Stopping in at a hut is simply a part of a day’s skiing, and if you’ve already worked up a sweat in the morning, then you have every reason to treat yourself to a good meal for lunch. SnowTrex presents 10 culinary hut classics that give you strength for the remainder of your ski day:
1. Kaiserschmarren
Shredded pancakes, raisins, powdered sugar, stewed plums – this sweet classic one of many hut delicacies. There are numerous legends about the origin of Kaiserschmarren, which is also available in other varieties. One legend says that Emperor Franz Joseph got lost during a hunting trip in a small inn, which was run by a “Kaser” (alpine dairyman). He could only offer his majesty a primitive “Schmarren”, but the emperor found it so delicious that he praised the brave alpine dairyman afterwards: “This ‘Kaserschmarren’ would be truly worthy of being called ‘Kaiserschmarren'”. Regardless of its origin, in Austria, Kaiserschmarren is simply part of a ski holiday.
2. Käsespätzle
Which cheese-lover doesn’t enjoy the thought of picking up their warm, cheesy noodles and creating long, stretchy, gooey strings of cheese? Käsespätzle is a hearty treat at every hut. However, if you quickly get tired after eating, you should think about how active you would like to be on the ski slopes in the afternoon – it might be better to eat just a small portion of delicious Spätzle topped with fried onions.
3. Gulaschsuppe
Also a classic amongst hut dishes: goulash soup. On cold ski days in particular, the soup brings a pleasant warmth back into the body and, thanks to thick meat and vegetables, gives you strength for the afternoon on the slopes. Bread is often served with the soup – ideally homemade and tasty. With this meal, you can defy even the lowest temperatures!
4. Germknödel
The Germknödel, also called Dampfnudel in some places, is especially popular with children as a lunchtime meal. The hemispherical yeast dumpling is served with melted butter or warm vanilla sauce. A mixture of poppy seeds and powdered sugar is sprinkled over it, making this classic sweet dumpling ready to eat. Often, the yeast dumpling still has a sweet core of plum jam, which mixes wonderfully with the butter or vanilla sauce as soon as you divide the dumpling with a spoon – yum!
5. Kaspressknödelsuppe
Another mountain hut dish for cold ski days: the Kaspressknödelsuppe. The dumplings are made of dumpling bread and regional cheese, swimming in a vegetable broth. Just like the goulash soup, this hut dish warms you from the inside and strengthens your body for further turns on all the slopes.
6. Apfelstrudel
There is no shortage of desserts in hut cuisine! In addition to the classics Kaiserschmarren and Germknödel, a piece of warm apple strudel is also ideal for filling up a stomach hungry from skiing. Depending on your preference, it is best served with whipped cream or warm vanilla sauce. Alternatively, especially in Austria, the Topfenstrudel is also offered: a curd strudel that has all the dessert-lovers swooning.
7. Wiener Schnitzel
Everyone’s had a Wiener Schnitzel! This traditional, thinly-breaded and baked piece of veal often doesn’t quite fit on the plate, especially when French fries or potato salad are also served. If you like, put a pinch of cranberries on each piece of meat – a real treat! Please note: While the “Wiener Schnitzel” is a piece of veal, the “Wiener-style Schnitzel” is made using pork.
8. Brettljause
If you don’t necessarily want to eat something warm, you should order a Brettljause! This hearty snack has everything a bread-lover’s heart desires: a combination of meat, sausage and cheese is often served with different types of bread. There is something for every preference, which means this snack is perfect for sharing.
9. Tiroler Gröstl
The Tyrolean Gröstl originated in Tyrol, but is prevalent throughout Austria. This traditional pan-fried dish captivates with a combination of fried potatoes and meat cut into pieces, rounded off with chopped onion and various spices and herbs. In most cases, a fried egg is also added to this dish. In short: down-to-earth, hearty and tasty!
10. Frittatensuppe
Pancake strips in beef stock – our tenth culinary classic among the hut highlights. This pancake soup or Flädlesuppe (Swabian) is a wonderful lunchtime meal at the hut, as it is not too heavy on the stomach, but at the same time is filling and warming. If you like, you can refine it with fresh chives.
Bonus: Trexpert Felix Neureuther’s favourite dish on the piste
“Definitely Viennese sausage and bread rolls. It always reminds me of the past. At the ski races I participated in as a child, there was always Viennese sausage and bread rolls at the finish line in the valley. Today, it tastes just as good and the food brings back memories”.
