Ski picnics? In the winter? How does that work? Advice and suitable locations

Are you on a ski trip in Méribel-Mottaret? Are you asking yourself questions like: “Can we really eat outside at 0°C?”, “How do we find a sheltered spot in the ski area?” or “How can I keep my meal warm whilst skiing?”

We unpack winter picnic advice from all angles: the surprising bonuses, the main motivations and the most suitable places to have a picnic within our ski area.

Getting organised, safety advice, comfort food ideas and essential equipment: your compete guide awaits: let’s rewrite the rules for ski lunches!

Avoiding busy restaurants? Embracing nature resonates differently with each skier. Some seek an authentic reconnection with their mountain environment, far from the urban tumult and overcrowded terraces. This total escape takes you back to life’s simple pleasures: tucking into your sandwich surrounded by silent summits.

For families, winter opens the doors to memorable new experiences. Your children will treasure the pictures of your picnics in the snow, those “out-of-the-ordinary” moments during your holidays in Méribel-Mottaret. The wonder in their eyes is worth more than all the gourmet restaurants in the area!

Outdoor lunch breaks also reinforce those social and family links in an incredible setting. Sharing your flask of hot chocolate and swapping tasty treats creates a unique complicity. Those shared moments weave lasting memories across generations.

Winter also inspires your culinary creativity: testing new wintry recipes for the snowy season, discovering surprising combinations or revisiting classics. This gastronomic exploration adds a fun dimension to your alpine escapades.

And finally, whether it’s between two descents or during a break from another snowy activity, these moments of relaxation re-energise the body and the soul. You recharge your batteries naturally, plan your day to suit your wishes, and savour that sense of total liberty in our 3 Vallées ski area.

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to have a snowy picnic! It’s one of the authentic pleasures of the mountains. That said, wintry weather conditions do require a little forward thinking. Intense cold, glacial winds, ambient humidity and snowy days can make a radical difference from picnicking in the summer months!

The choice of location therefore has a huge influence on the successful outcome of your winter ski picnic:

• Look for natural shelter: an imposing rock, a thicket of trees or protective geographical feature

• Avoid windy areas exposed to chill winds

• Seek out sunny places, but don’t forget your sunscreen

Insulating the ground is a priority to protect against hypothermia. A good quality waterproof mat, a thick and resistant rug or a water-resistant layered groundsheet will effectively separate you from cold, damp snow. This thermal barrier will help maintain your body temperature during your meal at altitude.

If you want to go one step further and bring special equipment – how about insulated folding chairs, a robust but light travel table or even a wind break. Such accessories transform your experience and make it more pleasant in challenging conditions.

Read more about how to pack for a ski holiday which details all the essential equipment.

Winter in the mountains calls for meals that are comforting, full of energy and easily transportable which will support your body in the colder conditions. We burn a lot of calories in cold weather so prioritise nourishing food that warms and sustains you and maintains energy levels.

Opt for warm dishes which re-heat you instantly:

• Thick soups with seasonal vegetables in a quality isothermal flask

• Beef or lamb stew prepared the night before

• Slow-cooked dishes with beans or lentils rich in protein

• A quiche (perhaps Lorraine or vegetable) in a suitable hermetic container

• Savoury tarts, easy to slice and share

• Hot sandwiches with rustic bread, local Savoie cheese and/or charcuterie

Suitable cold dishes to complement your menu: generous sandwiches with ham or mountain cheeses and a country loaf.

Essential high energy snacks:

• A selection of dried fruits: juicy apricots, sweet figs, tender dates

• Crunchy almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts

• Cereal bars

• Muffins with chocolate chips

• Home-made biscuits

Don’t forget that hot drinks quickly warm the body:

• Black tea or a herbal infusion with aromatic alpine plants

• Coffee in a good quality flask (that doesn’t leak!)

• Creamy hot chocolate

• Spiced mulled wine (for the adults only, of course)

Nutritional balance is still important, even at altitude: carefully alternate proteins with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Prepare your slow-cooked meals in advance, invest in good quality insulated lunchboxes and robust flasks.

Keeping your meal warm on the slopes until lunchtime requires a little organisation. Isothermal containers, electrically heated lunchboxes and professional quality thermal flasks make up your arsenal of weapons against the cold.

Our top tips for maximising extra insulation: wrap your warm dishes in a thick fleece, or even better, slide them into an isothermal bag covered in reflecting aluminium foil. This thermal barrier will efficiently prolong the temperature conservation.

Pre-heating the container makes all the difference. Rinse out your flask and lunchbox with boiling water before putting your hot food inside. This simple technique adds several hours at optimum warmth.

Chemical heating elements or reusable heating packs will complete your picnic equipment. Activate them just before heading out and place them strategically around your food containers.

Timing is key to success: prepare/heat your meal just before leaving your accommodation and eat promptly once you arrive at your destination. Every minute counts in this race against your food cooling!

It’s important to note the advice around food safety! Respect the minimal temperature of 60°C, avoid dishes made with chicken or fish that handle temperature variation less well. Opt for substantial dishes: thick soups or hearty casseroles and slow-cooked meals.

Your comfort and the success of your picnic depends first and foremost on your clothing. The system of three layers is your best ally against the elements:

• Thermal base layer: technical underclothing which wicks away body moisture

• Insulating middle layer: a fleece or lightweight down jacket to trap warmth

• Outer layer: waterproof windproof jacket to block snow or rain

Don’t forget your extremities, always the first victims of cold weather:

• Warm, lined and waterproof gloves or mittens

• Hat to fully cover the ears

• Scarf or neck warmer to protect from drafts

• Warm socks in merino wool or technical fabric

Pay careful attention to your footwear: choose a waterproof boot, with thermal insulation and grippy soles for walking on icy snow.

Prioritise breathable clothes which wick away body moisture and avoids the chilling effect of damp cotton next to the skin. Slip some spare dry clothes into your backpack just in case anything gets wet.

Even with cloud cover, apply sunscreen generously and wear sunglasses: the sun’s rays bounce of snow and can burn skin and eyes quickly.

When it comes to children and babies: add extra layers, regularly check their body temperature and always pack spare dry clothes. Their extremities cool down much more quickly than those of adults.

Finally, don’t forget to care correctly for your ski and winter clothes after your trip to Méribel-Mottaret!