Châtel – Les Portes du Soleil

A French ski resort with a Swiss vibe in the Portes du Soleil

This is the most Swiss of all the French Portes du Soleil resorts and a starting point for those wishing to explore the huge ski area. 

Chatel has a traditional village that is surrounded by new flats and chalets (all with the prerequisite wood cladding for that alpine feel) and up the hill a bit in Super Châtel hassle-free skiing is guaranteed since the slopes are in the centre of the resort.

There is 83km of ski area to be explored and, because of its proximity to Lake Geneva, the water of the lake evaporates and if the wind is favourable, falls on the nearest mountain as snow – so the resort gets more than its fair share of the white stuff. There are great views of the lake when you're up on the slopes of Super Châtel and it is accessed by a gondola which then gives way to a series of lifts allowing you easy access to Morgins (remember your passport as it’s in Switzerland!).  Head the other way over the Tete de Linga is your route to Avoriaz and onwards.

Chatel resort stats

Lifts: 44
Top lift: 2200m (7218ft)
First lift: 1200m (3937ft)
Green runs: 30%
Red runs: 60%
Black runs: 10%

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