As the summer holidays come to an end and the first lot of snow starts falling in the French Alps, you know it is time to think about booking your winter holiday (if, you haven’t already). The cross-border ski resort of Chatel, France is definitely one of those places you should consider looking into for your next winter holiday skiing as it is a resort on the up.
Table of Contents
- 1 About Chatel Ski Resort
- 2 Hire a Ski Guide for half day
- 3 Other Resorts in Portes du Soleil
At the top of the Chatel slopes with Switzerland in the background
About Chatel Ski Resort
Pretty and relatively unspoiled, the Chatel Ski Resort definitely has a very French feel about it, especially with the chalet style hotels dotted around the resort. It has so much to offer, from skiing in two countries experiencing different terrain, zip lining across the Alps, to having free wifi in most of the resort. This is great to share your trip on social media and make your friends envious!
Photo provided by Chatel Tourism (Jean-François Vuarand )
If that doesn’t convince you, Chatel Ski Resort France also forms part of the Portes Du Soleil ski area, interlinking 12 resorts across France and Switzerland giving you access to over 600kms of ski runs. It is considered to be one of the biggest ski areas in the world, meaning there is something for everyone, from a complete beginner to seasoned skiers.
Chatel Ski Resort was my last stop on my ski safari on the French side of Portes du Soleil’s vast and varied ski area.
Ski Runs & Pass Area
With the Chatel Ski Resort being right on the French-Swiss border the ski passes can be really flexible, depending on your experience, comfort and budget. You can get a lift pass for the Chatel, France & Torgon / Morgins Switzerland area or the whole Portes Du Soleil.
At the cross-border of France and Switzerland
The Chatel Ski Resort Pass also covers Châtel (Barbossine, Super-Châtel, Linga and Pre-la-Joux), La Chapelle abondance Switzerland and some of the Morgins in Switzerland too (Corbeaeu sector)
- Please note though if you want to ski over to the Avoriaz Ski Resort, you will need to get the Portes du Soleil pass.
Fresh snow Chatel France
Overview of only the Chatel Ski Resort Area
- Chatel has two separate parts, Super-Châtel/Barbossine and Linga/Pré-La-Joux / Plaine Dranse
- 61 Ski lifts & 73 ski runs
- Plenty of on and off-piste skiing, especially through the forest after a fresh dump of snow
- 2 Snowparks
- Night skiing every Thursday from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Linga slope
Skiing across the top of the slopes Chatel France
Fantasticable (Zip lining across the Alps)
I am not going to lie, when I was first informed that Chatel Tourism wanted me to try the Fantasticable (similar to a zip line), I thought what is that? it sounds fun. When I looked it up, I thought wow that looks scary, exciting and insane, all at the same time. I also thought any adventurous person like my husband would love to do this.
Photo provided by Chatel Tourism (Thiebaut )
Strapped into a harness in a laying position you fly like a bird with speeds of between 8o to 100kmh along a line up at 240m above the hamlet of Paine-Dranse Portes Du Soleil. Now, you may be wondering how can you do this with skis and snowboards? Well, you do not have to worry, as they will follow you on the line in a transportation carrier.
Tip
- It is also open in the Summer and it involves two lines for double the fun.
Zip lining across the French Alps Chatel France
Hire a Ski Guide for half day
One of the things I love about being on a press trip is that you get the opportunity to ski with some great local skiers. They are usually happy to show you some of the hidden gems and the best the resort has to offer. If you are anything like me, you also get to learn new techniques too which is just an added bonus.
Overlooking the French Alps from Chatel Ski Resort
Whether you are an experienced skier, a complete beginner, a group or a family, getting a guide can be a great idea for everyone. My guide in Chatel Ski Resort was Paul who was an instructor from ESF, a company that is based all over the French Alps.
We had a great day together, he took me to areas that I had not skied before, helped me polished my skiing skills and overall made me an even more confident skier.
A selfie with my Ski Instructor Chatel France
Rock the Pistes Festival
If you only ever attend one ski festival in your lifetime, then it will have to be Rock the Pistes. It is an annual music festival spread across the entire Portes Du Soleil ski area, held over a period of a week. Each resort hosts a series of both indoor and outdoor events, with the draw card being the on-piste concerts.
The festival provides the perfect opportunity to ski or snowboard while enjoying music from international acts from around the world, like Rag’n’Bone man. The best bit is the concerts are absolutely FREE and are included in your ski pass.
