Châtel is a pretty French Alpine town nestled on the French side of the Franco-Swiss border, in the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area. The resort sits at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, with groomed pistes running up to almost 2,300m.
Getting to Châtel is easy — Geneva Airport is the closest airport to the resort, and sits approximately 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive away.
Chatel is a family friendly resort so makes a popular choice for families and does get busier during school holidays. The resort is relatively low altitude so if you are planning on travelling during the early or late weeks of the season then you may be better off heading to a high altitude resort with a more reliable snow record.
On the accommodation front, Châtel is home to a broad range of chalets and hotels from 2* all the way up to 5* luxury, so there’s something to suit a wide range of budgets. The resort doesn’t offer much by way of packaged holidays in comparison to the amount of independently-run properties in-situ, so the majority of visitors plan their own travel from Geneva airport separately.
Chatel is linked to the other Portes du Soleil resorts via piste. If you are not planning on skiing then the resorts are linked by road so the best way would be to drive. There is no direct bus linking the resorts, if you want to travel via bus you would have to travel via Thonon-les-Bains.
Châtel is a peaceful Alpine town and the après ski offerings reflect that. If you’re looking for boozy afternoons and partying into the wee hours, you’re better off in nearby Morzine or Avoriaz (or elsewhere entirely, like Val d’Isere or Meribel…) But, with that said, Châtel soes offer a good range of welcoming bars and cafes where thirsty skiers can kick back and relax with a beer after long days out on the slopes. Venues such as the Nazca Bar, Pub Avalanche and La Godille offer friendly happy hours with discounted prices, and DJs spinning party beats through the afternoon and into the evening.
Although Châtel is relatively small, you’ll still find a strong selection of restaurants and cafes to cater for a wide range of menu preferences and requirements. Savoyard staples such as fondue, raclette and pierrade feature heavily — as you’d expect — but there’s also pasta and pizza venues, alongside some more stylish, higher-end restaurants.
Good for Couples La Table d'Antoine 145 Route de Thonon
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 73 29 53 |
Good for Couples Le Vieux Four 55 Route du Boude
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 73 30 56 |
Good for Family Fiacre 32 Route du Centre
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 73 30 46 |
Good for Family The Pierrier 63 Route du Centre
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 73 24 15 |
Good for Friends Le Hors Piste 5 Route de Vonnes
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 76 11 54 |
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Away from the pistes, parks and powder, Châtel offers a good range of non-ski activities ideal if you’re looking for a break from the slopes. With aqua centre including heated pool, sauna and steam rooms, plus the typical Alpine activity offerings of ice-skating, bowling and cinema, it’s hard to get bored. There are also some fine hiking trails though the dese woodlands around the resort.
Airboarding 213 chemin de l'Etringa
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 6 81 66 52 80 |
Cinema
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 73 21 04 |
Spa & Wellness
Chatel (Portes du Soleil) +33 4 50 72 04 31 |
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There are several ski schools in Chatel who offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are more sociable and will generally work out better value than private lesson but are less intense than one to one tuition. If you are unsure about which lessons are best suited then most ski schools will be happy to chat through your ability and recommend which lessons will be most suitable. It is recommended that you pre book your lessons in advance.
Our recommended ski schools in Chatel include:
ESF have 80 instructors in Chatel and offer private or group ski and snowboard lessons to suit all abilities.
ESI pro skiing have been operating in Chatel for 30 years offering a range of different lessons.
Chatel Sensations is located at the foot of the linga gondola and provide ski and snowboard lessons as well as handiski or taxiski, mogul skiing, freeride, freestyle and telemark.
British Alpine Ski and Snowboard School (BASS) offer group lessons with a maximum group size of 6 people. They offer courses for beginners and pros and all their lessons are in English.
Chatel is linked to the other Portes du Soleil resorts via piste. If you are not planning on skiing then the resorts are linked by road so the best way would be to drive. There is no direct bus linking the resorts, if you want to travel via bus you would have to travel via Thonon-les-Bains.
Parents visiting Châtel with the kids in tow and in search of childcare options can turn to the Les Moufelts crèche in the centre of town. This day care centre offers care for kids aged from 4 months to 4 years of age, with meals prepared on-site, a broad rage of exciting and fun adventures planned in the programme and 4 sleeping rooms where tinies can catch up on a little much-needed shut-eye.
There are several ski schools in Chatel who offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are more sociable and will generally work out better value than private lesson but are less intense than one to one tuition. If you are unsure about which lessons are best suited then most ski schools will be happy to chat through your ability and recommend which lessons will be most suitable. It is recommended that you pre book your lessons in advance.
Our recommended ski schools in Chatel include:
ESF have 80 instructors in Chatel and offer private or group ski and snowboard lessons to suit all abilities.
ESI pro skiing have been operating in Chatel for 30 years offering a range of different lessons.
Chatel Sensations is located at the foot of the linga gondola and provide ski and snowboard lessons as well as handiski or taxiski, mogul skiing, freeride, freestyle and telemark.
British Alpine Ski and Snowboard School (BASS) offer group lessons with a maximum group size of 6 people. They offer courses for beginners and pros and all their lessons are in English.
There are a good range of ski hire stores throughout Chatel which offer a good range of the latest equipment. It is recommended that you pre book your hire in advance as many of the stores will offer online discounts.
Our recommended ski hire stores in Chatel include:
Vincent sports provide the best choice of appropriate and well maintained equipment at the best price / quality ratio.
Skihire2u offer high quality equipment and have flexible delivery and collection times.
Intersport are a staple in most of the resorts across the Alps. They offer a good range of ski and snowboard equipment.
Ski Set are another staple in resorts across the Alps and offers a good range of product.
There are two lift passes available in Chatel, the local area pass or the full area pass which covers the full Portes du Soleil including Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. The full area pass is of course more expensive but it is worth it if you are traveling for a week.
The below prices are based on the current rates in resort but may change at the time of booking
6 Day Pass Chatel Local Pass Portes du Soleil Pass
Child (5-15yrs) €130 €169
Youth (16-19yrs) €157 €203
Adult (20-64yrs) €174 €225
Senior (65yrs +) €157 €203
Lift passes are free for children under 5 years, proof of age is required.
Family passes are available when at least 4 ski passes are purchased at the same time including 2 adults and 2 children or youth passes. The passes must be purchased for the same duration in the same transaction.
You can buy your lift passes through the tourist office or you can book it through the tour operator who will deliver it to your accommodation when you arrive in resort.
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