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 lots of 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.
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.
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 info
Beginners
Super-Châtel is directly above the village centre and has an area of easy, open and lightly wooded beginner slopes. At the bottom of the Linga / Pré la Joux / Plaine Dranse sector, at Pré la Joux, a carpet, two drag lifts and the Pierre Longue chairlift are serving green slopes ideal for beginners. There is also a fun slope for kids, La Belette, with 20 fun features which is 4km long (green slope).
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.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
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 mountain 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, introductory slope, fun activity area, biathlon shooting range. It normally open for Christmas week and shuts end of March.
From La Panthiaz, there are 5 groomed cross-country ski trails of 21km with double track, a pedestrian circuit, a fun activity area and a Nordic centre to warm up.
There is a snack bar offering refreshments. Nordic ski equipment needs to be hired beforehand as they don't offer equipment at the nordic area.
In addition to Nordic skiing, there is biathlon, orienteering and toboggan run.
Chatel ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Chatel ski hire and/or Chatel lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Chatel group ski school (pre-bookable)
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+.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Chatel private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Chatel for private lessons - 0033 4 50 73 22 64
Chatel childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 6 months-4 years (non-skiers)
Chatel has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.
Located in the centre of the village, it is 300m2. Mornings, afternoons and full days with snacks/meals.
Please contact Les Lutins des Neiges direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 50 81 38 19
For older kids, Club des Petits Montagnards is for children 4-14 years. Located in the local school building during the French school holidays in conjunction with the ski school - 0033 6 45 64 39 09.
The Club des petits Montagnards welcomes children from 4 to 8 years old, taking a morning ski lesson from 9am to 11am in one of the Châtel ski schools during Christmas holidays and February.
Parents take their children to the ski lessons at Pré-la-Joux, Linga or Super-Châtel. At the end of the ski lesson a special shuttle with a guide pick up kids to drive them to the club for meal and afternoon activities. At the end of afternoon parents pick up their children at the Petits Montagnards club. Reservations at the ski school.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
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 over 60 restaurants with around 15 mountain restaurants.
Why not try:
- 'La Cave d'Azelie' which is a cheese dairy,
- 'Fleur de Neige' which offers a unique dining experience where you can have a fondue dinner with a view in their (plastic) Igloos! Otherwise, you can eat in their restaurant,
- 'La Voga nightclub' and 'Le Traquenard' bar which opened in 2022. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10pm-5am with DJs and karaoke.
Chatel Amenities
Chatel is served by a range of amenities including Sherpa mini supermarket, doctors, chemist, cinemas, an infirmary, masseurs-physiotherapists, dentists, opticians, vet, banks, taxis, garages, tabac, petrol station, food shops and takeaways, sports shops, clothes shops, craft shops, gift shops, souvenir shops, pushchair hire, baby carrier hire, co-working area etc.
Getting to Chatel, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais to Chatel is approx. 528 miles (850km, approx 9hrs). A6 motorway via Macon followed by the A40 motorway towards Geneva. Exit at Annemasse, Thonon, Châtel.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras (or Ashford, Kent). See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Chatel is roughly 25 miles away (41km) in Thonon les Bains (approx. 50 mins).
4 international airports nearby. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Chatel is approx. 96 miles (156km), approx. 2hrs 15 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Chatel is approx. 146 miles (236km), approx. 3hrs
Geneva Airport to Chatel is approx. 50 miles (82km), approx. 1hr 30 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Chatel is approx. 149 miles (241km), approx. 3hrs
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
Getting around Chatel
Several free bus services operate throughout the season to transport you around Châtel.
Electric vehicle charge points
In three locations for 2024, the municipality of Châtel provides you with two recharging stations (a total of 6 spots) for electric vehicles. These stations are located at the Meurba parking lot, at the entrance to Lac de Vonnes, and at the Pré la Joux parking lot. They are accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and compatible with all types of electric vehicles. You may also find charge points at your accommodation, you will need to check.
