"9 May 2023 5 minute read 
Sally Waine
... was a chef in Chalet Panda this last season. We asked her to tell us a bit about herself and give us her thoughts on food and nutrition on a ski holiday. Read on to discover more ...
Tell us a bit about your background in food / nutrition Sally
I have had a strong interest in food and nutrition my whole life. After finishing school, I completed a degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds where I spent a year working as a food product developer for Mondelez International. This heightened my passion for food and cooking and led me to complete a diploma at Leith's School of Food and Wine. Straight after finishing my diploma I worked as a pastry chef at the River Café, before starting my season with the Chalet Company.
Interesting background … Can you describe a typical meal you cook and serve up in the chalet for us, including any info on its nutritional value?
A typical meal cooked in the chalet always contains protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. For example, lamb tagine with chickpeas, carrots, couscous and courgette. This is a balanced meal with protein coming from the lamb, chickpeas and couscous, carbohydrate from the couscous and vitamins and minerals from the chickpeas, carrots and courgette. Everything that you need to refuel you after a day on the slopes. (sounds yum – Ed) Here's a little gallery of our Chalet Company food offerings ...
What are your general thoughts about the alpine diet and the role of food on a skiing holiday?
You’re on holiday! Enjoy yourself. Skiing holidays are about the outdoor life and food you can enjoy for refuelling after a busy day on the mountain. Even though some alpine meals might not be seen as the most nutritious as they are high in fat and carbohydrates, such as tartiflette and fondue, they are there to be enjoyed and eaten in moderation on a skiing holiday.
Loving that answer Sally. So, ‘in moderation’. Feeling that is the key here. How do you go about making the best nutritional choices on a ski holiday overall?
Well, yes, everything in moderation! Even though your diet may step out of line compared to what you eat at home you can still make good nutritional choices. It may be that you have a winter vegetable soup for lunch and a larger, higher fat meal in the evening or vice versa. Healthier breakfast options might be a good way to start the day, such as porridge for breakfast, which slowly releases energy compared to pastries which are high in saturated fat and sugar.
Thanks. Good steer. Anything else you want to say on the topic of nutrition and overall wellbeing on a ski holiday?
I think a skiing holiday is one of the most fun holidays you can go on. Being around your friends, eating lots of good food whilst releasing endorphins when skiing and finishing the day having fun at après or relaxing in a hot tub or spa, you just can’t beat it.
I think if you live a very busy life at home, especially with children, I think catered can be a great way to do a ski holiday. It takes the stress off thinking what to cook for breakfast and dinner and also having to cook it. Many guests we’ve had have said that they are just grateful for someone else to be doing the work so they can fully relax and enjoy their holiday.
[Ahhh yesss … I feel like booking now! Ed]
So … What has been your favourite recipe to serve up and why?
I love to cook risotto. I find the processes of adding the stock and stirring to rice, releasing the starch very therapeutic to cook and people always enjoying it at the end. I also enjoyed changing up the flavours whilst on my season such as butternut squash and goats cheese or pea and pancetta.
That all sounds super mouthwatering. No need to leave the chalet to eat – but then there is that one day off you hosts get isn’t there? What are the best restaurants in Méribel and why in your opinion?
For mountain lunches I would recommend Le Clos Bernard for a very scenic meal in the trees with great meat dishes. I also loved Maya Altitude as it has a great atmosphere and a great range of food on the menu, with nutritious dishes you wouldn’t normally find on the mountain such as a vegetable Thai curry or salmon tacos.
Great recommendations thanks! And finally, what is your last word on food and nutrition on a Chalet Company Holiday?
Whilst you might not eat as nutritionally well as you do at home as you are offered big breakfasts, afternoon tea, and a four course meal in the evening, I personally think that everything should be eaten in moderation and you should enjoy yourself on your weeks holiday.
Maybe help yourself by having a healthier breakfast, a light lunch on the mountain and only having small amounts of the afternoon tea.
Ok! Sounds good, Sally – Thanks for all of that. Wish I’d been in Panda Lodge this year.
We review our menus annually further to client feedback and it’s always exciting putting together our new menus for the following season.
Time to book our catered chalet for next season? We are here and ready to talk through your options.
Tel +44 (0)1962 899017
Email lyndsey@thechaletcompany.com
WhatsApp +44 (0)7760 905559
Live Chat facility from our website
Prefer to self cater? Sister brand The Ski Company offer self catering apartments in the best resorts across the Three Valleys.
Writer Kate Swainson Price