Winter

Activities in the Region

Snow

The majestic Portes du Soleil is simply brilliant for all types of winter sports. With no fewer than 12 linked resorts either side of the French-Swiss border, there’s something for everyone!

The ski area has exceptionally good snowfall from the middle of November to the end of April, with an average of over 8m of powder every year The Portes du Soleil offers visitors a truely unique ski experience, just go exploring and you literally can go from one resort to another, valley to valley - and even from country to country... To give you a better idea on how vast the Portes du Soleil region is it has, 296 slopes, 194 mountain lifts, 13 snowpark and more than 90 slopeside restaurants.

Châtel village is just one of the 12 resorts that make up the Port du Soleil region. The village itself is at an altitude of 1200m with the ski area rising up to 2200m. Whatever you choose to do here, in Châtel you'll find everything the perfect village resort has to offer. A lively village centre, fantastic mountain architecture, brilliant local cuisine and the countryside is as magnificent as the old chalets in the valley. Why don't you have a look for yourself

On the slopes there's fresh snow and endless skiing to look forward to, all in simply stunning surroundings. Lovers of wide open snow fields will be more than content with Châtel's 130km of groomed pistes at the heart of the Portes du Soleil network. The resort is suitable for skiers and boarders of all abilities and holds a fantastic snow record.

Chatel in Brief

  • Number of pistes: 49
  • Miles/km of pistes: 56 miles / 90 km
  • Max Vert Drop: 1000m
  • Max/Min. Altitude: 2200m / 1100m
  • Types of pistes: 11 Green, 17 Blue, 16 Red, 5 Black
  • Parks and pipes: 1 Snow Park, 1 Boarder Cross Park
  • Lifts: 2 Gondolas, 13 Chairlifts, 26 Ski Tows, 4 Rope Tows

Espace Liberte Piste Map

Portes du Soleil Piste Map

Skiing

Portes du Soleil is one of the biggest ski areas in the world. The Portes du Soleil handsfree ski pass gives access to more than 12 resorts and an abundance of options. For those who come for the life and scenery on the mountain there's some fantastic tree lined runs and beautiful views across the Dents du Midi. More experienced skiers and those looking for that ultimate buzz on the slopes can find plenty of options to test their skills!

For disabled skiers, the elderly or for people with reduced motibility, the region has been adapted to allow everyone the right to enjoy the thrills of the mountains. With equipment such as the Dualski, Uniski, Kartski and Tandemski, guests can enjoy the pleasures of snow and the mountains and experience the unique thrill of skiing sitting down in the safe hands of a professional.

In Châtel the Ecole Ski academy are just one of the places providing those activities: Ecole Ski Academy

Cross Country

The three resorts of Châtel, La Chapelle d'Abondance and Abondance are the home of a fantastic 40km-long Nordic ski area which runs along the River Dranse.
The area offers 7 cross-country skiing trails, 8 nordic trails for snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and winter walking. There's also a beginners’ trail, an activity area and a biathlon shooting range. In Châtel, 4 ski lifts are accessible to pedestrians and snowshoers, providing easy access to several waymarked and safe nordic trails: the Petit-Châtel Loop, the Super-Châtel Loop and the Col de Bassachaux.

Snowboarding

The Smoothpark in Châtel has rails, kickers, slide boxes, hips, boardercross and more and caters for both the beginner and more serious freestylers among you.
The Portes du Soleil region has 13 snowparks in all, it really is a boarders paradise. All parks feature boxes, tables, wall rides, big air jumps, raised bends, air bags and rails, there's something for all experience levels.

Avoriaz is the jewel in the Portes du Soleil crown for boarders and has five dedicated zones for all levels of expertise: superpipe, border-cross, variety modules and the new Burton-inspired snowpark, aka the Stash, which offers several runs through Les Lindarets forest and some unforgetable all-wood sections.

Les Crosets is another area with a fantastic Superpark. Beginners can train on the Micro Park and experts have 8 lines to fine tune their skills on, have a look for yourself.. Superpark Les Crosets

Kids in the snow

Kids just love playing in the snow and Chatel has made sure its a great resort for children of all ages. Skiing and snowboarding professionals are at hand to ensure your child is both safe and has an unforgettable first sliding experience.

There are 5 ski schools in the area with a whole range of lessons and courses available, even for the very young, to make sure everyone can enjoy the fun of snowsports

The Jardin des Pitchounes is a local nursery who introduce children aged 3 to under 5 years to their first skiing experience. It is located next to the Linga gondola lift in a specially equipped, safe enclosed area. The Jardin des Pitchounes offers a choice of childcare times and options so you can enjoy your holiday the way you want to.

What We Can Help With...

Ski Lessons

There are a number of ski schools available in Chatel with English speaking instructors and we can assist in arranging these for you

Ski Pass

We can arrange your ski passes for you. We're happy to advise you on which passes are best for your group.

Book Now

We can arrange these prior to your arrival

TOP