Close to Geneva, Chatel is both a rustic farming village and an increasingly popular ski resort. Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the Alpine village of Chatel lies at 1200m on the French-Swiss border.
A wonderfully traditional ski resort, Chatel lies slightly off the beaten track, and tends to be quieter for this reason, making it a popular resort for families and those not craving nightlife that beats into the early hours! Because of its access to the large Portes du Soleil circuit, it is suitable for skiers of all abilities, especially those of an intermediate level.
The ski area itself has 49 runs all of varied terrain, that span over 83kms of piste. The percentage of runs of green, blue, red and black are shown below. For those who want a little more than the usual red, there are five black-level runs that are sure to get the adrenalin pumping!
| Resort altitude | 1200m - 1200m |
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| Highest lift | 2205m |
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| Lowest lift | 1100m |
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| Kms of piste | 83kms |
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| No of lifts | 44 |
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| Black pistes | 10% |
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| Red pistes | 39% |
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| Blue pistes | 38% |
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| Green pistes | 13% |
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| Snow parks | 4 |
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| Glacier | No |
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| Snowmaking | 632 |
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Map of Chatel - Click to open
What do you want to do?
Overview of Chatel
Close to Geneva, Chatel is both a rustic farming village and an increasingly popular ski resort.
Planning your trip
Helping you to plan your trip with information on how to get to Chatel.
Where to stay
Although this is ultimately a French resort, packages from Britain are not hard to find..
On the piste
Chatel sits between two sectors of the main Portes du Soleil circuit.
Food and drink
It's not difficult to find homely establishments that serve up a selection of affordable Savoyard specialities.
Families
With a little planning before you arrive, skiing can be a fantastic family holiday.
Other activities
A few things you can get up to off the slopes in Chatel.
Resort Directory
Sounds boring but here is all the important information from as doctors to dentists, internet to the tourist office.
Webcams and weather
Webcam and weather info
Our penny’s worth - Click to open
Our penny's worth
Make sure you explore the surrounding Portes du Soleil area as there is so much more to offer, especially for those looking for some off-piste or good snowboard terrain. Be sure to upgrade your lift pass if you need to, and avoid missing the last lifts home (which can sometimes result in an expensive taxi back!).
Don't leave Chatel without...
- Exploring the surrounding trails by snow shoe
- Relaxing at the natural hot springs in Lavey, a 30 minute drive away
- Taking the kids ice-skating if you need some well-deserved time off the slopes
- Eating out at Table d'Antoine for its excellent cuisine and charming atmosphere
- Heading to The Avalanche - an English-style pub with a good atmosphere and live music
At a glance - Click to open
| Nearest airports | Type of resort | Stay in | Go for a |
|---|
| Geneva | Small alpine village | Chalets
Hotels
Independent Travel
Self-Catered
Tour operator | Week
Week+
Weekend |
| Good for | Children | Food and drink | Other |
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Off-piste
Snowboarding | Creches
Babysitting
Ski schools
| Apres-ski
Evening drinking
Resort dining
Vegetarian
Family friendly
Live music
Late drinking
Mountain dining
| Internet access
Churches
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| Other activities |
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Adrenaline fuelled
Sightseeing
Relaxation
Shopping
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