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.
The weekly activity programme has around 60 events and leisure activities. There is an orientation course in the village, an ice rink, the Forme d’O water activity park, spas, heritage visits, the little train taking visitors through the village and surrounding hamlets, the C l’Aventure (large indoor play area for children from 2-12 yrs), a carousel for little children, Abondance cheese-making demonstrations, cinema, age-specific children’s workshops and children’s shows during the school holidays, sledging areas, mountain biking on snow, sledge-dog activities, snowshoe outings (guided or not), concerts, street entertainers and much more! It's a real family resort.
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.
Like many ski resorts, there are free WiFi zones on the slopes at Pré la Joux, Combes, at the bottom of the Linga area, the upper station of Super Châtel gondola and the draglifts from Les Coqs to Super Châtel and Vonnes.
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.
The Rando Parc (for ski touring) has 4 defined circuits (open during ski lift times) of varying difficulty (taking 2-3 hours and between 3.5 and 6km in length), close to the ski area, where beginners can learn and perfect this new
technique. For 2025, a 5th trail, on the blue « L’itinéraire » run between the
Combes and Cornebois chair lifts in the Linga - Pré la Joux - Plaine Dranse sector will be marked up with signposts giving an additional option.
- Franco-Swiss trail* - Easy
- Serpentine trail - Quite difficult
- Morclan trail* - Quite difficult
- Barbossine trail* - Quite difficult
*A pedestrian pass is required to access the starting points of the route.
Starting points:
- La Franco-Suisse: Arrival at the Super Châtel gondola
- La Serpentine: To the right of the Pré la Joux snow groomers’ garage
- Le Morclan: Arrival at the Super Châtel gondola
- Barbossine: Arrival at the Petit Châtel chairlift
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 fun zones
Green snowflakes run
On this blue run at Super Châtel, the fauna and flora of our mountains are recreated with figurines and explanatory panels.
Abondance Cheese Belette fun zone
With help from our mascot Rivari, you can learn about the history of Abondance cheese, first made
in the 12th century. Starts at Plaine Dranse, 3.7km of green slopes and 20 fun elements to enjoy.
DVA park
Free access. This workshop, run by members of the piste patrol, uses demonstrations as a fun way to teach you how to use an avalanche transceiver ( or DVA) and also gives
you the chance to try out your own equipment if you have it.
Speed skiing run
This zone is about 250m long, cordoned off and secured with nets. This is where to come, either with a professional ski instructor or on your own, to measure just how fast you can ski (there’s a timing device and electronic speed display). Located near the Bellevue blue piste in the Super-Châtel/Chalet Neuf sector.
Chatel nordic area
Nordic ski area is based in La Chapelle d’Abondance and extends as far as Châtel and Abondance. It comprises 8 cross-country trails, 8 Nordic ski routes, 1 introductory slope, 1 fun activity area, 1 biathlon shooting range.
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.
Top snow activities to experience in Chatel
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
‘Forme d’o’ Aqua Park
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 waterfalls 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...
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 back down the Pré la Joux car park on a customized ‘Snake Glisse’ sledge!
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.
Pedestrian ski lifts
There are 6 ski lifts open to pedestrians wanting to visit a mountain restaurant,
go for a walk or snowshoe excursion, or enjoy the resort’s slopes:
- Super Chatel gondola - starts from village centre and travels to 1,650m
- Pierre Longue chairlift - starts at Pre la Joux and travels to Plaine Dranse
- Petit Chatel chairlift - starts from Le Petit Chatel and travels to Barbossine
- Morclan chairlift - starts in Super Chatel, at top of gondola at altitude of 1,970m with amazing views
- Portes du Soleil chairlift - starts to Super Chatel and travels to Vonnes
- Linga gondola - travels to 1,500m
Free for under 5s.
Picnic rooms on the slopes
Picnic rooms are open to all skiers and walkers for resting, sheltering and eating their packed lunch...
Access is completely free:
- Plaine Dranse picnic room (WC available)
- Super Châtel picnic room
- Linga picnic room
Fantasticable zipline
At the top of the Rochassons chairlift, participants take off their ski equipment (only skis and snowboards), strap in and zoom off on cable No. 1, ‘flying’ over the village of Plaine Dranse 140m up in the air! The giant zip wire is 1,200m long and gets up to speeds of nearly 100km/h! Tandem ride also available. At the finish, your ski equipment is returned to you (it arrives there the same way you do, in a special bag).
