4 easy ways to bring the mountains home

We are definitely missing the mountains and can’t stop dreaming of skiing… 

We know nothing can replace that feeling of first slopes on a bluebird day. But while we are waiting for the season to start, check out our favourite ways of enjoying the mountains from the comfort of your own home!  

1. Turn the fireplace on 

Coming back to a warm and cosy chalet, lighting the fire is one of the best feelings. Unfortunately, a lot of us do not have this luxury at home. But this is when modern technology comes in handy. Many streaming services offer hours of footage of fireplaces with crackling fire sounds. So, dim the lights and turn on your streaming service and amerce yourself in the mesmerising sounds of an open fire.

2. Indulge in traditional alpine cuisine  

Mountain food is unbeatable on your skiing holiday. Stopping for lunch for a delicious meal with panoramic views is something you just can not beat. So why not try one of our favourite mountain meals at home? From France – Fondue or Raclette  A choice that can divide any family. But with many similarities. Both fondue an raclette is accompanied by the same dishes of bread, potatoes and a variety of meats. However, fondue is a delicious pot of a selection of different melted cheeses, where you dip your bread in with a long 3-pronged fork. Whereas raclette is a block of cheese grilled and, once melted, is poured over potatoes.   Whichever option you prefer, this is a simple dish you can enjoy with friends and family. We all know when anything is covered in cheese, it always tastes better.  From Austria – Schnitzel  An option for meat lovers. Schnitzel, a thin slice of meat covered in breadcrumbs and fried until golden. Often thinned by pounding before cooking, the Schnitzel is usually served with fries and one not to be missed. A perfect option to take out your frustration of not being in the alps.   From France – Tartiflette   Ok, we needed another recipe for France. But warning! Only indulge in this meal you plan on not moving for the rest of the day. A dish filled with potatoes and an entire wheel of cheese wedged between them. Mix that with bacon browned in onion and garlic. Top this off whole cream and reblochon cheese. This dish may be heavy but unbeatable and easy to reproduce at home!  

3. Treat yourself to a mountain drink 

A trip to the mountains would not be complete without tasting the local tipple. But recreating them at home is just a little too easy!  Glühwein  Or mulled wine as it is often known. If you’re feeling the cold and want warm-up, then make your own Glühwein. Ever so easy. Simply heat up your red wine with a cinnamon stick, star anise, orange and a dash of brown sugar. Leave on the stove for around 8 minutes, then serve. What else could you ask for?  Aperol Spritz  If you’re looking for a fresh pick me up with a shocking colour, try Aperol. A vibrant orange drink with a blend of Aperol, prosecco and soda. Mmm, delicious and very quick to shake up!   Hot chocolate  Ok, you can make it Irish with a dash of baileys, but nothing beats a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows. For the ultimate hot chocolate, heat some milk in a pan and then add broken up chocolate. This can be your favourite milk or dark chocolate. But make sure you break up the bar and add it. Don’t use the powdered stuff; come on. You deserve better than that!   Tip! Add a small dash of vanilla extract to your milk while warming for an extra sweet taste.  

4. Watch a favourite skiing movie

With your crackling fireplace and a mug of hot chocolate, why not relax and enjoy a ski-themed movie?  If you’re looking for a romantic comedy, we recommend…Chalet Girl   Set in the beautiful Austrian alps, this movie contained the perfect ingredients for a light and enjoyable flick: humour, romance, dramatic twist and happy ending.  If you’re looking for a movie inspired by true events, we recommend…Eddie The Eagle   Filled with heartbreak, determination and some laughs…an underdog ski-jumper overcomes various challenges to become the first participant to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski-jumping.  If you’re ready for horror, we recommend… Frozen  And no, not the Disney sensation…this is the movie of everyone’s nightmares. 3 snowboarders are trapped on a ski lift, and when darkness sets, they need to find a way off or risk freezing to death.         We can’t wait to welcome you to the mountains again soon. But until then, relax and enjoy the feeling of the mountains from the comfort of your own home.