Savoyard Specialties Spotlight: Beyond Raclette at Chalet Du Crey’s Restaurant

When you picture Alpine comfort food, raclette often steals the show. At Chalet Du Crey’s restaurant in Valmorel, you’ll indeed find authentic Savoyard specialties, including raclette—especially during our convivial raclette evening. But the world of Savoyard specialties goes far deeper. This guide reveals what to explore beyond raclette, how to pair and enjoy regional flavors, and the best moments to savor them from our sunny terrace after a day in the mountains.

In this post, you’ll learn what defines Savoyard cuisine, which iconic dishes to look for during your stay, and practical tips to make every meal as memorable as your adventures on the trails and slopes.

Raclette at Chalet Du Crey: The Alpine Classic, Done Right

Raclette is the heart of many snow-season memories—and for good reason. At Chalet Du Crey:

• Raclette savoyarde is on the menu at our on-site restaurant.
• Our All Inclusive ski stays include a festive raclette evening starting on 5 April, the highlight of a hearty winter week.
• You can enjoy meals on our sunny terrace, the perfect place to unwind with mountain views after a day outside.

Our All Inclusive formula is designed for effortless mountain time: 5 or 7 nights, 4 or 6 days of skiing on Le Grand Domaine, and snow-guarantee cancellation insurance—with Sunday arrivals for smooth planning. Book your ski passes through us and pick them up at reception on arrival so you don’t miss a minute on the snow.

What Are Savoyard Specialties (Beyond Raclette)?

Savoyard cuisine grew from life in the high Alps: robust flavors, local cheeses, cured meats, and dishes that warm you from the inside out. While raclette is iconic, here are other classics to look for across Valmorel and the wider Savoie region during your stay.

Cheeses that define the region

• Beaufort: A famed cooked, pressed cow’s milk cheese known for its fruity, elegant depth—often called the “Prince of Gruyères.”
• Tomme de Savoie: Semi-soft, earthy, and versatile; perfect on a board or melted into comforting fare.
• Reblochon: Creamy and aromatic; the star of several baked Alpine dishes.

Hearty dishes to fuel mountain days

• Fondue savoyarde: A convivial pot of melted local cheeses, ideal for sharing after a cold-weather outing.
• Tartiflette: Potatoes, bacon, onions, and Reblochon baked into golden, bubbling satisfaction.
• Croziflette: A twist on tartiflette made with crozet (tiny buckwheat or wheat pasta), layered with cheese and lardons.
• Diots de Savoie: Savoyard pork sausages, often served with polenta or hearty potatoes.

Sweet Alpine traditions

• Gâteau de Savoie: An airy sponge cake that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
• Tarte aux myrtilles: Blueberry tart that tastes like the mountains in summer.

Tip: Savoyard specialties tend to be rich and satisfying—designed for long days on trails or slopes. Balance them with lighter breakfasts and active plans so you can enjoy every bite.

Where (and When) to Savor Savoyard Flavors at Chalet Du Crey

• Le Restaurant du Chalet: Our restaurant features Savoyard specialties, including raclette. It’s your cozy base for authentic mountain dining without leaving the hotel.
• Sunny terrace: In fine weather, enjoy breakfast, dinner, or simply relax with a drink outdoors.
• Breakfast buffet: Start strong with a generous buffet of fresh, local products—a warm, tasty launchpad for the day’s adventures.
• Seasonal highlights: From our raclette evening during the All Inclusive period to festive moments like Réveillon, the restaurant is where many mountain memories are made.

If you’re curious about specific dishes during your dates, chat with our team on-site—they’ll help you plan a delicious day around your activities.

Pairing Ideas for Savoyard Specialties

While menus and lists evolve, a few timeless pairing principles elevate Alpine cuisine:

• Cheese-forward dishes (raclette, fondue, tartiflette): Pair with crisp, refreshing drinks to cut richness and refresh the palate.
• Smoked or cured meats: Balance salt and smoke with bright, fruit-forward or herbal notes.
• Hearty sausages and polenta: Complement with something lively and aromatic for contrast.
• Mountain desserts (gâteau de Savoie, blueberry tart): Light, gently sweet beverages or herbal infusions keep the finish elegant.

