How to plan a trip to La Crapahute restaurant

In a stunning Alpine clearing, against a backdrop of rolling mountain views, sits a quaint wooden-chalet style restaurant that wouldn’t look amiss in a scene from a fairytale. Reachable in winter via a 25 minute, snowy walk through the stunning winter wonderland of the Vallee de la Manche, La Crapahute takes a little more effort to reach than your average mountain venue. But those who choose to put in the time to discover this remarkable little place, usually remember it as one of the highlights of their holiday.

As so often when travelling we hear whispers of great things to check out, but are left unsure as to how to make it happen, here we’ve included everything you need to know to plan your trip to La Crapahute. So don’t miss out on your next holiday!

How to get to La Crapahute

In winter

To reach the restaurant in winter, you will need to either drive and park at L’Erigne parking or use Morzine’s free bus service. If the latter, jump on a line E bus from the Pleney or Marie bus stops.

It’s a 10 minute ride to L’Erigné following the river road through the stunning Vallee de La Manche, a pretty area of rural chalets and farmhouses. Park, or exit the bus, at L’Erigne, which is literally at the end of the road (further access into the mountains is prohibited in winter). It’s worth checking out this area, there is a giant igloo to explore and a sledging area.

You now need to walk to La Crapahute, which although up hill is not too strenuous and is possible in snow boots. Follow the cross-country ski track through the forest and into the mountains. After about 20 minutes you end up above the restaurant – which stands alone in a clearing, making it unmissable and quite spectacular to see against the view down the valley. Simply descend down to the front door.

Don’t be surprised to see a few skiers and snowboarders on this walk, the route is the return to Morzine for off-piste skiers fresh off the Col du Fornet – a challenging back country route accessed via the Fornet chairlift in Avoriaz. Of course, if you wish to incorporate a trip to La Crapahute as a well-earned moment of recovery after skiing this classic Avoriaz route, that is absolutely possible for advanced skiers and board riders, and providing the conditions are safe (check avalanche advice, as Col du Fornet is a high-rick, southern facing descent).

After your meal, it is also fun to sledge back to the parking – something we have had great fun doing!

In summer

In the summer the mountain road beside the restaurant is accessible, either by car (and parking by the road) or via the shuttle bus, which goes all the way to Lac Mines d’Or. From the road it’s a few metres to the restaurant. It’s the perfect spot after a hike in the mountains or around the beautiful Lac Mines d’Or.

Type of food and specialities

La Crapahute serves traditional, home-made Savoyard food, including tartiflette, fondue and raclette, as well as more elaborate cuisine. The chef’s specialities are potato fritters; veal rice with morel (mushroom) sauce; pork tenderloin with honey sauce; as well as starters such as home-made foie gras and warming vegetable soups.

Whilst there is no specific vegetarian menu, guests are invited to request non-meat dishes. There is a children’s menu with a main course and ice cream.

Setting and Ambience

Don’t assume that due to its remote location, La Crapahute is quiet. Thanks to its reputation, the place is well loved by a wide mix of clientele – locals, families, extreme skiers and returning visitors. Inside there is room for just 30 guests with an extra 38 on the terrace, but its advisable to book ahead to ensure you get a table. Outside the dining on the terrace is covered and heated to a cosy temperature in winter, and you’ll find a number of small wooden cabins a few metres away. These offer intimate dining for up to 10 people and are great fun for a special occasion or holiday treat.

In summer, barbecues are organised and there is a mini golf course for children next to the restaurant.

How to make a booking

Call: 06 04 53 19 34 to book, and to find the menu visit La Crapahute’s facebook page.

To discover more of Morzine’s culinary treats, read our top 10 recommendations for restaurants in Morzine. For a real foodies holiday, consider a stay in one of AliKats’ award-winning catered ski chalets. We specialise in sustainable ski holidays, with exceptional food, private transport to the ski slopes and friendly customer service.