This is The Ski Lodge Menu Item We’re Seriously Missing

As a ski industry professional, I’m often asked where I think the sector can improve. While I’d love to see lower lift ticket prices and better accessibility, I also know neither can be solved overnight. I do, however, have one suggestion that will no doubt bolster spirits throughout the ski universe.

Peanut butter hot chocolate.

In my opinion, there are few greater joys than sipping on a paper cup filled with sweet, piping hot cocoa. And while I love it as much as the next skier, I think it’s time we take it up a notch. I mean, since it became a staple in almost every ski lodge, have we ever looked to improve it?

Think about it: What’s one of the greatest candies to grace the planet? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Peanut Butter M&M’s— both of which just so happen to be backcountry skier essentials. Salty, nutty flavors complement chocolate in perfect harmony. Why wouldn’t we want to add it to our hot cocoa? Especially since peanut butter contains natural protein from peanuts. I’d much rather refuel with peanut butter than a 100-ingredient protein bar.

I fully understand adding peanut butter to hot chocolate opens up Pandora’s Box of allergies. However, I’m not saying we wipe the regular hot chocolate from the menu; I’m merely suggesting we add a peanut butter option.

In an attempt to put signatures on my imaginary petition, I made some from-scratch peanut butter hot chocolate for friends visiting town. The verdict? They absolutely loved it, and also agreed there’s no going back to plain hot chocolate.

So, ski resorts, take note: Peanut butter hot chocolate is what the people yearn for. If you’d like, I’m happy to share my recipe with you or serve as a professional taste tester if you’d like my input. Either way, I hope the 2026-’27 season brings creamy, nutty, hot chocolate for all—with marshmallows, of course.