Lindt UK ranks Villars-sur-Ollon in Switzerland as the best ski resort for hot chocolate based on price, availability, and quality.
Ski season is just beginning on slopes across Europe, and 400 million skiers are set to travel between December and April in pursuit of pristine snow, thrilling runs, and vibrant après-ski scenes.
While snow quality and the variety of slopes are crucial for some, many eagerly anticipate snuggling by the fire in a cosy alpine lodge, savouring the quintessential winter indulgence: hot chocolate.
From a classic hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows to an extra-thick and creamy ‘Viennese’ hot chocolate, or even a hot chocolate with a dash of warming liqueur—there are plenty of options for a warm, indulgent treat after a long day carving down the piste. But where can seasoned skiers find the ultimate hot chocolate?
Lindt UK decided to find out, analysing data from almost 300 European ski resorts to determine which are the best (and worst) for hot chocolate. The research focused on the average price of a hot chocolate, availability in restaurants, cafes, and bars, and finally, online review ratings. They then scored each factor individually, and every resort was assigned a ‘Lindt Ski & Sip’ score out of 100 before being ranked accordingly.
Europe’s best (and worst) ski resorts for hot chocolate lovers
According to the comprehensive scoring system, the best hot chocolate can be found in Villars-sur-Ollon, which gained a Lindt Ski & Sip score 83.5 out of 100. Nestled in the Vaud Alps in Western Switzerland, this cosmopolitan resort has welcomed skiers for 150 years and offers an idyllic setting to enjoy a wintery hot drink.
Here, a cup of hot chocolate is available for an average price of €4 and is on around 25% of menus in the resort’s restaurants, hotels, and cafes. The average online user rating for eateries in the area is an impressive 4.6. All this makes Villars-sur-Ollon a top destination for hot chocolate enthusiasts.
Based on the data, the following resorts are the best for hot chocolate lovers based on their good quality, ease of availability, and reasonably priced cups of cocoa:
1. Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland (83.5/100)
2. Crans Montana, Switzerland (81.5/100)
3. Madonna di Campiglio, Italy (80/100)
= Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy (80/100)
4. Breuil-Cervinia, Italy (79.5/100)
= Tignes, France (79.5/100)
The ski resort that scored the least based on the criteria was Mont des Brumes in Belgium. Located in the Ardennes region, the resort offers limited skiing options compared to those in the Alps, making it more popular among people living in the region, rather than visiting tourists. This was reflected in its poor hot chocolate offering, scoring only 32 in the overall ranking.
These were the bottom five resorts for hot chocolate lovers overall:
1. Mont des Brumes, Belgium (32/100)
2. Risoul, France (37/100)
3. Val d’Arly, France (39/100)
4. Bad Gastein, Austria (39.5/100)
5. Lech, Austria (40/100)
The price of hot chocolate on European slopes
When it comes to pricing, the average cost of hot chocolate across all the European ski resorts included in Lindt UK’s study was €5.58. However, this varies from country to country and resort to resort.
Of the countries with 10 or more ski resorts, Austria had the highest average hot chocolate price at €7.95. It was also voted the best country for skiing in Europe, with exclusive ski resorts like Lech contributing to its overall costs being higher than those in France and Switzerland. And while Greece might not come to mind when thinking of skiing, the Mediterranean nation’s ski resorts have the lowest average price for a steamy cup of cocoa, costing around €3.99.
Ski resorts in these countries are the most expensive when it comes to buying hot chocolate:
1. Austria: €7.95
2. France: €6.88
3. Switzerland: €6.28
4. Norway: €5.43
5. Sweden: €5.22
6. Italy: €5.13
7. Germany: €4.81
8. Slovenia: €4.70
9. Spain: €4.67
10. Bulgaria: €4.10
11. Greece: €3.99
Sophie Adams, Digital Content Marketing Manager from Lindt UK said: “As we find ourselves in the midst of ski season, we’re excited to reveal where to find the best hot chocolate on Europe’s slopes. Hot chocolate is the perfect winter indulgence – offering warmth, comfort, and a touch of luxury after a day of skiing.
“Villars-sur-Ollon topped our research not only for its stunning Swiss scenery but also for delivering good quality hot chocolate at a reasonable price, making it the ultimate destination for cocoa lovers seeking a memorable après-ski experience.”
The full research of almost 300 European ski resorts can be seen here.