Châtel info

châtel location and history

Châtel is located centrally in almost the largest snowboard area in the world; the Portes du Soleil. This vast area, links together over 650kms / 400miles of marked snowboard runs between France and Switzerland, offering something for everyone.

The village of Châtel has it's roots in farming and wood production. It is situated at the top of the Abondance valley, which made it the perfect place to log trees, then put them down stream towards Thonon-les-Bains and Evian. With farming it is well known for it's local cheese - Abondance AOP, named after the valley. This cheese can be found in it's local dish - Berthoud, which is melted Abondance cheese, with white wine, garlic, and madiera, served with hot potatoes, meat, and salad... Mmmmm!

how are the snow conditions in châtel?

SSShhhh, it's a big secret!!! Châtel has excellent snow conditions, especially in comparison to resorts at a similar altitude. It's very well protected against climate change, the snow canons put down an artificial base layer in December and January, that help to protect it up to the last week in April. When other local valleys are green - like Les Gets and Morzine - Châtel still has plenty of snow depth and open for snowboarding. The reputation of Châtel as a snow sure resort keeps growing and growing for people who visit.

Don't be fooled by the high altitude resorts, where snow gets scraped off by the crowds and extreme winds faster than a raclette cheese party!

Where to snowboard in Châtel?

There are 4 main areas to explore in Châtel, around 130km / 80 miles of marked slopes:

Pré La Joux - Very playful terrain for all sorts of snowboard fun, our favourite location for carving, and also for off-piste.
Super Châtel - Super playful area, with the local snowboard cross track and the local Smooth snow park offering many days of progression.
Linga - The steepest slopes in Châtel, ideal for short turns and when you want scary thigh burning high speed descents!
Petit Châtel - Very scenic area with sunny quiet slopes, and plenty of secret steep off-piste and secret forests, that are kept for the locals!

what to do in châtel in the evening?

There is plenty for everyone to find something they love:

Float and relax in the health spa.
Party with friends on aprés, with live music at a variety of bars.
Get cosy in one of the local romantic cafes.
Enjoy fine wine and food in the restaurants for dinner.
Dance the night away until the morning at the nightclub to a DJ.
Play bowling at the local bowling alley.
Work on your physique with the Chatel Tonic club.
Visit the local cinema to catch a movie.
Shop around for delicatessen.
Shop for gifts
Check the event calendar for up to date information for what's on in Chatel: https://en.chatel.com/diary-all-entertainment.html

how do i get to châtel

Fly - Geneva is the closest and easiest option. There is also Zurich and Basel.
Organise a transfer from the airport with our friends at Chatel transfer: https://www.chateltransfer.com/
Take a train or bus to Thonon-les-Bains, then a bus up the valley.
Hire a car.