Best Skiing Hot Chocolate // Snow2moro // Online Ski and Snowboard Magazine

Title:	HOT STUFF!
Author:	Clare Maloney
Date:	25-01-2012

It´s hot and it´s chocolate - what more could you want?:

Anyone who´s come in from the cold after a brisk morning´s skiing to the cosy buzz of a mountain hut, knows the restorative powers of a good hot chocolate.

Now there´s hot chocolate and there´s hot chocolate, but what makes a good one?

Rich, quality, dark chocolate and steaming, full-fat milk (not water) are the two key ingredients upon which some of the UK´s top chefs unanimously agree. From Nigella Lawson to Jamie Oliver, the basic recipe for a proper hot chocolate is much the same, give or take a few tweaks - a stick of cinnamon here or grind of nutmeg there.

Sometimes you stumble across an epic example, topped with a Matterhorn of whipped cream and molten marshmallows, but purists keep it sweet and simple - with maybe just a dash of rum for good measure.

With or without the alcohol, one slurp and you´re transported back to the slopes with a choc-dipped smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling in your belly that only the best hot chocolate can bestow.

Where to find some of the best hot chocolate in The Alps:

Kristallhutte, in the Hochzillertal ski area of Austria:

On a good day, grab a sheepskin-lined deckchair on the sundeck, listen to big-name DJs serving up mellow tunes, and treat yourself to one of the most sublime hot chocolates you´ll have ever tasted, for around 3.50 euros. Alternatively, you can cosy-up on sheepskin rugs in front of the hut´s huge open fireplace and gawp at its stunning circular copper chimney.

Kristallhutte

Hospiz Alm

Hospiz Alm, St Christoph, Arlberg:

This buzzing place is famed for its fun slide down to the toilets, incredible food and impressive wine cellar. Its hot chocolate isn´t half bad either. Ski/snowboard down the piste and find a spot on the sprawling sun terrace or warm up indoors in front of an open fire. Chic, atmospheric and definitely worth a visit.

The 4M´s Cafe Bar, Les Grandes Rousses Hotel, Alpe d´ Huez:

Ski down and straight into one of the 4M's most infamous apres ski tipples is The Snowshoe - an intoxicating mix of hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps and a shot of bourbon. If that doesn´t warm the cockles of your heart, nothing will! If you love your sports, you´ll love this place (Sky Sports screens all the UK action) and there´s live music round the clock.

The 4M´s Cafe Bar

The Top Mountain Star

The Top Mountain Star, Obergurgl ski area:

Perched in cloudland at the heady heights of 3080m is a bar called the Top Mountain Star, which looks a bit like a triple-glazed UFO and offers up a hot chocolate that is out of this world! Take in the incredible snow-capped vista as you wade through your mountain of cream - the closest thing to heaven in The Alps.

Chez Dany, Verbier:

For the hottest hot chocolate in Verbier, head to Chez Dany, which is on the ski route from Les Ruinettes down to Medran. Perched on a sunny plateau surrounded by forest, this infamous eatery boasts breathtaking views over the 4,314m Combins Massiv and Bagnes Valley. Pull up a chaise longue on the terrace and sip your heavenly chocolat chaud in sublime comfort as you soak up the atmosphere.

Chez Dany

Classic Hot Chocolate

Classic Hot Chocolate:

(Makes four small or two large cups)
2 cups full-fat milk
130g quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), finely chopped or grated
2 Tbsp light brown sugar

Heat the milk in a saucepan. Once milk is warm, but not boiling, whisk in the sugar and chocolate, stirring until melted. For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, continue cooking at a very low boil for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Add a dash of rum, if desired.