Learn how to Construct a ‘Charcuterski’ on Your Subsequent Ski Trip

Rising up as the child of two powderhounds, the one meals we had been allowed to deliver to the mountains had been PB&J sandwiches and granola bars that, most of the time, disintegrated in our jacket pockets earlier than we even obtained to take a chunk. (I will not identify the model, however each skier and rider is aware of precisely which one I am speaking about.) So, after I not too long ago took a visit to Courchevel within the French Alps, arguably the fanciest mountain on Earth, I took it as my likelihood to degree up in an enormous means and make myself a “charcuterski.” 

In 2024, skiers and riders took to Instagram and TikTok to partake within the mini-trend that mixes a love of meats and cheeses with snowboarding and driving — aka “charcuterski.” The premise is extremely easy: simply pack a charcuterie board’s value of goodies and unpack it in essentially the most stunning spot you’ll find for a snack to recollect perpetually. 

However, once more, I used to be in Courchevel, so in fact, I needed to degree up with the assistance of the culinary staff at L’Apogée Courchevel. 

“We’re very fortunate to be in a area the place charcuterie is at its greatest,” Vincent Arhuro, the meals and beverage supervisor on the lodge, informed Journey + Leisure. “A should: 36-month matured Savoy Ham. We will additionally discover smoked Ham Nuts and different smoked merchandise, reminiscent of sausages. In Courchevel, we additionally discover merchandise reminiscent of Jambon 5jotas from Spain and truffled ham.” 

Arhuro defined that Les 3 Vallées is the proper spot for such a culinary deal with, because the “temperature shouldn’t be a difficulty.” So, his staff packed me a bit field full of the whole lot I wanted and put them in a backpack so I may simply journey till snack time. 

Arhuro recommended establishing camp close to the Les Creux slope, because it presents incredible panoramic views. And that is exactly what we did, discovering a pleasant snowy nook off the Saulire raise, making certain most views and sunshine. 

I additionally discovered a particular merchandise inside that bag: a mini bottle of Veuve Clicquot that made for the very best après expertise I’ve had in my greater than 30 years of snowboarding. Nonetheless, Arhuro did provide just a few different recommendations for these trying to charcuterski towards the top of their day. 

“There are a number of drinks to select from, with Three Vallées lager an fascinating alternative,” he mentioned. “However in my view, a purple Savoie wine is good, with a Mondeuse Arbin cuvée Rosa from Domaine Adrien Berlioz, for instance, which is able to improve the charcuterie.” 

And whereas it was optimum to have a 5-star lodge pack a bag for you, you actually can have this luxurious expertise at any mountain, anyplace. All that you must do is head to the closest grocery retailer and decide up just a few meats and cheeses (tougher cheeses or pre-sliced cheeses are extra moveable and straightforward to make use of on the go) as a base. Then, add your crackers, dried fruit (once more, that is greatest because it’s pre-cut and will not leak), and a candy to finish the expertise with, like cookies or chocolate-covered nuts. It is your expertise, so customise as you see match.

Simply do not forget the après drinks. Canned beers and canned cocktails would make for an exquisite approach to say “cheers” to a day on the slopes, too. As a result of, actually, something apart from a stale granola bar would impress me.