Ferme Auberge d’Ariondaz Courchevel: Mountain Farm Dining
A meal at Ferme Auberge d’Ariondaz Courchevel shows you a very different side of the resort from the grand dining rooms of 1850. High above Courchevel 1650 Moriond, this authentic mountain farm inn sits right against the slopes, operated day to day by pastoral farmers Bernard Chardon and Emily Roux. It is a genuine working farm where dairy cows graze the alpine pastures in summer and provide the milk, cream, and cheese that anchor the winter menu.
If you appreciate uncomplicated food made from ingredients produced on the land where you eat, this small wooden refuge should be on your list. With room for fewer than twenty people indoors and a wide deck facing the summits, it delivers one of the most characterful mountain lunches anywhere in the valley.
At a glance
| Type of place | Traditional alpine farm inn (ferme-auberge) |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1650 Moriond |
| On the slopes? | Yes, ski-in/ski-out near the top of the Ariondaz gondola |
| Cuisine | Savoyard farmhouse cooking and homemade dairy |
| Booking | Essential due to roughly 19 indoor seats |
| Season and hours | Daily in winter (roughly 9:00 am to 4:00 pm) and summer; varies by season |
| Price range | Set menus around €25 to €35; à la carte €12 to €30 |
Why eat here
Ski resorts often feature mountain restaurants that look rustic on the outside but operate as high-volume commercial kitchens inside. Ferme auberge d’Ariondaz is the real thing: a small pastoral enterprise where Bernard Chardon and Emily Roux spend their lives farming and cooking in rhythm with the seasons.
The kitchen sources its key ingredients from its own herd of Tarine dairy cattle. The milk, fresh eggs, and mountain cheeses do not come from a regional distributor; they come from the pastures right outside the door. Eating here feels like visiting a family homestead where every pot of melted cheese and every plate of mountain charcuterie connects directly to Savoyard alpine heritage.
The setting: high pastures and big views
The inn sits at approximately 2,000 meters altitude near the arrival of the Ariondaz gondola, placed right along the edge of the ski pistes between Courchevel Moriond and the wilder reaches of the Vallon des Avals. In winter, you can slide straight to the door from the groomed trails.
The building itself is a traditional wooden chalet d’alpage that keeps life simple. Inside, the space is remarkably intimate, accommodating roughly 19 guests around shared wooden tables. When the sun shines, diners head to the south-facing outdoor terrace. From these benches, you look out across the valley toward Mont-Blanc and the Grande Casse, watching skiers glide past while you take off your gloves and let the high-altitude sun warm the table.
The food and drinks
The menu focuses squarely on Savoyard staples built around the farm’s own dairy production. The Tarine cows produce rich, fragrant milk that yields exceptional alpine cheeses, served in classic fondues and bubbling portions of raclette alongside cured mountain charcuterie and potatoes.
One of the standout specialties is fresh sérac, a traditional whey cheese made right on the farm. While sérac can be eaten simply, the inn also transforms it into a light and creamy tiramisu au sérac, which has become one of their signature desserts. Before clipping back into your bindings, you can also buy rounds of farmhouse cheese directly on-site to pack back down to your chalet.
For drinks, you will find regional wines and warm beverages well suited to a snowy afternoon. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age in France is 18. Alcohol hits harder at 2,000 meters, so keep consumption moderate before heading back down the ski trails.
Booking and timing
Because the indoor dining room holds roughly 19 guests, reserving a table in advance is essential. On snowy or windy days when the terrace cannot open, every seat inside fills instantly. If you arrive without a reservation during peak lunchtime, you will likely be turned away.
Winter operations run from early or mid-December through mid-April, open daily from roughly 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for lunch and warm afternoon breaks. In the summer, the inn opens daily from early July through late August for lunch, dinner, and visits to watch the evening cow milking. During September, operations scale back to cheese and beverage sales only. Check through the Courchevel tourist office or the farm’s official channels to verify exact current hours and reserve your space.
Local tip: Book an early lunch sitting around noon. The sun on the south-facing deck is at its best, and you will have ample daylight to ski the sunny Moriond runs afterward.
