Ski + wine challenge at Morzine

How to Complete

4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Ski Across the Swiss-French Border

   adventure Free

   The ultimate alpine flex: cross an international boundary on skis.

   From Morzine, take the Prodains cable car to Avoriaz. Ski toward Châtel and follow signs to 'Les Lindarets' then 'Suisse/Champéry.' At Pas de Chavanette (1,950m), you'll see the border marker. Two options: tackle 'Le Mur Suisse' (Swiss Wall) - one of Europe's steepest marked runs - or take the Chavanette chairlift for a gentler descent into Switzerland. Either way, take a photo at the France/Suisse sign. If weather's bad, the border is still accessible via gentle blue runs through Morgins.

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2. 🍷 2

   Taste Both Countries in One Glass

   wine $$

   Compare Swiss Fendant vs French Jacquère - same altitude, different terroir.

   Head to La Chaudanne wine bar on the main high street near Super Morzine lift (opens 6pm, closed Tuesdays in winter). Descend to the vaulted stone cellar and ask the sommelier for a side-by-side of Swiss Fendant and Savoie Jacquère. Both are alpine whites that cut through fondue - but Fendant has almond-like minerality while Jacquère is all citrus and herbs. Request Apremont for the Jacquère and ask which Swiss producer they recommend. Budget €18-25 per glass. If La Chaudanne is full, try Le Coup de Coeur opposite their sister restaurant.

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3. 📜 3

   Find the 'Doors of the Sun'

   Optional

   history Free

   The pass that gave the ski area its name.

   At the 1,950m Pas de Chavanette (the border crossing), look for the Portes du Soleil sign. This pass connecting Morgins to Les Crosets is the original 'Doors of the Sun' - named because the gap in the mountains frames the sunrise perfectly in winter. The ski area has connected 12 resorts across two countries since the 1960s. Take a moment at the pass to look both directions: France to your left, Switzerland to your right, 580km of slopes between them.

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4. ⛰️ 4

   Toast at the Border With Local Brewers

   adventure $

   End at Morzine's first microbrewery with borderless beers.

   After skiing, walk 5 minutes from Place de l'Office de Tourisme to Bec Jaune brewery on Avenue de Joux Plane (the mini roundabout toward Les Gets). Opens 4pm. They brew their own ales, stouts, and IPAs and have a small wine list for purists. Order their IPA and ask which beers use French vs Swiss ingredients. The outdoor terrace fills fast - arrive by 4:30pm. If you want wine instead, they stock a few Savoie bottles. Ski/bike storage available.

   🍷 Log Memory