Some of the line-ups for this season were
- Alice Merton – Champéry Les Crosets
- The Horrors – Morzine Les Gets
- Oscar and the Wild – Avoriaz
- FFF – Morgins
I was lucky enough to attend Rock the Pistes this year for a few days and to experience exactly what it is like to attend a concert at high altitude in Portes Du Soleil. I had such a wonderful time, the atmosphere was electric, the bands were great and the views across the Alps as the backdrop were stunning. There is no doubt in my mind that this one of the best ski festivals in Europe.
Tip
- Most of the concerts start in the afternoon after lunch. So if you don’t want to miss out on skiing, get up for the first run of the morning. Then you get the best of both worlds, skiing and music.
Having fun trying to create a 360 in the VIP area at Rock the Pistes Festival
Accommodation in Chatel
Chatel Ski Resort has a variety of accommodation spread out in the village from a hostel to luxury chalets. Most of the main hotels are situated in the centre but don’t be discouraged to stay further out especially up the mountain. There is a regular bus service that covers the whole of Chatel Ski Resort that is FREE and they depart near the Super Chatel Gondola.
If want to stretch your legs it should only take you about a 15-25min walk to get to most accomm
Logis Hotel Les Triolets – I stayed at the cosy Logis Hôtel les Triolets well located in between the Super-Chatel gondola and Petit Chatel lift and only a 10minute walk up the hill from the centre of town. If you didn’t want to walk from the village, then there is an FREE local bus that stops outside the hotel.
Logis Hôtel les Triolets Chatel Ski Resort France
It was a really lovely family run hotel with an indoor pool and views across the village from the front of the hotel. The owners were super nice to me and even though I struggled with my French and their English, we were still able to work everything out.
I had a comfy room with a small balcony that overlooked chalets on the mountain behind the hotel. It was a half board hotel and the views from the restaurant overlooking the village were beautiful.
The view from my balcony, Chatel Ski Resort
Mountain Food
It is not a trip to French Ski Resort without sampling some of the local fresh food. I was on half board, so I only ate a couple of times but, as I have said, I have been to Chatel Ski Resort a few times before. Below is my pick for Dinner off the mountain and lunch on the mountain
The Deck Chairs at La ferme des Pistes, Chatel France
Where to eat off the Mountain
Restaurant le Vieux Four
If you love traditional French food and cheese specialities like Raclette and Tartiflette, this place is definitely for you. Located in the centre of town and only a 2 minute walk away from the Super Chatel gondola is le Vieux Four. It’s a cosy, rustic family run restaurant with an interesting interior to match. This place was definitely a gem, with its great food and really lovely service.
Tip:
- Try the Fromage abundance cheese melted for the main meal. It is cheese heaven.
Melted Cheese at le Vieux Four in the Chatel Village France
Where to eat on the Mountain
La ferme des Pistes
Situated near the top of the TC du linga gondola in the Linga / Pré-La-Joux area is the la ferme des pistes. It is a great spot for lunch or a drink, especially in the spring sun with the views down the valley and overlooking the ski slope.
Relaxing on the slopes with a drink Chatel France
The first time I went to la ferme des pistes was a couple of years ago when the two new chairlifts opened up and linked all the ski area. We only stopped for a few drinks but since then I have been back a couple of times for local lunch specialities. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the kir royal really good.
Tip:
- It gets really busy for lunch, so try to get there early to get a seat.
Enjoying the Apres ski Chatel Ski Resort
Getting to Chatel
Airport – The closest international airport is Geneva which is roughly an hour and a half away from Chatel Ski Resort. Making it super easy to get to and great if you want to go for a weekend trip.
Due to this, there are numerous ways of getting to Chatel Ski Resort, buses, trains, private transfer, shared transfer all vary in price depending on what you can afford.
Car hire – You can also hire a car on either the French or Swiss Side at Geneva airport.
I have been to the resort a few times and I had previously used the following company Alpybus. You can also check out the ‘Getting Here’ on the tourism website which has great information.
Overlooking Chatel Village from the chairlift
Top Tips for Chatel Ski Resort
- We all need WIFI and if you can’t find any, you can go to the tourism office and use the wireless access for FREE.
- Check out the Aquatic centre if you want to take a break from Skiing or want to do something different with the kids.
The Aquatic centre Photo provided by Chatel Tourism (Thiebaut )
- You can buy your lift pass online to miss the queue and pick it up from the ski office or they can send it to you.
- You can also recharge your lift pass online too.
- Children under the age of 5 can ski for FREE
- Chatel is right on the French-Swiss border, pop over to Morgins Switzerland if you have the time
Border crossing from Chatel France to Morgins Switzerland
Would I Recommend Chatel Ski Resort
Chatel Ski Resort is a pretty, traditional French ski resort with beautiful chalet style hotels. I will definitely keep going back time and time again. The atmosphere is relaxed, I love that you can ski in two countries and there are plenty of places to eat and things to do.
