Beautiful piste-side sun terraces

‘Pasatiempo’ roughly translates as pastime or leisure time. And by the time you’re sitting on the Pasatiempo terrace, you’ll realise just how aptly named the après-ski chalet at the Saanerslochgrat up on Saanenmöser actually is. What better spot to while away the hours enjoying delicious specialities and a wide selection of drinks while awaiting the marvellous sunset.

The Bärgrestaurant Vorsass Beatenberg is located at the middle station of the Niederhornbahn, making it the ideal spot to stop off during your downhill run, whether it’s by ski, snowboard or sled. Apart from the cosy restaurant and the views of Lake Thun, the Hebuleete Bar is also perfect for a longer break, for example to enjoy a home-made crispy Flammkuchen.

At 2,100 metres above sea level the Berghaus Standhütte at the mountain station of the Stand-Xpress gondola lift is the highest restaurant anywhere in the Adelboden-Lenk ski area. The two restaurants are ideal for recharging your energy levels before the next downhill run, which gets underway right next to the Standhütte. Alternatively, why not celebrate some serious après-ski in the great atmosphere of the Rondodrom with its glass roof.

For skiers, snowboarders, sledgers and winter hikers alike, the spacious terrace at the Schneebar ‘Wunderbar’ is simply ... wunderbar! It has lots of sun loungers for sunbathing and a heated igloo tent to warm up in, against a magnificent mountain backdrop, right in the heart of the Silleren-Hahnenmoos ski area in Adelboden.

As the name implies, the Alpen Tower Panorama Restaurant high above the Haslital boasts some breathtaking panoramic views. It’s no coincidence the mountain hut at 2,250 metres above sea level is called an “alpine tower”; after all, it stands majestically in the heart of the Alps of the Bernese Oberland and Central Switzerland. And, after a delicious meal, it’s straight back into the ski action in a matter of minutes.

The Schilthornhütte is located right next to the pistes of the Engetal ski area above Mürren, majestically enthroned on a rocky spur. So why not settle in on its terrace and soak up the views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Then fortify yourself with a delicious, hearty snack at 2,432 metres above sea level before continuing your snow-bound adventures.

Restaurant Hilten up on the Axalp, right next to the Chrutmettli-Horbigen downhill run and the Windegg-Dotzweg toboggan piste, is the ideal spot to take a hard-earned break from all your snow-based activities. Enjoy delicious cheese slices or the legendary venison platter, all with stunning views of the wonderful mountain panorama and Lake Brienz.

In the Bernese Jura, cross-country trails run for miles through beautiful landscapes. The Auberge Mont-Soleil Chez l’Assesseur in Sonvilier right next to the municipality of St. Imier is the perfect ‘staging post’. It’s also the ideal place to enjoy regional dishes or a fondue chinoise with beef sourced from the restaurant’s own farm.