Posted on 12 May 2021
Chatel ski resort in the Haute-Savoie area of the southern-eastern Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes deserves recognition and respect as one of the top ski resorts in France. This scenic Northern French Alps position on the French/Swiss border leads to excellent skiing opportunities. Chatel keeps traditional alpine vibes, in contrast to other Alpine ski resorts that sold out their cultural heritage favouring modern trends. This fabulous resort also won the Famille plus Montagne accreditation because of a family-friendly skiing ambience.
Skiers who know Alpine ranges often call Chatel, a picturesque village resort in the Chablais Swiss/French border town “Gateway to the Alps”. This scenic village ticks all the boxes. This quaint alpine village bursting with charm, and plenty of après-ski action, remains unspoiled by mass tourism yet offers something for every day. Indeed, out of all the European ski resorts, Chatel is one of the best.
About Chatel Ski Resort and Area in France
How to Get to Chatel?
Chatel sits between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, and 75 minutes from Geneva airport and 45 minutes from Thonon-Les-Bains, which offer international flights to and from many countries. Meanwhile, quick, and efficient airport transfers via taxi, car hire or shuttles, and the train station at Monthey means skiers are in Chatel next to no time.
What is Chatel like for Skiing?
Chatel comes up trumps with easy access to Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest French Alps domains for skiing. The choice of outdoor activities in Chatel is endless, thanks to rugged landscapes and preserved nature. They include skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountain climbing. All levels of skiers and snowboarders alike will find runs, slopes and terrains that suit their ability, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced.
A reliable free ski bus service also gives easy access to all 45 lifts. Add to these 49 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Skiers who want wide open snowfields will be delighted with Chatel’s 130 kilometres of groomed pistes, including the 1000 metres of vertical descent. The terrain park and border cross-track are ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders, but easy links to Avoriaz and Torgon and Morgins swiss resorts open more possibilities.
The 1200 metre altitude also benefits from infrastructure investment like the Linga ski area chairlift. Of course, beginners will feel right at home by booking into a ski school. Both group and private instructors help young and old learn to ski, while ski hire shops rent out all the equipment you need.
The Resort Centre
The picturesque village and popular ski resort offer many local bars, restaurants and shops selling everything. The resort also includes modern facilities like a relaxation wellness centre with Jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym, and sauna. Relax after a fun-filled day on the snowy slopes. In such a traditional resort, these carefully integrated facilities blend in and work in harmony with tranquil surroundings, which contrasts many more prominent and older purpose-built ski resorts. Chatel ski resort offers a vibrant base in a top-notch setting to live and holiday in summer and winter and is great for couples, groups, and families alike.
Summer Activities and Other Things to Do
Although famous as a winter ski destination, mountain bikers love Chatel and ski lifts open between June and September to fuel their adrenaline drive. Besides biking, other summer activities include paragliding, windsurfing, kayaking, the Chatel ice rink, sailing, touring, trekking, hiking, and white-water rafting. During summer, brave adventurers should also try the Fantasticable, a flying zip line going at speeds of 60 mph up to 240 m above the Plaine-Dranse hamlet.
Come summer, Chatel also turns attention to culture and nature with more than 200 events throughout the year. During August, Chatel celebrates the Fete de la Saint Laurent and Fete de la Belle Dimanche festivals. The festival of Saint Laurent, the patron saint of Chatel, hosts many floats and live entertainment. At the same time, La Belle Dimanche, the farmers’ tribute to “beautiful Sunday”, sits in Plaine Dranse accessible by the ski lift Pierre Longue. While there, drop into the tourist office to discover more current events.
Après Ski, and Dining Out
After skiing in the alps, everyone looks forward to bars and restaurants offering the best fun and relaxation. The Après ski social scene of Chatel mountain resort varies from authentic styled French lodges to quieter traditional English pubs to lively music establishments continuing a nightlife theme. Restaurant menus include Savoyard regional dishes and fine gourmet dining cooked by the best chefs and champagne. Chatel’s extensive range of restaurants, bars and shops, and cosmopolitan mix of Parisians and English-speaking ex-pats also promote a chick ambience for a skiing holiday.
Real Estate and Property for Sale
Chatel French ski resort has risen in popularity among buyers in the French alps who want cosy ski accommodation, either for investment or year-round holidays. Chatel excels at luxury ski chalets that feature every modern amenity, including a terrace, balconies, outdoor hot-tub, en suite bathrooms, wine cellar, spacious bedrooms, gorgeous furnishings, open plan living area featuring log fire, and dining area. Apartment buyers can also expect high standard results thanks to Chatel’s determination to retain their professional, upmarket ambience. If you want to invest in Chatel, see our range of ski accommodation for sale. Each listing contains everything to know, including contact details to enquire about a viewing.
About Us: We are Skiing Property International, and our portfolio includes a large selection of ski chalets and apartments for sale in many ski resorts in France, including Courchevel, Meribel, Alpe d’Huez, Morzine, Tignes, Les Arcs, Les Deux Alpes, Les Gets and Chamonix Mont Blanc. Contact us today if you want to speak with an agent about investing in the alps, or see our blog about Chatel and other fantastic French ski resorts.
Portes De Soleil Ski Area
Chatel ski resort belongs to the Portes De Soleil ski areas, which offers panoramic views and can boast about some of the best skiing in the Alps. It is the ideal base for a ski holiday, instantly impressing every skier and snowboard fan on sight. This article about Portes De Soleil gives more information for any skiers or house hunter in the French Alps.
