Back to France Ski Holidays

Chatel Ski Holidays

Intermediary skiing, Santa visits and French vibes amidst a rustic Savoyarde mountain village of glorious Portes du Soleil

Discover the magic of Châtel, a charming village that offers access to the Portes du Soleil and its 580km of slopes. Although the area itself leans towards intermediates, you’ll find top-notch ski schools and gentle green runs to kickstart your skiing escapade. An upgrade to a Portes du Soleil area pass elevates you to the mesmerizing vistas of Avoriaz, Morzine, or even into Switzerland. For wild valley vistas, take to the skies with ziplining or paragliding, while families revel in the joy of gliding down the slopes on inflatable air boards or splashtastic fun at the Aquatic Centre.

The historic village is peppered with family-friendly accommodation, including new chalets and traditional guesthouses. You can still spot working farms dotting the landscape, offering local delicacies that grace the menus of cozy eateries. And the sweetest part of the deal? Châtel is surprisingly affordable compared to the sprawling resorts in the skiing domain.

Beginners SkiingIntermediate SkiingAdvanced SkiingSnowboarding

159 Beginners Pistes

In the Châtel ski area, beginners have options on both sides to kickstart their skiing journey. For a smooth start, we recommend the Super-Châtel lift, providing access to five short and gentle green runs. If you're ready for a longer adventure, the green trail from Plaine Dranse to Pré la Joux winds through enchanting tree-lined paths, offering the ideal terrain to hone your turning skills.

105 Intermediate Pistes

If you're seeking long, expansive runs, the pistes on Linga and Pré la Joux are your top choices. As you descend further, these slopes transition into tree-lined trails, combining the best of both worlds. On the Barbossine side, you'll find some enjoyable open red runs and a lengthy black valley run for an adrenaline-pumping experience that's sure to get your heart racing.

29 Advanced Pistes

While Châtel may not offer an abundance of challenges for advanced skiers within its local terrain, there are still appealing options such as the terrain running into Barbossine, tree-lined descents from Tête de Linga to Villapeyron and the exhilarating route from Cornebois to Plaine Dranse. For a more diverse experience, advanced skiers are strongly advised to obtain a Portes du Soleil pass, granting access to Avoriaz and its more demanding slopes. Additionally, the Smoothpark at Super-Châtel provides a great opportunity for freestyle enthusiasts to have some creative fun on the mountain. 

Pré la Joux is a haven for carving enthusiasts, offering fantastic red slopes with steeper sections that are perfect for snowboarders looking to take their skills to the next level. In Châtel, you'll also find two exhilarating snow parks – the Smooth Park in Super Châtel, catering to beginners and the Happy Park in Pré la Joux, designed for more advanced boarders, providing a playground for freestyle enthusiasts at all levels.

Apres Ski

Châtel, though not as renowned for its nightlife as Val d’Isere, boasts fantastic après-ski options. L’Avalanche on Route du Linga is a vibrant bar featuring live music and DJs until the early hours, while Nazca flaunts a sun terrace for drinks, dancing and themed nights. Creperie Bretonne La Galettiere serves top-notch pancakes, and La Poya adds a twist to traditional French cuisine with enticing set menus. Indulge in the must-try Abondance cheese, a highlight in raclette, vacherin, or fondue dishes. For pizzas and burgers, Hors Piste is the place to be. Beyond the culinary delights, Châtel offers diverse activities, from airboarding and yoonering on the Pierre-Longue chairlift slope to the Lake Vonnes ice rink (with a delightful waffle-serving tearoom). And don’t miss The Forme d’O Centre’s aquatique pools and spa facilities, or a historical visit to the old Customs House. This charming town certainly enjoys an upbeat and diverse mountain experience.

Ski Statistics

Resort HeightHighest LiftLongest PisteLiftsSnowparkKM of Piste
1200m2200m11Km19611650Km