Chatel
Why Châtel Ski Resort?
- It forms part of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski network with local slopes relatively queue-free
- It’s a traditional-feel village within a superb environment
- It has a pleasant, lively, old French village ambience with very reasonable prices
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- It’s easily reached from Geneva and Calais
Châtel Resort Information
Situated at the end of the picturesque and rural Abondance valley and set between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc, Châtel is just a stone's throw from the Swiss border.
Not surprisingly, Châtel is the most Swiss-like of all the French resorts and an authentic mountain village, whose combination of tradition and modernism welcomes you in an exceptional setting. At the end of a busy day, Châtel’s lively streets offer everyone the chance to enjoy themselves. Shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cinemas and a bowling alley, as well as an ice rink, indoor pool, and late-night skiing are all on offer.
There are 38 working farms that contribute to the village’s economic development and make Châtel an authentic mountain village - one which has gradually expanded while still respecting the environment. The hotels, residences and large chalets of wood and stone have been built in harmony with the mountain ambience.
Châtel’s geographical location, in the most northerly part of the French Alps, combined with the “lake effect” of Lake Geneva, produce a micro-climate that ensures optimal snowfall throughout the winter. Nevertheless, to contend with the weather’s unpredictable nature and to guarantee snow in certain areas, Châtel has invested in artificial snow-making.
Peak Retreats offers a range of Châtel accommodation options. All our ski apartments have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (3 & 4*), providing the ideal base for a Châtel ski holiday.
Interested in buying an apartment in Châtel? See our Buying in the Alps section
Thinking about a holiday in Châtel? Read our client's review of snowshoeing in the area.
CHATEL SKI AREA
Châtel's own area is divided into three parts. From Super-Châtel you can cross over to Morgins in Switzerland and then continue towards Avoriaz. Each area is also linked by a very regular shuttle service. 12 ski resorts have joined forces to offer 600km of pistes and over 200 ski lifts.
The Châtel ski area extends across two massifs of slopes altogether: Super-Châtel / Barbossine and Linga / Pré-La-Joux / Plaine Dranse, not forgetting the village lifts too! The lift pass is also valid throughout the Swiss resort of Torgon, in the Corbeau sector of the Swiss resort of Morgins and the Braitaz sector of La Chapelle d’Abondance (including the Panthiaz gondola).
Linked to the massive Portes du Soleil region, the ski area offers classic intermediate terrain. The local Châtel slopes are some of the best in the Portes du Soleil and normally the lifts are relatively queue-free. The lifts above the Torgon area have splendid views over Lake Geneva. Châtel has a mix of open and wooded slopes. Linga and Pre-la-Joux have the best snow locally as they’re mainly north facing.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):
Chatel local area - 41 lifts (13 chairlift, 24 draglift, 2 gondola, 2 carpet), 44 slopes:
Green slopes: 8
Blue slopes: 15
Red slopes: 15
Black slopes: 6
CHATEL SKIING
CHATEL BEGINNERS
Super-Châtel is directly above the village centre and has an area of easy, open and lightly wooded beginner slopes. Otherwise, a bus ride away is a beginners’ area at Pre-la-Joux. There are also nursery slopes in the village, providing snow coverage is adequate.
CHATEL INTERMEDIATES
Linga and Plaine Dranse have some of the best red runs for a budding intermediate. Les Lindarets and Morgins are other ideal areas. Intermediates wanting to be challenged should try the Torgon sector.
CHATEL EXPERTS
The Linga and Pre-la-Joux are suitable for more advanced skiers with some of the most interesting runs in the Portes du Soleil. Pré-la-Joux offers the quickest gateway into Avoriaz and also some excellent mogul fields in Plaine Dranse.
CHATEL RESORT RUNS
Snowmaking has been improved on the resort runs and in Châtel itself. The resort runs are blue or red.
CHATEL SNOWBOARDERS
The Linga sector has some good varied slopes and some off-piste opportunities.
Chatel Ski Hire
Pre-book your Chatel ski hire with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.
Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6. Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.
Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire
Chatel Ski Passes
Pre-book your Chatel lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes
To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.
Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Village Ski Tows
The Pitchounes rope tow can also be used by Châtel and Portes du Soleil ski pass holders.
Chatel Ski School
Pre-book your Chatel ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 13 years, in Chatel, with Peak Retreats. 3-4 year olds will go into the Piou Piou lessons and 5-6 year olds into Ourson. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+.
For ski school times and prices, please download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note these are just guiding prices. Please call us for the latest prices.
Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute - you will be advised. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter - we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.
We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.
Chatel Individual Tuitions (2018/19 prices, NOT pre-bookable)
Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.
Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change
1 or 2 people
1 hr - €50/€60
1½ hr - €75/€90
Ski school Chatel contact numbers:
Ecole du Ski Francais Chatel + Tel. 33 (0)4 50 73 22 64
Fax. 33 (0)4 50 73 35 22
info@esf-chatel.com
www.esf-chatel.com
56 route de Vonnes. 74 390 Châtel
Chatel Child Care
Chatel has acquired the Famille Plus label. Please view here to view more information on the Famille Plus label.
The Mouflets Crèche
CRECHE CHILDCARE WITHOUT SKIING (childcare with skiing, see below)
During the winter season the nursery is open daily from 8am to 7pm and takes children aged from 4 months to 4 years inclusive. 300 m2 especially equipped for
the well-being and comfort of tiny tots. Booking strongly advised.
For more information or to enrol your child, please call the nursery office between 1pm and 3pm.
Information and booking - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 81 38 19 or lesmouflets74@orange.fr
ESF Ski Lessons at Chatel
Children can learn to ski from 3 years old in Chatel with ESF Chatel. ESF Chatel also arranges kids ski and garderie formulas which Peak Retreats can pre-book. See ski school tab.
Chatel Things to do
Village Igloo
See details under eating tab
Afternoon Tea at the Farm
Afternoon tea at a farm is very popular for all ages and provides an opportunity to discover farm life, visit the farm, see Abondance cattle and sample a selection of delicious local home-produced delicacies.
Snowshoeing in Chatel
Explore a trail and have a go at being a trapper. Over 80 km of trails providing you with a different insight into the mountains under their blanket of snow, at your own pace, on your own or with a guide.
Sledging in Chatel
For sledging fun in complete safety, there are 3 sledging areas: one on the Sous Vonnes nordic trail accessible on foot from the centre, one at Super Châtel (accessed via the gondola lift – fare payable – followed by a 15-minute walk) and, one at Pré-la-Joux where there is also a themed trail.
‘Forme d’o’ Aqua Park in Chatel
Open 7 days a week in season.
The aquatic area offers:
- An outdoor sportive pool of 200m2 (1.25m in depth) access by an aquatic airlock made of massaging nozzles, "collars of swan", spa benches. It is equipped with a thermal cover.
- An aquasplash, mineral and vegetable beaches.
- An indoor playful and sportive pool of 287m ² made of 2 water line (from 1.20m to 1.50m in depth) and a playful/wellness area (from 0.40m to 1.20m in depth) with swimming against the current, bubbles.
The Oceane Spa:
- 1 wellness pool of 125m2 (1.20m in depth) with water falls and bubble seats
- 2 traditionnal hammams
- 3 saunas
- 3 rooms with cold and massaging showers
- mineral solarium
- 4 rooms for cares
- 1 relaxing room
The fitness area:
- a cardio training room with running mats, elliptics, rowing machine...
Chatel Ice Rinks
Come and enjoy yourself with all the family. During school holidays, on Tuesday, you can ski all day long, and continue under the stars as the rink is open. If there are good ice conditions another rink is open on the lake. Closed on Saturdays.
Chatel Under Ice Diving
Whether it’s for the first time or you are already a confirmed diver, there's something new to discover! In complete safety, with qualified and specialised teachers. All equipment is provided, open to everyone over 16 years old.
AQUAVENTURE
Tel. +33 (0)6 07 14 95 39
Chatel Ice Fishing
Frozen in its shroud of ice, the Lac de Vonnes is full of hidden surprises and thrills. In the depths of winter, you can fish for trout. All you have to do it make a hole in the ice and immerse yourself in a world of silence.
Available for children aged from 6 yrs old (they must be accompanied by their parents), this activity is supervised by a qualified instructor. 15 people maximum. All equipment is provided, advanced bookings at the tourist board is requested.
Chatel Paragliding
ESI Pro Flying
Christophe Lombard
105, route de Vonnes
74390 CHATEL
Tel. +33 (0)6 01 53 60
Chatel Snake-Glisse
Bring all your friends and family along to Pré la Joux and share a crazy, exhilarating experience taking the last chairlift up to Plaine Dranse and then sliding all the way back down the Pré la Joux car park on a customized ‘Snake Glisse’ sledge!
Chatel Yooner
A Yooner is much like a sitable-ski. It has a shock absorber for more comfort and a skate allowing you “to cut curves " as on skis. Yooner provided. Helmet essential. Ski pass not included.
Chatel Sledging runs
The Pré-la-Joux area is made up of two separate and safe sledging runs: one for 2 to 6-year-olds, and one for children aged 6 and over. Plus there's a themed and play path and a game area. It's a place where all the family will enjoy playing together in the snow. Easily accessible from the village by the free shuttles, admission is free.
