Follow the sun

The best place to be between trips down the piste is undoubtedly sitting out on the terrace of a mountain restaurant. Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face as you admire the panoramic view and replenish some of the calories you just burned out on the slopes with a tasty treat.

EARLY MORNING SUN Bergrestaurant Lagalb

80 places in the sun

The gondola up to the Lagalb mountain station just keeps going higher and higher. It’s hard to describe just how incredible it feels to be one of the first skiers on the mountain, breathing in the cool, crisp early morning air. Enjoy the feeling of pure exhilaration as you click into your skis and glide down the perfect pistes all on your own. But the terrace at the mountain station is a tempting alternative... How about a cup of tea or coffee? Maybe a little something to eat? It’s nice and quiet there too first thing in the morning. You’ll struggle to find a seat later, but you can take your pick at this time of day. As soon as you take your seat, your face will be caressed by the first rays of the sun, bathing you in a gorgeous glow from way above Scima da Saoseo and Val Poschiavo. Heaven! The warmth of the sun and the spectacular panoramic view – of Piz Palü, Piz Bernina and Piz Morteratsch all in one –could easily make you forget that you actually came here to ski.

BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN

Alpetta, Corvatsch

Hop off the gondola at Corvatsch mountain station, 3,303 metres above sea level. But don’t rush off down the mountain on your skis or snowboard right away. First, make sure you take a moment to admire the stunning view of the Bernina massif right in front of you. And then it’s time for a quick trip around the world – from the Engadin to the south of Argentina. To Bariloche in Patagonia, to be precise. This town was once home to Santiago, your host at the recently renovated Alpetta restaurant. And you can taste his roots in the succulent rib-eye steaks, côtes de boeuf and rich Malbecs he serves up. As you indulge in those irresistible South American delicacies and feel the sun on your face, there’s every chance you'll never want the moment to end.

300 places in the sun

BLISSFUL AFTERNOON SUN Restaurant Pizzet

♥ The child-friendly Chastlatsch chairlift q Take the winter hiking trail to Pizzet Toboggan back down to the valley after dessert

The slopes at the family-friendly Zuoz ski resort catch the sun’s warm rays pretty much all day long. And so do the perfectly positioned sun loungers. It must be time for a break... As you head up from the village towards Pizzet on the Chastlatsch chairlift, you’ll spot a sun terrace. This is Restaurant Pizzet, where you’ll find pure bliss in the form of fluffy Kaiserschmarrn pancakes and an extensive coffee menu offering everything from the house blend to coffee-based cocktails. Your hosts Gerhard and Kathrin Enn know exactly what their guests want. Meanwhile, diners can look forward to local delicacies and authentic dishes inspired by their Salzburg roots. And if you were so busy having fun on the slopes that you forgot to eat lunch, never fear – just order yourself a crispy pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven!

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