It's inching towards spring skiing weather in many ski resorts and this is the perfect time to be seeking out the best mountain terraces in the Alps! The longer days and warm weather make you want to spend every second outside, so instead of huddling around a hearth clutching mugs of mulled wine, you'll increasingly find us skiers and snowboarders shedding the winter jacket and kicking back with an Aperol Spritz in a sun lounger, enjoying the sunshine! Here are 10 of our favourite alpine terraces for enjoying a lunch break or just a quick drink during your spring skiing holiday.
#1. The Stanglalm in St. Johann in Tirol
The Stanglalm in St. Johann in Tirol & Oberndorf is located near the red pistes 5 and 6a. The terrace gets sun early on in the day, making it the perfect spot for a mid-morning hot cocoa break or an early lunch. Relax and take in the incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks! Beware, you might find it difficult to drag yourself away from this terrace and keep skiing...
Nothing beats this view from the Stanglalm terrace in St. Johann in Tirol
#2. The Arena Center in Gerlos
One slight disadvantage of spring skiing is that the snow can get a little mushy later in the day. As most of us know, spring is truly the time when it pays to get up early, ski your legs off and then take it easy in the afternoon. In other words, the perfect excuse to seek out the Arena Center in Gerlos and have a glass (or two) of Aperol Spritz!
Cheers! Indulging in an après-ski Aperol Spritz at the Arena Center in Gerlos
#3. The Zirbenhütte in Fiss
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has no shortage of mountain restaurants with sunny outdoor terraces, but one of our absolute favourites is the Zirbenhütte. Here you'll find a spacious area with comfortable seats where you can grab a bite to eat or just relax in the sun.
Hard to beat the views at the Zirbenhütte in Fiss
#4. Berggasthaus Harschbichl in St. Johann in Tirol & Oberndorf
The lovely Berggasthaus Harschbichl is located at an altitude of 1604m in St. Johann in Tirol & Oberndorf and serves up Austrian specialties like Tiroler Gröstl andKäsespätzle accompanied by breathtaking mountain views. Don't forget to take a peak inside even on the warmest of days - this is a beautiful building.
The traditional and cosy Berggasthaus Harschbichl in St. Johann in Tirol Oberndorf
#5. The Kühtaier Dorfstadl in Kühtai
The Kühtaier Dorfstadl is located at the bottom of the slope near the HochAlterBahn gondola. From the terrace, you can judge the technique of the nearby skiers and snowboarders and just generally watch mountain life unfold before your eyes. The Kühtaier Dorfstadl also makes some of the most delicious Kaiserschmarrn in Austria.
Don't forget to order kaiserschmarrn at the Kühtaier Dorfstadl in Kühtai
#6. The Böglalm in Ski Juwel
We're diehard fans of the grilled chicken with chips at the Böglalm in Ski Juwel. Want to try? You'll find this mountain restaurant near the middle station of the Pöglbahn in Inneralpbach. In good weather, you can wile away hours and hours at the gorgeous outdoor terrace.
Ski Juwel's Böglalmoffers a cheery atmosphere and delicious food
#7. Do-it-yourself picnic in Valloire
If the prices are getting you down or if you've made a dash to the grocery store the night before to load up on local French cheese and sausage, then you'll appreciate the simple beauty of this picnic area in Valloire.
Bring your own food for a picnic in Valloire
#8. Restaurant Alpenhaus in Ischgl
The Idalp in Ischgl has a plethora of restaurants, including the classy Alpenhaus mountain restaurant. Chairs furnished with soft sheepskin and a row of sun loungers welcome world-weary skiers and snowboarders to this little mountain oasis.
Deluxe sheepskin seats at Ischgl's Alpenhaus
#9. The Röhrmoos in Kirchberg
The Röhrmoos mountain restaurant is located at the bottom of the Maierlbahn in Kirchberg. We recommend stopping by around 11 in the morning before it gets busy to sip a hot cocoa with a view of the slopes.
Hot cocoa with a view of the slopes at the Röhrmoosin Kirchberg
#10. The Wildalpgatterl in Fieberbrunn
Fieberbrunn boasts many cosy mountain restaurants, one of which is the Wildalpgatterl with a great view of the slopes. This is the perfect place to delve into a local Austrian dish. Don't be surprised if you see a llama wandering by - Fieberbrunn offers guided treks with llamas!
Saying hi to the llamas at the Wildalpgatterl in Fieberbrunn
What's your favourite mountain terrace for enjoying a hot cocoa, lunch or après-ski drinks in the sun?
About Danielle
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!