A great resort for intermediates, families and those who hate long transfers, the very French village of Châtel sits at 1200m right on the Franco-Swiss border. Its easy access to the 650km of Portes du Soleil terrain make it suitable for skiers of all abilities. Intermediates will be happiest, but there are options for beginners and experts too. Châtel sits between two sectors of the main Portes du Soleil circuit, each offering a mix of open and wooded slopes, and now linked by lift rather than bus. The Super-Châtel sector leads over to the Swiss villages of Morgins and Torgon, while the Linga sector is the most reliable for early and late season snow conditions.
The village is slightly off the beaten track, and tends to be quieter – good for families and those seeking a bit of ambiance. It’s still an active farming community too, as you can appreciate with a trip to the cheese factory. The village has retained a very French feel, which can be refreshing compared to the more British Morzine and Avoriaz. Accommodation is mostly in chalets, and these’s great food – mostly rustic Savoyard fare. Come from Geneva – the airport is about an hour and a half away.
