Après-ski wine challenge at Brévent

The legendary Brévent ski area faces directly across the valley at Mont Blanc, offering the most dramatic views in the Alps. The après-ski scene at Plan Praz mid-station combines wine with the mountaineering spirit that defines Chamonix.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Ski Down to the Secret Terrace Adventure · Free

   At Plan Praz mid-station (2,000m), most skiers rush to the gondola down. Don't. Ski behind the main restaurant and find La Bergerie de Plan Praz. The terrace faces Mont Blanc dead-on - a view the main restaurant can't match because it's oriented for throughput, not scenery. Get there by 2pm to claim a spot. The locals call this the 'secret terrace' even though it's not actually secret - tourists just follow the signs to the obvious place. You're smarter than that.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Order What the Ski Patrol Drinks Wine · Price: moderate

   Ask for Vin Chaud with Génépi (€8-10). This is the Chamonix ski patrol's secret recipe - regular mulled wine spiked with alpine liqueur. Most tourists order standard vin chaud. The Génépi adds an herbal bitterness that cuts through the sweetness and supposedly helps with altitude adjustment. The pisteurs claim it prevents headaches. That's probably not true, but it tastes like you're drinking the mountain itself. Hold the warm cup with both hands. Let the steam rise into your face. This is what après-ski was invented for.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Watch the Alpenglow Hit Mont Blanc History · Free · Optional

   Stay on the terrace until 4pm in winter (5pm in spring). When the sun drops, Mont Blanc turns pink, then orange, then purple. This phenomenon is called 'alpenglow' - light refracting through the atmosphere at extreme angles. Jacques Balmat saw this same light in 1786 when he became the first person to summit Mont Blanc. He described it as 'the mountain catching fire.' You're watching the same show, 240 years later, with a drink in your hand. He had frostbite. You have Génépi. Progress.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• The terrace at Plan Praz has unobstructed Mont Blanc views

• Try the local "vin chaud" made with quality Savoie wine

• The ski down to town is one of the most scenic runs in the Alps