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Are you hungry for adrenaline? Or just breakfast in France, then lunch in Switzerland? Either way, an epic journey across borders, made even more exciting on a set of skis. Let Atlas Ski Co guide you through this adventure. Nestled along the border between France and Switzerland, the Franco-Swiss Alps boast some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring peaks. Dominating this breathtaking landscape are the Dents du Midi (the “White Teeth”), standing at 3,258 metres, yet, all pale in comparison to the mighty Mont Blanc, towering at an impressive 4,808 metres above sea level, the crown jewel of the region.
The Chablais mountains, situated mainly in France's Haute-Savoie and Switzerland's Valais canton, form a significant part of the Franco-Swiss Alps. This majestic range is home to the renowned Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest interconnected ski domains in the world, offering over 600 kilometres of runs across 12 different resorts. On the French side, resorts like Morzine, Avoriaz, and Les Gets captivate skiers, while the Swiss side showcases Champéry, Morgins, and Les Crosets. With daily flights into Geneva airport, a Morzine Ski Weekend and border-hopping experience can be a reality much easier than you think.
Skiing from France to Switzerland for a delightful lunch, followed by the challenge of conquering the infamous Swiss Wall, has become an increasingly popular pursuit among visitors to the region.
Your adventure begins in the stunning alpine village of Morzine where your first lift departs from the centre of town and whisks you up towards Avoriaz, with a meandering blue piste as a warm-up on the way. Avoriaz is perched dramatically at 1,800 metres on the edge of a towering cliff. Known for its avant-garde architecture, eco-conscious development, and enchanting car-free streets, Avoriaz is especially magical during the Christmas holiday season when horse-drawn carriages ferry families through snow-laden streets.
From Avoriaz, take the Le Tour lift and prepare to glide down pristine, tree-lined blue or red pistes into the Lindarets bowl. From here, the Lechere lift will connect you to one of the longest rides in the Portes du Soleil, the Mossettes lift. At the summit, you'll be greeted by a panoramic vista of some of the region’s most striking peaks—a perfect moment to pause and capture the view from the nearby cross, just a minute's hike from the lift.
A horse cart in Avoriaz
Before descending into the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil, a visit to the Cookie Café is almost obligatory. Enjoy a coffee or a quick demi beer in the cosy upstairs lounge, where vast windows and plush sofas make it feel as though you're floating above the mountains in a serene capsule, suspended in alpine beauty.
Now comes the big decision: will you take the gentle blue piste into Switzerland, or challenge yourself with the legendary Swiss Wall? This black-graded, off-piste run is notorious for its ungroomed slopes, with moguls that can reach head height by season's end. While many have braved the Swiss Wall en route to a well-deserved lunch, others have found the descent more humbling. The choice is yours—Swiss Wall hero or Swiss lunch connoisseur, either way, a delicious traditional Swiss meal awaits. Think rich fondue, raclette, or crispy rosti, perfectly paired with local Swiss wines or steaming hot chocolate.
After indulging in your Swiss feast, it’s time to decide how to burn off that meal. Perhaps you’ll explore further into Switzerland, visiting the resorts of Morgins or even venturing as far as Torgon, which offers views of the serene shores of Lake Geneva. The sheer expanse of the Portes du Soleil is nothing short of inspiring.
For most, though, the journey back to France beckons. Unless you’re a highly skilled skier with time to spare, a few runs on the perfectly groomed slopes of Les Crosets are enough before you take the Swiss Mossettes lift back up, crossing the border once more into France and the Avoriaz ski area. Be sure to experience the lively après-ski at La Folie Douce in Avoriaz—renowned for its champagne-soaked parties and live music, offering a perfect close to an unforgettable alpine adventure before returning to your luxury catered chalet in the heart of the Morzine Village.
