Chatel

Europe > France

Overview

Chatel is a traditional Alpine resort at the heart of the massive Portes du Soleil – the largest linked ski area in the world with over 650 km of varied terrain spread across 8 French and 4 Swiss resorts.

The domain has terrain to suit all abilities, with challenging black runs (including the infamous Swiss Wall - allegedly the steepest black run in the Alps), mile after mile of intermediate pisted runs and good nursery/early intermediate slopes in each resort. For those who like to venture away from the piste, there is a lot of easily accessible challenging off-piste terrain, much of it avalanche controlled.

Freestylers are also well catered for with 9 snow parks, 3 half pipes, 5 boarder cross and 4 snow cross areas. Most holiday companies in Chatel are independents, meaning that the village has a good community of seasonal workers who just keep coming back year after year. This, coupled with the attractiveness of the chalet style resort development, means that the village has bags more character than some of the purpose built resorts populated mainly by major tour operators.

Chatel bars, pubs and clubs
Chatel isn’t the liveliest place you will find in The Alps, but that isn’t to say there’s not much going on. The Tunnel and The Avalanche bars, both British owned, have DJ’s and live bands on most nights of the week, and the Bowling Bar stays open late for those who want to party hard.

There are also a number of nice French bars and restaurants for those in search of a quieter night out.