It is also easy to get around especially now with the two new chairlifts interlinking the resort and the free bus. Also, it is only just over an hour to Geneva airport, which means it is great for a long weekend with family or a group of friends.
Other Resorts in Portes du Soleil
Thank you for reading my article ‘Chatel Ski Resort France – A Resort On the Up’, I hope that it helps you decided on where to ski this season.
If you are looking for other resorts in the Portes Du Soleil ski area, then feel free to check out my articles on Les Gets Ski Resort, Morzine Ski Resort and Champéry Ski Resort Switzerland. All are great options for a ski weekend trip with friends or with family.
Skiing down the slopes Chatel France
Have you been to Chatel Ski Resort or Portes du Soleil before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Chatel Tourism office All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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It does look stunning with the gorgeous mountain scenery, white snow and blue skies! I have never actually been skiing, I’d like to do a couple of lessons to see if I like it, then would probably go on that Fantasticable!
This a great village for beginners and if you don’t ski there is plenty to do off the slopes.
I think for me one of the advantages of this resort seems to be the combination of beautiful scenery with a small and charming town, it doesn’t look as ugly and modern as some places seem to look. And of course, being in France, you cannot beat the food!
This is such a pretty village and it is not overly big at all. Definitely recommend it
What an informative guide on Chatel. I have heard of the resort but I never knew it was on the French / Swiss boarder. I could definitely try that Zip line.
Thank you very much Eric, I am glad that you like it.
I came across your Chatel post when I was reading your Morzine piece & thought I would check it out. I have not heard of Chatel before but it looks like a great place to ski.
It is not as big as Morzine but it is definitely worth a visit. I love skiing on the boarder.
Do you need to know skiing to go here or you can sit back and watch others Ski? The snow looks beautiful and pristine.
No you definitely don’t need to know how to ski to go there. It is all year round working village 🙂
Have always wanted to ski in France – it looks like a dream. Pinned your Pinterest image for futire reference!
Thank you very much, it is a great little French gem.
Awesome, I have never tried Skiing but it remains my fascination. Great idea to zipline and ski there and have amazing landscapes as a treat!
This is a great place to learn how to see and when you want a break, there is plenty to do around the village 🙂
What a gorgeous area! I’ve never been to a ski resort since I don’t ski. But I would go zip lining!
These days you don’t have to ski to go to a ski resort as there are so many activities to do 🙂
You’ll gasp when you read this, but I’ve never been skiing, never! But if I had to choose, Chatel looks like a good choice. I definitely wouldn not do the ziplining, I’m too scared, but would love to try skiing. Good tip about buying the pass online, and about the free bus, that’s very good to know.
Don’t worry I didn’t do the zipline either, I chickened out at the last minute 🙂 You should definitely try skiing it is so much once you know what you are doing 🙂
O wow! I don’t ski, but that zip lining sounds amazing. My friends can go skiing while I enjoy activities like that 🙂 I also love it when resorts have free wifi. It really makes it easier for visitors who don’t have local data.
There is definitely plenty of things to do if you don’t ski, like eat all the yummy cheese and drink the great wine 🙂
OK so I don’t like the cold, but love freshly fallen snow (or even the fake stuff) when skiing. I would have had a blast doing the ziplining activity. That looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing.
This is a working village so there is plenty to do all year round. These have farms you can visit and eat amazing cheese at as well 😉
I haven’t been skiing in years so this post and the pictures are making me want to go…now. lol. This place looks absolutely gorgeous! ~Ranaa
It is a lovely village and all the modern hotels are built like Chatels to keep with the traditional village style.
What a breathtaking place! Can you believe I’m 30 years old and have never been skiing?! I have been telling my husband that I want to go soon. France is on my bucket list 🙂
Oh you know that they say you are never too old to learn something new 🙂 Definitely get your self out there and try skiing, you will love it!!!!!
Wow, I had no idea they had snow so early! We try to go see snow at least once a year since it doesn’t snow where we live (SoCal). This looks like the perfect place for a ski vacation!
With climate change, the season is definitely getting later and later. There is snow but you can’t ski on it right now as the weather is to warm still.
Chatel looks so charming! I would love to visit. I haven’t been snow skiing, so I don’t know how I would do with that. I can water ski, though! I think I would like the zipline. And the aquatic area looks really relaxing. I would definitely try that cheese dish. That looks like heaven. I have another destination to add to my dream list now!
This is a great place to learn and if you get tired there is plenty of other things you can do. Like ziplining or go to the heated pool to relax.
I’ve been wanting to try my hand (or legs) at skiing for a number of years now. The thing is my husband is totally uninterested. In it. This post could be a gamchamger though.
