Chatel is a small resort in the north east of the Port du Soleil, a very large skiing area in the French Alps. It lies close to the border with Switzerland and benefits from a short transfer time from Geneva Airport. The resort lies at the fairly low altitude of twelve hundred metres and can sometimes suffer from paucity of snow at resort level. It does however have access to a vast area of excellent pistes which cater for every level of ability and the terrain is ideal for snow boarders. Chatel is a very pretty family friendly resort with excellent facilities, a good range of accommodation and some very good restaurants. There are ski schools for adults and children as well as a crèche for children from two years.
Chatel is an attractive resort surrounded by magnificent scenery. It offers skiing for every level of expertise and has good terrain for snow boarders. Lifts give easy access to the slopes. Evenings are peaceful, reflecting the family nature of the resort.
A Chatel holiday is popular with a wide variety of people. The slopes accommodate all levels of ability thereby attracting, families, couples of all ages. Groups of young adults may find the evenings a little quiet.
The Chatel ski season lasts from mid December until mid April. It is popular in the summer with rock climbers, hill walkers and mountain bikers.
Chatel is a small traditional French resort that is a little off the beaten track. It lies at the head of the beautiful Dranse Valley only an hour from Geneva Airport and is ideal for those who want to ski amid stunning scenery, away from the bustle of busier, more popular centres. As Chatel is on the Port du Soleil circuit it has easy access to the many kilometres of varied terrain and can therefore satisfy every skier. The Super-Chatel, with its tree lined blue slopes, is ideal for novices and for intermediate skiers. Other skiing areas, Linga and Pre la Joux, can be accessed by a free bus which runs regularly throughout the winter season. The black run, Le Mur, which runs between France and Switzerland, is a breathtaking experience for expert skiers. Chatel is ideal for beginners and families as there are very many gentle slopes and easy runs. The terrain is good for snow boarders at novice and intermediate levels. For more taxing courses, go to nearby Avoriaz where there is a snow park. There are six ski schools offering tuition for all levels of ability as well as mountain guides for those who wish to travel further afield. There are childcare facilities for children from two years.
A variety of small hotels, apartments and chalets accommodates most budgets. The resort has developed over a fairly large area which can necessitate a walk to the ski bus. Chatel restaurants provide a range of good food and cater for most tastes. Nightlife is fairly quiet reflecting the family nature of the resort.
Chatel is also a popular summer destination when activities such as hill walking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking can be enjoyed.
Chatel nightlife is fairly low key. There are a number of bars and an English style pub as well as a range of restaurants.
Chatel has a small number of shops with grocers providing essential provisions and sports shops selling equipment and clothing.
The bars and restaurants of Chatel village and around the ski lifts provide a variety of menu that caters for most tastes. There are fine restaurants for evening dining.