These simple rules work whether you’re dining at the hotel, in Valmorel village, or packing a picnic with local specialties.

Plan the Perfect Alpine Day: Move, Explore, Then Feast

One of the joys of staying at Chalet Du Crey is how naturally great food follows great adventures.

• Winter ease: With good snow, you can ski via the Rocher piste to about 50 m from the hotel, and the Rocher drag-lift is just 100 m away—perfect for rolling right into dinner at the restaurant.
• Non-skiers welcome: The Pass Piétons-Raquettes lets you ride lifts for summit views of Mont-Blanc and even meet friends directly on the slopes before heading back for a Savoyard dinner.
• Summer discovery: Valmorel sits at 1,320 m and opens onto postcard-perfect meadows, streams, and peaks. From the hotel you can explore the legendary Col de la Madeleine by foot or bike.
• Trail and bike paradise: The area boasts 27 marked cycling loops across four sectors of the Vallées d’Aigueblanche—torrents, waterfalls, high-altitude lakes, alpine pastures, and rugged summits included. Trail runners have access to the Vanoise, Beaufortain, and Lauzière massifs right from Valmorel.
• Cyclist-friendly: Each spring, our ski locker becomes a secure bike room—your bike is king at Chalet Du Crey.

After any of these outings, nothing beats returning to a warm dining room or the terrace to enjoy Savoyard specialties—with raclette as a delicious cornerstone.

Quick Answers (Featured Snippet-Ready)

• Does Chalet Du Crey’s restaurant serve Savoyard specialties? Yes—raclette is on the menu, with a special raclette evening included during the All Inclusive period starting 5 April.
• Can I dine outdoors? Yes. You can have breakfast, dinner, or simply a drink on the hotel’s sunny terrace.
• What’s special about breakfast? A generous buffet of fresh, local products sets you up for the mountains.
• Is Chalet Du Crey close to the ski area? Yes. With good snow, you can ski to about 50 m from the hotel via the Rocher piste; the Rocher drag-lift is roughly 100 m away.
• How do I book? Reserve directly via “Réservez en ligne” for the best prices and flexible conditions. You can also email or call the hotel (details below).

Practical Tips for Enjoying Savoyard Cuisine

1. Make your day flow around your meal: Plan big cheese dishes for evenings, so you can relax and recover afterward.
2. Start light and local: Use the breakfast buffet’s fresh, local products to power a morning hike or ski session without overloading.
3. Split and share: Savoyard dishes are famously generous; sharing lets you sample more flavors.
4. Ask the team: Our staff knows the best times to enjoy the terrace, which trails pair with a long lunch, and how to fit a raclette evening into your itinerary.
5. Link dining with discovery: Combine dinner with a day exploring Valmorel—try the Pass’Montagne in summer for village activities, or head toward the Col de la Madeleine and return hungry.
6. Think recovery: After trail runs across the Vanoise, Beaufortain, or Lauzière massifs—or rides on the 27 marked cycling loops—Savoyard specialties become the perfect recovery ritual.

Conclusion: Your Table Awaits in the Heart of the Alps

From a convivial raclette evening to relaxing moments on the sunny terrace, Chalet Du Crey’s restaurant anchors your mountain stay with genuine Savoyard warmth. Explore the region’s broader specialties during your time in Valmorel, then return to the comfort of the hotel for the flavors that make Alpine dining unforgettable.

Ready to plan your stay and savor Savoyard specialties?

• Book direct via “Réservez en ligne” for the best prices and flexible conditions.
• Questions or requests? Email info@chaletducrey.com or accueil@chaletducrey.com, or call +33 (0) 4 57 55 11 34.
• Address: 390 Route Du Crey, Le Crey, F-73260 Les Avanchers-Valmorel.

Your alpine table is set—see you at Chalet Du Crey.