Summer

Activities in the Region

Summer

Chatel summer1The French alps are not just about snow; in the summer the mountains turn green and lush under the craggy peaks and the valley becomes a sensational location for a summer holiday. Have a look for yourself with the Châtel Panorama. Whether it be burning off some energy on the mountain bike trails, taking in the scenery with a hike or a stroll or simply relaxing in the chalet gardens, there is something for everyone in Châtel.

The Summer Lifts Pedestrians & bikers can reach the peaks of the alps effortlessly by using the network of 24 ski lifts to access the trails though out the mountains. Two lifts operate during summer in Châtel - the Super- Châtel lift in the village and Pierre-Longue lift at Pré-la-Joux. Avoriaz can be reached via the Rochassons lift at the top of the Pierre-Longue lift.

Chatel in Brief (for Bikes)

  • Number of tracks/runs: 19
  • Max Vert Drop: 1000m
  • Max/Min. Altitude: 2200m / 1100m
  • Types of runs: 2 Green, 4 Blue, 5 Red, 8 Black
  • Parks and pipes: 1 park Chatel, 5 Portes Du Soleil
  • Kid Friendly: Yes - Runs available for children

Biking

road biking2The French Alps are a haven for two-wheel enthusiasts; be it a family ride, cross country mountain biking, fast and furious downhill or avid Tour de France fans, you will find it here.
Châtel is perfectly placed in the extensive Portes du Soleil with 650km of mountain biking trails for all abilities and 5 bike parks. Châtel itself has 90km of trails with the network of lifts enabling riders to cross to surrounding mountain villages such as Les Gets, Morzine, Montriond & Avoriaz in France and Morgins and Champery in Switzerland.
Bike hire is available in Châtel.

Mountain Biking

plan2012The Châtel bike park is fast becoming one of the most exciting bike parks in Europe, with 18 downhill tracks for beginners through to advanced. The bike park is also the host for the annual IXS European Downhill Cup final and other great events. You can find a full report of the park here

The park is located at Pré la Joux, 8km from Chalet Cannelle. If you prefer to conserve your energy for the bike park, the village shuttle bus has racks for bikes or there is plenty of parking at Pré la Joux.

Châtel Bike Park at a Glance

Green Runs
La Panoramic, La Serpantine
Blue Runs
La Fluid, La People, La Blues&Rock, La Châtellane
Red Runs
La Vorachatak, La komatrautrail, La Ric et Rac, La SX, Ride Humble
Black Runs
La Dré dans l’pentu, La Gueps, La Bike Patrol, La Haute tension, La Châ Nada, La Coup de fouet, La Air Voltage, Le Black Shore

Water Activites

In the Abondance valley you will find a multitude of areas of natural beauty which form a majestic alpine backdrop to some fantastic water based sports and activities.
These include:

  • Fishing River and Lake fishing
  • Canoeing Two man canoe on the River Dranse
  • Kayaking Solo down the River
  • Rafting Various courses available to suit age groups
  • Canyoning Descend over 1000ft down a waterfall
  • Hydrospeed Slide down the River in this unique experience
  • Swimming at the Piscine de Chatel

Paragliding

Riding the air currents and thermals above the Portes du Soleil is an exhilarating experience. From the air Châtel becomes a moving, spectacular backdrop and provides the perfect location to experience the sport!
There are local experts who can arrange for tandem flights for all ages to really let you experience what it would be like to live life as a bird. There are acrobatic and discovery options available virtually all year round (depending on the weather) and there is no experience needed.

Esi Pro Flying in Chatel offer a discovery flight from 70 Euros and can also include a photo CD of your experience for a further 20 Euros.

The Fantasticable

Those of you brave enough (and not scared of heights) can try the Fantasicable in the summer months. The cable is split into two sections, both over 1200m long and over 230m from the ground at some points! Reaching speeds upto 100kmh face first, it's not for the faint hearted! Check out the video below to see it in action.

The Fantasicable
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