Welcome to Châtel - Your Ideal French Alpine Getaway
Welcome to Châtel, a delightful alpine town in France's Haute-Savoie region, celebrated for its scenic beauty and dynamic array of activities throughout the seasons. As a key destination in the renowned Portes du Soleil ski area, Châtel offers an exceptional range of winter sports, perfect for enthusiasts of all levels. Beyond its snow-capped adventures, Châtel blooms in the summer with trails for hiking and mountain biking, set against stunning mountainous backdrops. The town is equally famous for its authentic Savoyard cuisine, featuring local cheeses and wines that promise a culinary delight.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities or a peaceful retreat into nature, Châtel extends a warm welcome, promising an unforgettable experience on every visit. Join us to explore everything Châtel has to offer, making your next holiday truly spectacular.
Portes du Soleil: Experience the thrill of Châtel's slopes
Châtel is a winter sports paradise, with a wide range of activities that cater to all skill levels. Found in the Portes du Soleil ski area, you can access over 600 kilometres of ski hills. This proudly makes it one of the largest ski areas in the world. For skiers and snowboarders, Châtel has a variety of trails and modern facilities.
- The Super-Châtel ski station is ideal for families and beginners, due to its smaller slopes. More advanced skiers can move onto the Linga and Pré-la-Joux areas, where you can find more challenging runs. The two most popular runs are the Combe de Machon and Les Renards.
- If you prefer to cross-country ski, you are in luck because in Châtel there is an extensive network of trails that go through wooded forests and open valleys. A total winter wonderland! The Nordic skiing area at Plaine Dranse is a must-do. You can also enjoy snowshoeing along marked trails taking you right to Lac de Vonnes and the Mont de Grange nature reserve.
- For those who are searching for a real adrenaline rush, Châtel also offers ice climbing, paragliding, and dog sledding. There are guided tours that take you to the Vallée d'Abondance, where you can learn all about ice climbing in the Alps. Châtel provides a variety of winter sports activities, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable adventure holiday.
Hiking and Cycling in Châtel - Trails and Bike Routes
In late spring and summer, once the snow melts away, Châtel becomes the perfect destination for hikers and cyclists. Many trails cater to all levels in the surrounding areas that are perfect from leisurely walks to more challenging inclined hikes. For cyclists, there are plenty of dirt trails and thrilling downhill runs.
Hiking in Châtel
Lac de Vonnes Loop
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
The trail: Begin at the base of the Lac de Vonnes and follow the loop trail that guides you through meadows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We recommend this trail for families or if you prefer a gentle walk around the mountain.
Chalet de Chesery
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
The trail: The path takes you through hills and provides a spectacular view of the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc in the distance.
Mont de Grange Ascent
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty level: Challenging
The trail: This route is for experienced hikers, not suggested for families with young children. Beginning in the village, the trail climbs through dense forests and alpine pastures. Once you reach the summit after a gruelling climb, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Cycling in Châtel
Châtel Bike Park
Duration: Up to you!
Difficulty level: Easy to expert available
The route: The Châtel Bike Park is a must-visit because of its variety of runs ranging from beginner to expert. There are jumps, berms, and technical sections that you can use at the park. During July and August, you can take a free shuttle bus from the village centre to the Pierre Longue chairlift that will take you up to the bike park.
Col de Bassachaux
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
The route: This is a favourite among road cyclists because it has a steady climb to the top. The descent back into the valley is very exhilarating and provides a great opportunity to test your bike handling skills.
Tour des Portes du Soleil
Duration: 6-8 hours (full day)
Difficulty level: Hard
The route: This is an iconic mountain biking route that covers over 80 kilometres and connects 12 resorts in the Portes du Soleil area, including Châtel. There are many challenging climbs and descents. There is lift access available to help you with the more challenging parts if you need it.