Airboard freeride
You lie face-down, on a cushion of air, just above the snow... climb up the slope and then race down!
Electric MTB on snow
Enjoy a new thrilling experience on snow! From 9.30am within the Super Châtel ski area or in the evening, from 5.30pm within the Pré la Joux - Plaine Dranse ski area.
Sledging areas
- SUPER CHÂTEL - 10 minutes’ walk from the top of the Super Châtel gondola (fee payable).
- PRÉ LA JOUX - opposite Pré la Joux chairlift and also includes
the «Eterlou» themed trail. Free - SOUS VONNES - 10-minute walk from Forme d’O - Chemin de l’Etringa
Guided snowshoe excursions
Programme available from Châtel Tourist Office. Access to routes is dependant on weather conditions which are closed when avalanche danger is rated 3/5.
Dog sledging
Come meet the dogs, then take a seat in the sled for a ride around the track and chat with the musher. Maximum of 1 adult and 1 child per sled (maximum total weight of 80kg). Maximum of 2 adults and 2 children per 20-minute session (2 sleds).
Top activities to experience in Chatel
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Cheese tasting
For the last 2 years, the Cave d'Azélie, in the village centre, has shared the secrets of Abondance cheese-making. Every Thursday morning from 9am to 10am they offer a visit to their maturing cellars followed by an Abondance cheese tasting.
Little train
The little train offers a complete visit of the Châtel village, its streets, and its majestic chalets built in the traditional architectural style. You can catch the train from the church square twice per week over 5 time slots.
Horse Drawn Carriage
Enjoy another way to discover the village and lake Vonnes, having a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
Hot air balloon flight
Discover the captivating landscapes of the Chablais region, with views of Lake
Geneva on one side and the Alps on the other. The flight schedule is
determined the week before based on weather conditions in Chatel.
Tandem paragliding
Discover the Abondance Valley from a unique observation point, accompanied by state-qualified instructors!
Ice rink
200m2 ice rink located right in the
village centre.
Merry-go-round
The Châtel merry-go-round will delight young and old alike. It’s located in the heart of the village where you can also enjoy delicious waffles, popcorn, churros, crêpes etc and spend quality family time.
Cinema
2-3 screenings per day. 3 years+.
Chatel News
What's new for the 24/25 season:
- Having opened in Summer, it's now open for Winter 24/25 for the first time, the Zoetim Kid'Avemture indoor play area has two play areas; one with modules for children from 1-2 years and another with modules for children from 3-12 years. There is also a snack bar, pancakes, ice creams and
drinks on site - Improvements are being made to the ski area, such as the rope pull in the beginners area at the top of the Super Châtel bubble being replaced with a moving carpet
- This year, a 5th trail for ski touring, on the blue « L’itinéraire » run between the Combes and Cornebois chair lifts in the Linga - Pré la Joux - Plaine Dranse sector will be marked up with signposts giving an additional option
Historic news 23/24:
Chatel Events
Events taking place in the 24/25 season:
- 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
- UCI Snowbike World Championships 8th-9th February 2025: following the success of the first edition last winter, the second edition will take place at Linga. The format will be the same, a super-G
and a dual slalom. Riders must have a licence issued by a National Federation affiliated to the UCI (Union Cycliste International) - Farmers Party: 11th February 2025 - 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
- Les P'Tits Flambeaux 25th February 2025: Châtel is proud to participate in this national charity event for children. Châtel is organising a torchlit
descent with the ESF ski instructors, open to the public - Mardi Gras 4th March 2025: carnival parade through the village streets by Châtel infant and primary school children dressed in themed costumes of their own creation!
- Rock the Piste Festival 16th-22nd March 2025 -enjoy French and international pop-rock concerts from 13h30, ensuring they can return home on the lift network. The Châtel concert is at Plaine Dranse (rest across Portes du Soleil)
- Chatel Band Camp 16th-22nd March 2025: the music continues for après ski in the resort with concerts in the
village performed by new and upcoming artists
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
