France

Chatel

Pretty and traditional French ski town with access to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area

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Chatel resort guide - a general overview

Chatel which is part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski circuit is a pleasant, lively village which retains its French authenticity and character. Chatel has its own extensive, pretty intermediate area but links easily enough into the huge Portes du Soleil ski domain. The resort is made up of modern unpretentious chalet style hotels and apartments mixed in with some old farms where cattle still live in the winter. With easy access to the Portes du Soleil this is the perfect spot to get away from the big super stations but still have miles and miles of piste to explore. Chatel also has quick and easy access to some quiet skiing in Morgins & Torgon (on the Swiss side of the border).

We recommend Chatel as the perfect place for both families and adult groups looking to stay in a more traditional resort where the pace is a little more relaxed than say a larger resort like Morzine in the Morzine in the Portes du Soleil. There are some very comfortable and well run chalets in Chatel that we know well so let us know if you think you would like to try this wonderful resort.

Photos courtesy of Chatel Tourist Office.

Resort stats

650km

1,200m - 2,350m

Level of skiing

Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Snow sure
Off-piste
Ski area

Qualities

Charm factor
Non-skiers
Nightlife
Resort layout
Fine dining
Short transfer
Resort value

Airports

Geneva
1hr 30mins

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Access to the large Portes du Soleil ski circuit
  • Pretty, lively French mountain town, still quite rustic in parts
  • Good local slopes particularly suited to beginners and intermediates
  • Short transfer from Geneva airport

Cons

  • Low altitude means snow can be unreliable at the start and end of the season
  • Most of the main lifts are only reachable by bus or car (free parking available)
  • Village can get busy at weekends

Restaurants

Chatel Resort Restaurants

For traditional Alpine dining with classic Savoyarde specialties, head to the rustic Vieux Four or La Poya on the main street. Le Fiacre is a great all-rounder for families, serving traditional dishes alongside excellent steak frites, while Pici Pasta offers delicious homemade, fresh Italian options. If you're looking for a finer dining experience with a lively atmosphere, Le 1200 is the place to go.

Chatel Mountain Restaurants

Plaine Dranse is the main ski meetup hub in Châtel (including for non-skiers), packed with options - local favourites include Chez Crépy, Folie des Neiges, and L'Alpage. For a sunny lunch break on the slopes with reasonable prices (especially the plat du jour), Les Blattins is a top choice. If you're looking to warm up, head to La Léiche on the Linga piste to enjoy a hot chocolate over a huge open fire.

Chatel Apres Ski

Châtel is becoming more lively. The British style pub Avalanche is a popular hangout with a good atmosphere, live bands and sometimes themed nights. The DJ or live music in Bar Nazca is a fun evening out and the Hors Piste is the energetic hot spot with pizzas on the side. Locals head to La Godille or Le Canon.

Chatel Nightlife

After Bar Nazca and the Avalanche pub, the crowds head to La Vôga Night Club

Chatel Resort Map

Key

  • Funicular
  • Cable Car
  • Gondola
  • Chair lift
  • Drag lift
  • Property