Chatel Bowling
La Vieille Grange bowling alley is open every evening. There are 4 computerised AMF bowling lanes, pool tables and two bars, with a traditional Savoie-style decor.
Chatel Cinema
Châtel has 2 cinema screens featuring digital technology offering a different film every day, including premieres, exclusive screenings and classics.
Chatel - Family Trail
This is a fun educational trail on the subject of the environment, animals and plant life in the mountains. Follow this looped trail, situated in Pré-la-Joux next to the sledging runs, and a dozen panels will guide you around, helping all the family to answer a variety of questions.
Little Train
The little train propose you a complete visit of the Châtel village, its streets, and its majestic chalets built in the traditional architectural style. In one visit you can discover all the village neighbourhoods without making any effort. You can catch the train from the church square.
Horse Drawn Carriage
Enjoy another way to discover the village and lake Vonnes, having a tour in a horse drawn carriage.
Tel. Michel Dehaye +33 (0)6 78 13 60 46
Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort
Chatel Tourist Office
Tourist Office. BP.40 – F – 4390. Chatel
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 73 22 44
www.chatel.com
Chatel Ski Activities
Cross Country in Chatel
Three resorts, one nordic ski area: Abondance, La Chapelle d’Abondance and Châtel have joined forces to offer you a single 40km-long nordic ski area by the side of the River Dranse.
The Val d’Abondance Nordic ski area offers:
- 7 cross-country skiing trails
- 8 nordic trails (for cross-country skiing, winter walking and snowshoeing)
- a beginners’ trail
- a fun activity area
- a biathlon shooting range
In Châtel, 4 ski lifts are accessible to pedestrians and snowshoers, providing easy access to several waymarked and safe nordic trails: the Petit-Châtel Loop, the Super-Châtel Loop and the Col de Bassachaux.
Evening Skiing in Chatel
Come to the Linga stadium floodlit piste with sound system on Thursday evenings between 7.30 and 9.30pm. Its free!
Have fun with Rivari in Chatel
Hand in hand with Rivari, discover mountain’s wildlife settling thanks to the 7 challenges which mark out this funny trail! Located close to the Super-Chatel gondolas. Suitable for children aged 3 years old and over.
The 'Fun Zone' in Chatel
You can go to the zone alone or with a ski instructor, to measure how fast you can ski, and learn to control your braking distance. The zone is 250m long, cordoned off and secured with nets zone, with a timing device and electronic speed display.
Located near the Bellevue blue piste in the Super-Châtel/Chalet Neuf sector, the objective of this fun and educational area is to raise awareness among lovers of all kinds of snowsports.
Snowpark/Smoothpark in Chatel
In the Smoothpark - rails, kickers, slide boxes, hips, boardercross and more await both beginner and experienced freestylers! There are features suitable for all abilities, enabling you to progress and improve in a fun and friendly snowsports zone (sound system, BBQ, contests and more).
Avoriaz built the first terrain park in France back in 1993. There are now 5 snowparks and a superpipe. The expert park is at 'Arare' with an airbag. Beginners and intermediates should head to 'La Chapelle' which is a 500m long park. 'Parkway' is good for beginners and children (as it includes traffic lights for safety and mini jumps). 'The Stash' has routes cut through the forest with wooden elements bringing all-mountain riding and freestyles together. The last park is 'Lil'Stash' which is a mini version for children. There is also a superpipe and boardercross.
The Purple Milka Trail in Chatel
This ski-run designed for children (but open to everyone) is situated in Super-Châtel. The themes are the local mountain flora, fauna and delicious delicacies, all of which children can explore with the help of figurines and explanatory panels dotted along the ski-run. A stimulating combination of learning and tasty local treats.
Heliskiing, Freeriding and Ski Touring
Jean-Yves Fredriksen, qualified High Mountain Guide, offers heliski, freeride and ski tours. Heli-skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a helicopter, as opposed to a ski lift. Ski touring is a mix of off piste sessions, sometimes small ascents on foot. It is practised on Chesery, Vorlaz, les Mines d'or, or Le Grand Paradis. Freeriding is exploring unspoilt mountain areas.
Les Fauges
74360 ABONDANCE
Tel. +33 (0)6 76 41 61 80
Chatel News and Events 2025/26
News:
Events:
- Christmas in Chatel: 24th December 2024 - in the evening with fireworks Santa arrives! In his horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the ESF ski instructors from Châtel and their torches, he will make a short tour of the village to hand out sweets to all the children!
- New Year's Eve Fireworks: 31st December 2024 - music and fireworks,
- Farmers Party: 11th February 2024 - parents and children are invited to come to the church square in the evening for the Farmer's Din, the traditional rendezvous with the farmers, and then in the room for a competition for the best Abondance cheese judged by the public, mini-farm, typical music.
