Chatel is a beautiful old Savoyard farming village on the French / Swiss border. It is a charming village unspoilt by commercialism and offers a relaxed environment for both winter and summer holidays with a wide selection of traditional French restaurants and bars.

The unspoilt alpine architecture and predominantly north facing slopes plus Chatel’s proximity to Geneva make it the ideal place for your skiing holiday. Situated at the head of the Abondance valley and at the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski region, Chatel has plenty to offer all levels of skier and then there are the numerous other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Champery and Morgins which are all linked to Chatel.

Other activities include ice skating, a bowling alley, cinemas, cross country skiing, snow shoeing (raquettes) and for those who prefer relaxation and pampering  there is Lavey les Bains thermal centre just 40 minutes drive away in Switzerland.

The skiing

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil have a fantastic snow record. Their location between Mont Blanc and Lac Leman creates a micro climate which means that the area tends to get significant snowfall from the beginning of the season (December) until the end of the season in late April.

Chatel has two main areas: Super Chatel which is ideal for early stage skiers and this area also links into the Barbossine area and Switzerland (Torgon & Morgins) which provide more challenging runs.

Linga & Pre la Joux are linked and offer some great red on-piste runs as well as some fantastic off piste areas and bowls. The valley between Chatel and Avoriaz, les Lindarets , offers some of the best tree lined skiing around and plenty of restaurants ensure you have lots of choice for the lunch stop. From here you can explore Avoriaz (the Coupe du Monde ladies downhill course), Champery (the famous Wall) and plenty more . With 650 km of pisted runs we don’t believe that you will get bored!