Châtel                         

One of the shortest drives from Calais and only 70 miles from Geneva, Châtel is a chalet style farming village built around the old church which has since been extended with newer buildings out to the skating lake on the Swiss border and down the hillside to Le Linga sector. Skiers can choose to ski towards Switzerland from the Super Châtel area lifts in the town centre, or Avoriaz from Le Linga. 

Like the neighbouring resorts, Les Gets and Morzine, Chatel's low altitude can entail little resort-level snow.  Sometimes it may be best to jump in a car or lift and head for more distant, snowy delights, readily available in resorts like Avoriaz.  There are many fine hotels, although some are situated a fair distance from the lifts.  Chatel also offers enjoyable restaurants, although its nightlife is fairly quiet.  Skiing school and childcare facilities are excellent, making Chatel the perfect resort for families.

Chatel is a lovely traditional resort, although it is a bit remote.  The quiet nature of the place is very suitable for families and those seeking relief from the rowdier après-ski crowds.  Chatel has some excellent intermediate runs and the superb ski tuition on offer will soon have even beginners whizzing down the more advanced slopes.

An excellent value resort with charm, most convenient for the Channel ports, very good for intermediates.

Portes Du Soleil 1200m-2400m
As part of the Portes du Soleil, Châtel boasts some wonderful skiing with varying levels of runs, which are suitable for everyone. The Portes du Soleil skiing area is very extensive with 650 km of pistes, 279 marked pistes, 9 snowparks, 1023 ski instructors.  Skiers can choose to ski towards Switzerland from the Super Châtel area lifts in the town centre, or Avoriaz from Le Linga. An excellent value resort with charm, most convenient for the Channel ports, very good for intermediates.

Beginners* Intermediates***
Advanced** Snowboarders***

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Ski Facts: Locally 82km with 67 pistes: 6 black, 28 red, 23 blue, 10 green, snowpark. 21 km cross country.

Lift Pass: Châtel 6 days adult €123, child 5-15yrs €93.

Ski School: 6 half days group lessons adult €100, child €96. ESF tel 0033 450 73 22 64. www.esf-chatel.com

Non Skiing: skating rink, swimming pool, fitness centre, bobsleigh, cheese tasting, cinema, disco.

Children: Les Marmottons tel 0033 450 73 33 79 from 2-8yrs €35/day.

Travel: By car: Calais 532 miles. By rail: Thonon 25 miles. By air: Geneva 1½ hrs.

NOTE: Prices are approximate and are to be used as a guide only. Travel distances are approximate and travel times are subject to road conditions.