Further details can be found on the tourist office website: www.chatel.com
Chatel Après-ski, Bars & Restaurants
Chatel has a good selection of bars and shops, plus 60 restaurants with 15 mountain restaurants. Châtel’s hotel restaurants are also open to non-residents.
LE SLOOPY’S DISCOTHEQUE
In the village centre, located in the Super-Châtel gondola lift building. Open every evening during the winter season and on weekends out of season, with 2 atmospheres (80s and General Pop). From midnight to 5.30am. Various themed evenings.
Village Igloo (bar & restaurant)
Totally unique place in Avoriaz. Inside you'll find a bar and restaurant made entirely of ice and snow. For a unique break on the slopes, you can stop off at the Village Igloo Ice Bar anytime between 9am and 5pm to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing drink in the bar, with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. There is a new outside terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. They also offer a cheese fondue or mixed meats board lunch every Tuesday and Thursday, from 12:00 to 14:00. The bar is in the heart of the Avoriaz ski area, within easy access from the Arare blue run. Suitable for all the family, skiers and non-skiers alike, the bar is within an easy 10-minute walk along a well-marked path from the top of the Prodains cable car. Alternatively, from 7pm onwards, once the lifts have stopped and the sun has set, you can prolong your day on the slopes with a visit to the Village Igloo, by booking dinner or even an overnight stay. Just click on the link for further information regarding these. Be sure to wrap up warm in your ski gear as the temperature inside the igloo rarely gets above 5 degrees!
Chatel Restaurants
Restaurants in the Vonnes area
L’Abreuvoir (K2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 24 89
Les Contrebandiers (J2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 25 80
Le Monchu (K2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 28 51
Restaurants near to Chalets d'Angele Residence
La Bechigne
Le Chalet (F5)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 30 60
www.lekandahar.com
La Cheminée (G2)
Tel. +33 4 50 17 36 25 - callparker@orange.fr
Le Chesery (grill) (F2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 54 25
Le Fiacre (+ pizzeria) (G2)
Maître-restaurateur*
Tel. +33 4 50 73 30 46 - www.lefiacre74.com
Le Génépi (+ crêperie) (G2)
Tel. 04 50 73 37 32
La Réserve (G2)
Tel. 33 4 50 73 24 45
Chatel Bars and Pubs
L’Avalanche (pub) (G3)
Tel. +33 4 50 81 67 97
Bar PMU (G2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 25 80
Le Chaudron Bar Bowling (F2)
Tel. +33 6 23 32 24 33 or +33 9 64 32 66 11
Le Chevy Bar (B2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 20 08
www.hotel-arcenciel.fr
Isba bar (G3)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 23 46
La Réserve (G2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 24 45
Le Tunnel (pub) (G2)
Tel. +33 4 50 73 53 74
Chatel Amenities
Chatel is served by a range of amenities including: doctors, chemist, cinemas, infirmary, masseurs-physiotherapists, dentists, optician, banks, taxis, garages, petrol station, car hire, linen hire, TV hire, food shops, sports shops, clothes shops, craft shops, gift shops, souvenir shops, etc.
Chatel Laundrettes
Barbossine (B2)
Tel. 04 50 73 24 36 - Fax. 04 50 73 37 74
La Lavandière (H3)
Tel. 04 50 73 30 49
Chatel Ski lockers
What about leaving your equipment in a ski-locker closer to the slopes? At the top of Super-Châtel gondolas, the Châtel ski lift company rents ski lockers which can fit up your complete ski-equipment. Each locker fits from 3 to 5 pairs of skis and boots. The integrated heating system is a true comfort when putting your ski boots on in the morning.
Tel. +33 4 50 73 34 24 (not bookable via Peak Retreats)
Getting to Chatel, France
By Road:
A6 motorway via Macon followed by the A40 motorway towards Geneva. Exit at Annemasse, Thonon, Châtel.
From Northern Europe, access via the Swiss motorway towards Martigny. Exit Portes du Soleil, 20 minutes from Chatel.
By Rail:
Thonon-les-Bains SNCF railway station (TGV – high speed train) / Transfer by shuttle, 40kms
Monthey railway station (Switzerland) / Transfer by taxi, 25kms.
From Thonon to Chatel private transfers are prebookable via Peak Retreats.
Airports:
Geneva 82km
www.gva.ch
Chambery 97 km
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble 188 km
www.grenoble-airport.com
Lyon Saint-Exupery 197 km
www.lyonaeroports.com
Bus transfers from Geneva Airport
Tickets must be reserved with www.altibus.com (not pre-bookable with Peak Retreats). Transfer time 1.20hrs.
Getting around Chatel
Châtel local bus service is operating every day.
Chatel Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
Chatel Opening Dates
Chatel ski area is open: 17/12/22
