Châtel reviews

Having worked one winter season in Chatel i can call myself an expert and even at the end of the season I was still not bored with the area. Really beautiful area but it is true that the ski lifts are old-fashioned compared to other ski areas in France but the skiing itself is really great and the atmosphere is top in Chatel.

• Small but charming village with many restaurants and bars
• Very good and easily accessible off-piste / freeride possibilities
• Lots of opportunities for freestyle enthusiasts
• Incredibly extensive ski area, fun for every level

• There is only one real après ski bar (Crazy Lion)

Chatel is one resort where you never get bored of the ski area. One of the most beautiful areas in france even if the lifts are a bit old and slow. No-one's perfect!

We stayed in the lovely Hotel Macchi - super place with really nice staff. Chatel is an all-time fave with the whole family since the kids were tiny. The creche staff remembered our kids each year and this made life so much easier and more relaxing for us as parents. Goes without saying the skiing is out of this world - just huge and seemingly endless slopes - some really nice learning areas for getting the confidence up and some really lovely spots up on the slope for long lunches in the sunshine - its not called the "Sun doorways" for nothing :)

• Too many to list

• Personally - nothing except maybe bit crowded in holidays

The advantage of the Portes du Soleil, of which Chatel is one of the gateways, is that you have a variety of amazing pistes to choose from. But do not be fooled: from Châtel, even skiing really well, you can not go to the other end of the ski area to reach Switzerland. But this doesn't really matter as there is plenty to do. A special mention to the local ESF, which multiplies its ideas for childrens' well-beig and therefore parents' peace of mind: everyone had a great ski holiday in Chalet and we would go back at the drop of a hat!

• Huge ski area
• Very good ski school

• Ski area has some busy spots

Ski resort full of charm, some great facilities for young kids and a calm nightlife which meant we weren't kept awake all night (like in some resorts). Skiing was just excellent - goes without saying I guess!

• Easy to get to - not far from Geneva airport

• Nothing really - maybe a little more expensive than we expected!