Châtel is a picturesque ski resort known for its traditional Savoyard charm and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for those who appreciate a quieter, more authentic mountain experience.
As one of the most charming ski resorts in France, Châtel offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. We've created this guide to make planning your Châtel ski holiday easy. You'll find everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
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Châtel is located in the picturesque Chablais region of southeastern France, right along the French-Swiss border.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The area enjoys high snowfall, especially in the upper regions | It can get crowded during peak period |
| An expansive and diverse ski terrain along the French-Swiss border | A modest skiable vertical range |
| A vibrant après ski scene | Navigating lifts and pistes can be challenging |
| One of the most beautiful villages in the French Alps | Some outdated lifts in Châtel and Morgins |
(Ref: Châtel T.O)
Châtel presents beginner-friendly slopes on both sides of the area. The Super-Châtel lift leads to five gentle green runs, perfect for first-timers. The green run from Plaine Dranse to Pré la Joux, winding through trees, is an excellent spot for practicing turns.
The Linga/Pré-la-Joux sector, connected to Super-Chatel, features the best piste trails for intermediate skiers, with tree-lined sections adding variety.
While Châtel's local terrain may not be extremely challenging, it offers nice runs into Barbossine and from Tête de Linga into Villapeyron. The Morclan chairlift is key for accessing off-piste bowls and south-facing terrain into the village.
The La Leche area at the top of Linga is renowned for off-piste skiing, featuring a powder bowl with excellent snow and tree terrain. The Barbossine bowl and other areas like Ardent and Crosets provide exciting backcountry opportunities. The Espace Liberte sector, including nearby resorts, expands the off-piste possibilities.
Châtel is great for snowboarders with Pré la Joux offering challenging reds and steeper sections. There are two snow parks: the Smooth Park in Super Châtel for beginners and the Happy Park in Pré la Joux for more advanced riders.
The ski season in Châtel for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 21st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions.
Châtel offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 30 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 25 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Châtel, with an impressive 41 cm of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 15 cm of snow over 2.0 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 30 cm | 2.9 days |
| January | 30 cm | 3.1 days |
| February | 25 cm | 3.1 days |
| March | 25 cm | 3.0 days |
| April | 15 cm | 2.0 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Bois Prin Restaurant is a charming mountain eatery offering stunning panoramic views. Renowned for its cozy ambiance and exceptional cuisine, it serves a variety of traditional dishes, making it a perfect spot for a hearty meal after a day on the slopes.
Chez Babeth is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and authentic local cuisine. This quaint restaurant provides a true taste of the Alps, with a menu that celebrates regional flavors and ingredients, ideal for skiers looking to experience traditional mountain dining.
La Terrasse du Morclan offers a breathtaking setting for dining, located at a high vantage point on the mountain. It's a popular spot for enjoying a sunny lunch with panoramic views, serving a range of dishes from light snacks to full meals in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
This high-altitude restaurant, La Chaux des Rosées, offers a unique dining experience with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Known for its delicious, hearty fare and friendly service, it’s a great place to refuel and relax in the midst of a skiing day.
This is a well-known resort restaurant offering a cozy, intimate dining experience. The menu features a blend of traditional Alpine dishes and contemporary cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients, perfect for a post-skiing dinner.
The Bois Prin restaurant, mirrors its mountain counterpart in offering delightful meals in a warm and inviting setting. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience without venturing far from the resort's comforts.
A sophisticated dining option in Châtel, known for its exquisite menu and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant offers a refined culinary experience with dishes that showcase the best of French and Alpine gastronomy.
Renowned for its rustic charm and inviting fireplace, La Cheminée restaurant serves a variety of traditional Savoyard specialties and is an ideal spot for those seeking a cozy and authentic dining atmosphere in the heart of Châtel
For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Châtel offers:
Châtel is not widely recognized for wild après-ski nightlife; however, scattered throughout the village are several lively bars, pubs, and a nightclub, including:
A popular après ski spot in Châtel known for its vibrant atmosphere. This cozy bar offers a great selection of drinks and often hosts live music, making it a favorite among those looking to unwind and socialize after a day on the slopes.
This bar is a go-to for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy a drink in a fun, welcoming environment. It's well-known for its friendly staff and engaging après ski scene.
La Perdrix Blanche is a classic après ski venue that combines a traditional alpine feel with a lively bar experience. Known for its warm ambiance and excellent selection of beverages, it's a perfect place to relax and recount the day's adventures on the mountain.
L’Avalanche offers a dynamic après ski experience with its energetic atmosphere and varied entertainment. This venue is popular for its theme nights and live DJ sets, attracting those looking to dance and enjoy a lively evening out.
This nightclub is the ultimate destination for night owls in Châtel. As one of the resort's premier nightclubs, it features a contemporary space with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, perfect for party-goers seeking a high-energy night with top-notch music and dancing.
Download Châtel resort map here
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