Châtel is in the heart of the Franco-Swiss ski domain called the Portes du Soleil, a location that makes it perfect for a luxury ski holiday. The ski area, one of the largest in Europe, covers 14 resorts, including Avoriaz, Morzine, and Les Gets in France, as well as Champéry, Torgon, and Morgins across the border in Switzerland.
In all, the Portes du Soleil has over 400 miles of ski slopes, well-served by 208 ski-lifts and this is all accessible using a single, inclusive ski pass. The Châtel ski area itself sits on the sunny side of the mountain, making this a perfect spot for families, who invariably enjoy the relaxed pace and stunning scenery. Nevertheless, one of the main draws of a luxury ski holiday in Chatel is the easy and seamless access to the wider Portes du Soleil.
Chatel's links to the wider Portes du Soleil Ski Area:
Torgon: From Super-Châtel, one can take the Tour du Don ski lift directly to Torgon, the Swiss resort.
Morgins: From Super-Châtel, the Chalet Neuf ski lift provides a link to Morgins via the pistes.
La Chapelle d'Abondance: From the Barbossine sector, take the Col de Croix red piste to Torgon, the Swiss resort, then the Djeu des Têtes ski lift, followed by the Conches 2000 ski lift. Several alternatives are then available to the Panthiaz gondola which gives access to La Chapelle d'Abondance. A regular shuttle provides a link to the Crêt Béni sector of La Chapelle, and will also take you back to Châtel.
Avoriaz: Avoriaz can be reached directly via the ski slopes. From Pré-la-Joux take the Pierre-Longue and then Rochassons chair lifts. When you reach the crest take the red Chaux-Fleuri piste or the blue Grand Plan piste to Avoriaz.
Chatel Ski Resort
The town of Chatel is pretty and intimate, combining historic alpine farms with more contemporary apartments and hotels. Luxury ski holidays in Chatel benefit from a laidback atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life. Chatel's short transfer time from Geneva airport is also an advantage for families who prefer to keep travel stress to a minimum (!), and makes it convenient for weekend ski breaks.
Apres Ski
An integral part of your holiday in the mountains, après ski in Châtel is a welcoming and friendly affair, in warm surroundings. The bars and restaurants in Chatel know exactly what you need to feel content and to enjoy a fun interlude before retiring back to your luxury chalet. For those who are staying in a self-catered chalet in Chatel, you'll find a nice array of restaurants to suit all tastes, with a couple of gourmet options, including the well-regarded Fleur de Neige, as well as more informal choices. If you like to sample traditional delicacies, there are several restaurants in Chatel's village centre that serve excellent raclettes, fondue and steak.
For the full après ski experience, the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz plays host to one of the infamous Folie Douce bars; just make sure you leave in time to catch the last lift back to Chatel! Within the village of Chatel, après ski is generally becoming increasingly lively, and visitors can find at least a couple of bars that host live music and resident DJs, as well as showing big sporting events.