Prices and practicalities
Compared to the higher-end establishments across the 1850 slopes, dining at this farm inn represents very fair value for money on the mountain. À la carte dishes typically range between €12 and €30, while hearty set menus run between €25 and €35. Remember that exact figures change over time, so verify current menu prices on site.
| Menu Option | Typical Price Level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| À la carte dishes | €12 to €30 | Individual plates, soups, and cheese platters |
| Set menus | €25 to €35 | Multi-course farmhouse lunches with signature cheeses |
| Children’s menu | €15 | Scaled portions suited for younger skiers |
Families are warmly welcomed here. Children generally enjoy the presence of farm animals and the relaxed outdoor atmosphere, backed by a dedicated children’s meal price of €15. However, dietary flexibility is limited. The kitchen is heavily anchored around melted cheeses, cream, and cured meats. Vegetarians who eat cheese will dine happily, but the menu is not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
Getting there and where to stay nearby
Ferme auberge d’Ariondaz sits high above Courchevel 1650 Moriond. Skiers can reach it easily by riding the Ariondaz gondola out of the Moriond front de neige and dropping along the pistes toward the edge of the Vallon des Avals. The inn sits directly beside the piste with clear access.
Pedestrians can join skiers for lunch here as well. You can purchase a pedestrian lift ticket for the Ariondaz gondola at the main village lift office, ride up to the top station, and follow the designated walking path down to the chalet. Free resort shuttle buses connect Courchevel Moriond to Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel Village. If you drive to Moriond, leave your car at the covered Ariondaz or Cimes Blanches car parks near the lift departure. In summer, hikers can walk up marked mountain trails or follow the narrow mountain track.
For accommodation, Courchevel 1650 Moriond is the natural base. It offers convenient lift access, a sunny western exposure, and an easygoing village rhythm compared to the higher resort hubs.
Nice to combine with
A stop at the farm pairs naturally with a morning exploring the wide, rolling blue pistes of Courchevel Moriond. The runs off the Signal and Chapelets lifts are among the most enjoyable intermediate cruising terrain in Les 3 Vallées, offering expansive views and consistent snow.
Before you leave the groomed runs, remember basic mountain safety: wear a well-fitted helmet, carry appropriate ski insurance, and stick strictly to marked pistes. The terrain edging into the Vallon des Avals is uncontrolled alpine wilderness; never venture past the markers without an experienced local guide and a full transceiver, shovel, and probe kit checked against the morning avalanche bulletin. After a relaxed lunch and a slice of sérac tiramisu, an easy cruise down the pistes back into Moriond finishes the day nicely.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“A great spot for lunch featuring local products! Reservations recommended. The setting is lovely, right on the slopes. The omelet is excellent, as is the charcuterie. Don’t forget dessert!”
“I love this farm for a simple lunch made with local products on the slopes. Ideally located at the top of the Ariondaz ski lift. A great place to eat.”
“Super friendly! We were able to have lunch between customers even though we didn’t have a reservation, and the food was really high quality. Remember to bring cash. We’ll be back!!!”
What some found difficult
“Caught in an unexpected morning storm during a hike, we were excited to discover this place. The welcome was appalling because we arrived half an hour before opening time. We were forbidden from taking shelter inside to wait for them to…”
“Really bad service – was sat for 20 minutes and nobody came to our table. I had to go inside to ask to order and still didn’t get served after half an hour. Go elsewhere on the mountain as the service is terrible !”
“I’m giving one star for the atmosphere which was some sort of cosy and one star because I’m a generous person. Today I’ve met some friends for short lunch. When I’ve asked what is the soup of the day the lady replied that they won’t serve…”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-skiers reach Ferme auberge d’Ariondaz?
Yes. Non-skiers can ride the Ariondaz gondola up from Courchevel Moriond and walk down along the designated pedestrian path to the chalet. Be sure to wear sturdy winter walking boots with good grip.
Can I buy cheese to take home?
Yes. Bernard Chardon and Emily Roux sell their farm-made alpine cheeses directly from the chalet. You can purchase whole pieces or wedges on-site during your visit.
Do I need to reserve a table in advance?
Reserving in advance is strongly recommended. The indoor dining room has only about 19 seats, so tables fill very quickly when bad weather closes the outdoor terrace.
Is the restaurant open during the summer?
Yes. The farm opens daily for lunch and dinner from early July through late August, and visitors can watch the cows being milked. September operations are limited to cheese and beverage sales.
Find it
Address: Alpage d, Rue de l’Ariondaz, 73120 Courchevel, France
