Skiing and good food go hand in hand. Ski resorts around the world are not just about steep slopes and breathtaking views—they’re also places where you can enjoy traditional dishes from different corners of the globe. In this article, we’ll take a look at ski lunches in resorts in Slovakia, the Austrian Alps, the United States, and even exotic Japan.

Flavors of Austria

Thanks to its location, unique conditions, and high-quality services, the Austrian Alps are the most popular international ski destination for Slovaks. Resorts like Sölden, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Kaprun offer not only perfectly groomed slopes but also hearty meals that refuel your energy and keep you skiing until the last lift closes.

One of the most traditional dishes is Wiener Schnitzel—a thin breaded and fried cutlet, typically served with lemon and potato salad or fries. Another specialty is Käsespätzle, a simple yet delicious dish made of soft egg noodles similar to dumplings, mixed with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. And if you’re craving something sweet during a day on the Austrian slopes, Kaiserschmarrn is a must-try. This traditional dessert consists of fluffy shredded pancake pieces, pan-fried and served with powdered sugar, jam, or applesauce. No Austrian ski menu is complete without Apfelstrudel, the classic apple strudel served with whipped cream.

Asian Exotic Flavors

Many people don’t realize that skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in Japan. The country experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, which is why thousands of deep-snow skiing enthusiasts travel there every year. If we take a look at the cuisine in Japanese ski resorts—such as those in the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture or in Niseko on the island of Hokkaido—we find well-balanced flavors and specialties that, back home, are usually served only in high-end or specialty restaurants.

A true ski lunch experience isn’t complete without looking at Asia’s take on mountain dining. One of the most traditional dishes is ramen—a rich, flavorful broth served with ingredients like egg, slices of meat, and nori seaweed. The exact toppings vary depending on the region and even the individual chef. Ramen is one of the best ways to warm up and refuel during a full day on the slopes. Another popular choice is tempura. Shrimp, vegetables, or mushrooms are dipped in batter and fried until golden and crispy. It’s also commonly added as a topping to ramen. A true Japanese specialty is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made from batter mixed with ingredients like cabbage, eggs, meat, or seafood. It’s topped with various sauces and dried seaweed flakes, making it a hearty and filling meal. And of course, Japan wouldn’t be complete without its world-famous sushi and sashimi. Even at ski resorts, you can enjoy fresh slices of fish served with soy sauce and rice in different variations.

American Specialties

Many popular ski resorts can also be found in the northern United States, especially in Colorado and Utah. These regions offer hundreds of kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes—and plenty of hearty ski lunches. As you might expect, the food is rich, fried, and designed to quickly restore energy. The most popular choices include classic burgers with fries, hot dogs, pizza, and various sandwiches. Also common is chili con carne—a spicy stew made from ground beef and beans—or fries topped with pulled meat and a generous layer of melted cheese.

Traditional Slovak

If reading this made you hungry, you’ll find great food right on the Biela Púť slope in Jasná as well. At the Folk Restaurant in the Ski & Wellness Residence Družba****, we’ve prepared a wide selection of tasty and quick ski lunch meals for the new season. You can enjoy Slovak cabbage soup (kapustnica) with mushrooms, sausage, and smoked meat, a strong chicken broth with meat and noodles, or garlic soup with cheese and croutons. For main courses, you can try Old Bohemian beef stewed in dark beer served with “Karlovy Vary” dumplings, “blacksmith’s pan” (kováčova panvica), flambéed poultry liver with onions, potato pancakes, or choose from a wide variety of filled dumplings. Stop by during your ski day in Jasná—you won’t regret it.