You should definitely try it and Chatel is great for it
Chatel is definitely looking like a white wonderland. The place looks so enchanting with its white carpet of snow. I can see that this place is a great place for skiing too, and I think one other nice thing is probably lesser crowds. Hope to get to this part of the world one winter morning.
When it is all covered in snow it definitely looks like a winter wonderland. It is really cool skiing in two countries too
This would be my absolute dream to visit and ski in Chatel! What a glorious resort – looks like there are plenty of trails to keep all levels occupied. It looks absolutely gorgeous too. And I would totally be flying across in that zip line too! That would be the most freeing feeling – if you did that first thing in the morning you’d be super amped for a hard day’s skiing! Gorgeous. Hope to visit one day.
I hope that you get to go skiing one day in Chatel my friend.
We’ve skied Chatel every year for the last decade. A wonderful family resort with a good variety of slopes for all levels of skier. Wonderful place!
Glad to read that a follower skier goes to Chatel too, I really enjoy the place. My friends have a place there, so I stay there sometimes.
Chatel looks absolutely precious! The photo of the village with the church spire rising out of it looks just like a postcard. We love skiing; do you know if there are ski schools for kids in Chatel? It looks like it would be a great family holiday destination in summer or winter, the biplane would definitely be the first thing to do when I got there!
Yes there is a ski school in Chatel they have two areas for the children. It is a great place for families.
I’m about to tell you something pretty wild: I’ve never been skiing in my life. I want to try someday! When I do try, this is literally the place I want to learn. Look at all those views!
Once you learn you are never going to want to go all the time trust me. There is also plenty of other things to do other than ski as well 😉
I am not a fan of skiing or the cold. Funny because my little sister actually lives close by here in Tignes! She drives and fixes the snow ploughs haha. She did manage to get me there in the summer though and I LOVED it. I much prefer it when the white stuff isn’t there. I really wish I could love skiing as it looks amazing in your pictures, everything looks so nice covered in snow. That Zip line looks amazing though! Maybe I could go and just do that every day while my friends ski haha.
I was in Chatel in Summer as well and it looked completely different. I ended up liking it just as much then especially doing the hiking. I have skied through Tignes but not stayed there yet. I would love to though. There is a nice spa and pool in Chatel that people use when they don’t ski
I’m mesmerized by your pictures. Looking at all that snow makes me want to plan a trip to Chatel right away. I would love to go skiing and devour that gourmet spread at rest. Thanks to you, Chatel has gone straight up on my bucket-list. Cheers!!
Ah thank you very much, I am glad that you like the pictures. It looks like winter wanderland when it is all covered in snow.
Ohh.. This scene reminded me of the days spent in London while pursuing my PG! I had so much fun with my friends and we did so many snow activities back then!! 🙂
You will have to go to the alps to experience the real stuff
Skiing is still one of my bucket-list. I am still planning for it and scheduling my vacation. Hopefully my leave will be approved. I envy your photos and experiences, soon I will have it experience too!
You should definitely try it because once you start, you can’t stop 🙂 And I wish you the best of luck with leave
Chatel looks like a stunning snowy resort with skiing and chalet living facilities. I would like to do zip-line over beautiful Swiss Alps. Living in French chalet styled hotels must a memorable experience.
It is an amazing place to visit and with the joining resorts you have 600klms to play with 🙂
I have never tried skiing bit I would love to some day. The zip lining adventure over the Alps seems pretty amazing, now that I don’t think I will say no ever. The ski resort looks pretty amazing, it is so pretty!
I hope that you get to try skiing one day too 🙂
Those snow-covered trees and the swimming pool convinced me, Melissa! Chatel looks amazing. I am not sure I would dare try the zip lining though – must be freezing cold in winter too, no?
It is not to cold some days 🙂 and don’t worry I never tried the zip line either but shhhh don’t tell anyone 😉
Oh wow your pictures are amazing! I have always wanted to try these kinds of recreational activities! Very informative post!
Thank you very much Melissa, I appreciate it 🙂
I really need to try skiing! I have never actually been properly skiing but tried dry slopes and hated it as a kid. Would love to visit this area though, the resort looks simply gorgeous!
I have never tried a dry slop before but I am definitely keen
This resort is just perfect. I want to visit the Alps to sky someday.
This is a great resort, a little gem for sure
We normally ski in Austria but two years ago we booked self catering accommodation in Chatel. Needless to say, we are returning in December to Chatel and the same accommodation that offers indoor-outdoor pool, sauna & steamroom. The village is stunning and slopes are great. Chatel offers great value for money and the scenic drive from Geneva airport is worth the trip. Can highly recommend!