Winter
 

Chatel Village – a beautiful village with charm and character

Chatel is still very much a traditional Savoyard farming comunity however over the years has developed into one of the best ski resorts in Europe. The magic of Chatel is that whilst the developement has continued it has never lost any of its charm and beauty. Indeed whilst on holiday here you can sample the fine local produce, traditional sausage and the famous Abondance cheese as well as enjoying the magnificent scenery and traditional wooden farms and chalets nestling on the hillside. Located only 1hr15 mins from Geneva International Airport, in the Haute Savoie Region of the French Alps, it is also one of the easiest ski resorts to get to from the UK.  In addition to the superb ski area there are a great choice of bars, restaurants & cafes surrounded by magnificent panoramic mountain views.

Winter 09/10 Events
La Grand Odyssee - 11th January 2010
Ski Memory Shows - 17th & 24th February 2010
Chatel 3Style Days - 20th - 24th March 2010 (includes snow contest, freestyle competition and razor bike downhill race)
Montee du Linga - 31st March 2010
Tour de Romandie - 1st May 2010
 

Portes du Soleil – the largest linked ski area in the World!!!

Situated right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Chatel is surrounded by French and Swiss ski resorts offering some of the best winter sports in the Alps . The Portes du Soleil is truly a massive ski area and one of the largest interlinked ski areas in the world. Due to its size it caters for all abilities for both skiers and boarders. There are nursery slopes for beginners, long blue and red runs linking the 12 resorts for more competent skiers and more challenging blacks and off piste for the more advanced.

In Summary:

• 286 Ski Runs
• 650 Km of piste plus some great off piste
• 204 Lifts, all available on one hands free lift pass
• 12 Linked Resorts in both France & Switzerland
• 89 Mountain Resturants
• 623 Snow Cannons ensuiring great conditions from December to the end of April

Ski Schools & Private Lessons

We have several great ski schools in Chatel, ESF and ESSI an international ski school. Both offer a very good service for children and adults. Lessons can be booked in the mornings or afternoons and for skiing or snowboarding. We also have some superb private instructors that we work with who offer a variety of options for both 1 to 1 lessons or learning as part of a private group. Let us know what type of lessons you are looking for and your ability and we will discuss with you the most suitable options.

Equipment Hire

A few weeks before your holiday we will contact you to discuss what equipment you may need for your holiday. All skis, snowboards and boots can be reserved prior to arriving in Chatel. The advantage is that you will receive the very latest equipment and that which is suitbale for your ability and conditions and you will also be given a 10% discount of the normal hire price. If you would like to try something a little different during your holiday or just to ensure you are comfotable, it is possible to change your equipment as many times as you like. Payment for all equipment is not required until the end of your holiday.

Lift Passes

A service that all our chalets provide is the advance booking of your lift pass and these will be ready and waiting for you on your arrival saving you a lot of time and hassle. No photos are required for lift passes of 7 days or under.

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil have the very latest technology and use contactless hands free cards for their lift passes which we provide for durations of 3 days or more. These passes can stay in your pocket at all times.

6 Day Lift Pass Prices 2009/10

Senior Passes from 60 years
Adult Passes from 16 - 59 years
Child Passes from 5 - 15 years (under 5's are free)

There are many other lift pass options - it is possible to buy lift passes for as many days as you want from 1 day to a full season pass and also non consecutive lift passes to give you a day off during your holiday. For intermediate and advanced skiers we would reccomend a full area PDS lift pass so you can explore further afield, for beginners a Chatel pass is usually sufficient. If you need help deciding which lift pass would be suitable we would be delighted to help. Payment for lift passes is due on arrival.

Children

Whatever the age of your children, there are loads of activities especially for them.

From 3 months - 6 yrs
Mouflets creche in the centre of Chatel provides childcare for your little ones, mornings, afternoon or all day, 7 days a week. with an on site kitchen, fully qualified staff and lots of fun activities you are assured that your children are in safe hands. For more information on prices and times visit their web site.

From 3yrs - 6 yrs
If your toddlers can't wait to strap on some skis, then Le Club Piou-Piou at the Village de Marmottons is just the place!. With dedicated ESF instructors and specially adapted equipment your kids will grow quickley in ability and confidence. Morning, afternoon or all day bookings possible. For more information visit their web site

6 yrs +
There are a number of good English speaking ski school options in Chatel for adults and older children. Let us know the ability of your child and we will advise you on the suitbale options.

Whatever you decide, we can make all the ski school arrangements for you.

Just For Fun
For children of all ages there is several free sledging areas located around the resort. The Aire de Luge at Pre La Joux has two seperate and safe runs: pne for 2 - 6 year olds and the other for children aged 6 and over. You can also go sledging at Super Chatel. The ice rink is open throughout the season, there is a childrens' roundabout and the centre of the village and lots or great activites organised by the Chatel Tourist Office each week.

Additional Activities - What else can you do if you want a rest or don't ski?

Chatel offers a fascinating variety of activities - skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning. Why not try ice-skating, paragliding, cross counrty skiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, ice diving, ice fishing or even ski jouring (skiing whilst being towed by a horse!).

Importantly we offer a range of activites from which any non-skiing members of your family or group can choose - though skiers may also want to share also. How does a horse drawn sleigh ride appeal, or a trip to a thermal spa or even a helicopter ride. In Chatel there is also a modern bowling alley, a great selection of shops selling all the traditional crafts and produce and well as souvenirs and clothing. You are welcome to chill out in the chalets with a good book and the log fire and of course there is no law which says apres-ski is only for skiers!

Choice is of vital importance: we have all made the choice to live and work in the magical valley attracted by the amzing skiing and the beauty of the whole area - not a high rise in sight and we hope you will join us for your winter or summer holiday.

For further and more detailed information please enquire through your chosen chalet accommodation.

Events Winter 09/10

There are some great events that go on during the winter season in Chatel, here are some of the keys dates for your diary:

12th December - Chatel & the Portes du Soleil opens for the winter 09/10 season

9th - 13th January - 6th Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc www.grandeodyssee.com

more dates to follow...

For more information and maps of the area please go to the Chatel Tourist Website on the following link: Office de Tourisme de CHATEL