Chatel is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Chatel is one of the 7 communes of the Portes du Soleil a mega tourist destination spanning Switzerland and France with over 1 million visitors per year. Chatel is less than an hour away from Geneva and Annecy, and 45 minutes from Le Grand Bornand. There are even more towns within a one-hour drive of Chatel – Torgon, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Rivaillaz, Avoriaz, Morgins, and Grimentz. Chatel also has access to France‘s largest lift system, Portes du Soleil. The Chatel Mountain range in Portes du Soleil offers stunning views across the valleys towards the Mont Blanc. The ski lifts provide access to a large range of runs for skiers and boarders of all abilities. The pistes range from easy to difficult with a vertical drop of 1,800 metres (5,906 ft) from the top to the middle station. In addition, Chatel’s prices remain among the most competitive in the Portes du Soleil.
How high Is Chatel in France?
The Chatel resort lies at an altitude of 1200 metres, which makes it one of the highest resorts in the Portes du Soleil ski area and among the highest in Europe. Chatel’s ski areas of Pré la Joux and Savoleyres are tops for off-piste snowboarding and backcountry skiing.
What is Chatel famous for?
This mountainside is home to many different ski resorts including La Joux (where the ice rink is located), Morgins (where the annual Motocross races are held). Since 2011 it has been part of Portes du Soleil, the largest linked ski area in the world.
It has 85 km of skiing piste, spread across three main areas: Le Chatel, Avoriaz, and Torgon. After the legendary Avoriaz and Torgon Village, Chatel combines vertical and horizontal snow tracks, forests, cables, aretes and bowls.
While powder snow reigns supreme, Chatel is also known for its large apres-ski area that features many international DJs and limited edition drink offers. Chatel offers skiing and snowboarding and a range of amenities including restaurants, bars, shops, nightclubs, spa facilities and hotels. Visitors can also enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, tobogganing or shopping for gifts in any of the boutiques. The ski season in Chatel lasts from early December to mid June.
Types of Property in Chatel
Where are the best pistes in Chatel?
The top 3 lift-served runs in Chatel are Pre la Joux, La Combe, and L’Intineraire. But when it comes to the resort’s selection of high elevation off-piste lines, it can be really difficult to decide where you should spend your day. At the heart of the Portes du Soleil and ideal for beginners, Le Pedrix is a long beginner run with 2 drag lifts. Those in need of a refreshment can stop off at the bar in Le Pedrix where simple hot food is also available.
Is Chatel good for beginners?
Chatel is a popular destination for beginners and families as it offers relatively wide slopes and gentle gradients. It is a good base for red runs (typically rated between blue and black) and there is now even a green run from the top of La Tsaté chairlift through to Le Pré-de-la-Joux that is an impressive 600m long with consistent width!
Which areas have the best ski-access properties in Chatel?
The top spots to stay in Chatel are mostly concentrated in the town, with properties scattered across the surrounding countryside. Before booking your accommodation, we recommend you check on the accessibility of the location to get a feel for whether or not it suits your travel requirements. Looking at places such as pre la joux, portes du soleil, chatel and super chatel is sure to give you an idea of what area could be best equipped for your needs.
Where is the closest airport to Chatel?
The nearest airport is Geneva Cointrin International Airport 775 km away from Chatel.
Ready to take on the snow?
Come visit Chatel, a resort with the best conditions in the Portes du Soleil, where you can find a particular atmosphere and also an ideal base for exploring this vast domain.