The Ski Resort
Chatel is probably the prettiest of the main Portes du Soleil ski villages.
Here at Chalet Ski we love Chatel and whilst the secret is slowly getting out about this beautiful French ski resort, it still so far retains its charm and Frenchness.
In terms of the skiing, being part of the Portes du Soleil ski area it benefits from 650km of pistes so there is plenty to explore. The off-piste in Chatel is good although Chatel aside the Portes du Soleil expert skiing is ok but not world class. The beginner and intermediate skiing however is very good which typically suits the Chatel ski visitor who is more interested in great food than facing down a 50 degree slope each morning! Think reserved, understated, and elegant, all without trying too hard and you have Chatel.
Elsewhere, Chatel connects easily into the main Portes du Soleil and gives you simple access to explore Avoriaz and Morzine in France or Champery or Les Crosets for example in Switzerland.
Worth Knowing
Chatel is just 1 hour from Geneva Airport and ideal for weekend short breaks.
Lake Geneva is just 30 minutes away so later on in the season you can combine some skiing with some sailing (a very special two centre holiday).
Off Piste Skiing
If you are a good skier and suitably qualified, high and just above the Linga there is a great powder bowl over the ridge. Elsewhere there is the legendary Swiss Wall on the way down to Champery.
Ski School
ESF are the main ski school. BASS are also in Chatel.
Snow Boarding
A great area for beginners and intermediates and with the right conditions some nice tree line snowboarding. The bowl just beyond the Linga piste is a must for competent off-piste snowboarders. There are also 9 snowboard parks to explore.
View Portes du Soleil Ski Resort Guide - Chalet Ski (www.chaletski.co.uk) in a larger map