bois, and two in Morzine: Chalet La Roche and Chalet Lisiere. Called a “true foodie ski experience,” the chalets have created special menus catering to vegans. Skiology’s menu includes mixed mountain mushroom stroganoff with cêpes and morelles, the resort’s famous Bloody Mary soup, and pears poached in vin chaud—not to mention the endless wine, tea, and coffee delivered right to your room each morning. And due to its prime location in the mountains, you can start a day atop a French mountain and ski right into Switzerland—passport in tow, of course.

La Source Ski
Montchavin-Les Coches, France
For an equally charming French Alp experience in a more intimate setting, La Source Ski supplies a wide range of vegan options. The unparalled views and quaintness of this part of the Alps and the original alpine-style architecture of the chalet makes La Source an idyllic place to vacation and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Co-owner Linda Dungilson is vegetarian herself, and designs the menus to be extremely veg-friendly—think soy yogurt and cereal for breakfast, followed by a lovely afternoon tea, and a three-course meal that includes anything from chestnut red wine en cruet, cabbage spring rolls, or Mediterranean vegetable tartlet for dinner.

Haus Leo
Westendorf, Austria
For a more quaint and authentic excursion into the Alps, look no further than bed-and-breakfast Haus Leo. Since opening in 1971, Haus Leo has had vegetarian options on its menu, and vegan cuisine is always available on request. Last year, the chalet switched to serving exclusively vegetarian and vegan breakfasts that include juices, fruits, and rice milk. As for skiing, Haus Leo is located in an area that provides diverse terrains, from safer skiing conditions for more novice skiers to challenging runs for snowboarders and the snow bunnies with more experience. What’s more, the inn is only minutes away from the nearest gondola, so no need to lug heavy gear around town.

Nita Lake Lodge
Whistler, Canada
Luxury boutique hotel Nita Lake Lodge resides near the charming town of Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, and borders the southern Pacific ranges of Canada’s Coast Mountains. Move at a slower pace here, with the option to venture into bustling Whistler—which attracts more than two million eager skiers annually—whenever you please. All three of the restaurants available at Nita Lake Lodge provide local and organic foods (often picked from the lodge’s rooftop garden), but Fix Café and Deli takes dining to another level with vegetarian, vegan, and wheat-free dishes that satisfy every diet and taste.

Moving Mountains Chalets
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
For a domestic winter holiday with a vegan edge, look no further than Steamboat Springs, CO and the Moving Mountains Chalets. The catered chalets come with a personal chef who creates customized menus for every party, including vegan meals. Simply let the resort know of your preferences before you arrive, and everything will be ready upon arrival. Babysitting, shuttles to town, and grocery-shopping services ensure that visits are hassle-free, so travelers can focus completely on the slopes. The resort tries to reduce its carbon footprint through reduced energy consumption and by conserving water, among other endeavors.