Visitor reviews for Chatel

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• March 26, 2009
  Victoria from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Chatel is a lovely resort. It is very picturesque and family friendly.

  I have been to Chatel for the last 5 years or so and I have always been able to find snow. It’s a great base to access the whole of the Portes du Soleil, with easy links to Avoriaz and beyond, and I have no trouble finding new places to go even after all this time. The runs are also beautiful and there is plenty of manageable fun off-piste. There is also an amazing selection of restaurants, which I am slowly working my way through.

  A word on drags – Yes, there are a few in the Super Chatel area, but really, they’re not horrendous and some of them get you onto some fab runs, both on and off-piste. I snowboard and ski at an average level and I have no problems.

• January 29, 2009
  Dave Hitch from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We just returned from an excellent week at Chatel and just wanted to give a little advice to other snowboarders. It was our first time there and had heard that there were lots of drag lifts. We found that the only place that they were unavoidable was in the Super Chatel and Morgins areas - which is a pity as there is a huge amount of unmolested off-piste in these sectors.

  The rest of the area near to Chatel (Linga, Pre La Joux and Avoriaz) is far more boarder-friendly and we were able to rack up huge amounts of slide time from the quick chair lifts. Again, all these areas have loads of easy off-piste and some of the best tree runs I have had anywhere in the Alps - though we were told by a season worker that the snow has been particularly ample this year and a lot of the lower areas have been a bit rocky and bare in previous years

  We will be going back for sure and hoping for a few lift upgrades.

• January 27, 2009
  Jenny Truff from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Some friends and myself have just spent a fantastic week in Chatel at chalet L'Optraken run by Steve Hutchinson Adventures, which is a private family run business. The couple who run this chalet, Steve (Hutch) and Becky met us at the airport and looked after all our needs, from guiding us around this fantastic area which is absolutely huge, to even taking us to the bar in the evening. The food was fantastic and the chalet very clean. Nothing was a problem. This was our first time in Chatel but we are definitely going to come back, hopefully very soon

• January 26, 2009
  Adam from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  My Family and I also stayed at the ClubHotel Soldanelles at Chatel. We were there from 9 Jan 09 for 7 days. The food was excellent, the weather fantastic and the piste conditions were very good considering there hadn't been a major dump for three or so weeks. All members of staff were helpful, polite and great fun, there were also two school parties staying at the hotel; they had different breakfast and dinner sittings so you hardly noticed they were there. The local lift pass at Chatel is good for beginners and people who enjoy drag lifts (or are scared of heights) otherwise get the full area pass. Hope to return soon.

• January 23, 2009
  Garry from FRANCE
  

  Chatel is a great resort and one of my best investments when I bought a chalet there 24 years ago. However, my one big gripe is that there is virtually no service from the lift operators other than switching the lift on, thereafter the lift operator watches whilst chairs smash into the back of peoples legs or their great speciality of looking idly on at snow encrusted chairs (of which there have been many days this year) so that by the time you reach the top of the mountain you're wet through having sat in a pile of snow for 10 minutes. It would really make a major difference to the quality of the experience at Chatel if they could provide a little bit of service.

• January 13, 2009
  Paul from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We stayed in Chatel for new year 2008/9, at the ClubHotel Soldanelles (Rocketski Hotel). We had heard mixed reviews of the hotel before we departed but found the hotel to be clean and tidy, the staff excellent and the food very good and very plentiful. The only word of caution here is that there were no school parties in the hotel when we stayed but there were programmed to be 100 school kids the following week - I suspect the experience would be very different for those unlucky enough to be sharing the hotel with that many children. Chatel itself is a nice little resort, if quiet. We skied in Super Chatel the first day which is OK (apart from too many drag lifts) to get those skiing legs back. Threreafter we took the ski bus up the valley to Linga where the skiing was much better and gave access to a much greater area. A tip here is to arrive early and leave early - no later than 3.30PM to avoid very large queues for the bus back which on our first day took over an hour to get home - madness. Food on the mountain is very expensive (not helped by current exchange rates) but it was too cold to contemplate picnics.
  All in all, Chatel is a great resort and with good snow conditions gives access to a massive area. We will definitely go back.

• December 06, 2008
  Darren & Alpinebreaks.com from FRANCE
  

  The season has started early with the lifts opened at Pre Le Joux already and pretty much the whole Portes du Soleil opening as of next weekend. The snow forecasts from any website for this region have not been accurate at all - the last 48hrs has seen at least 50cm of snow in Chatel village alone!

  See you soon, Darren

• December 05, 2008
  Lin & Pip Willcocks from FRANCE
  

  Update on the snow at Chatel - started falling 2 weeks ago and there's loads of the beautiful white stuff now. Pre La Joux lifts opened last weekend (30/11) and will open again this weekend, ahead of schedule. Open full time from 13th Dec - and the slopes are so quiet. This is the time to ski at Chatel.
  Over the last 30 years we've skied Stateside and Europe and Chatel is by far our favourite - beautiful village, reasonable prices and vast linked ski area to suit all levels.

• October 20, 2008
  Peter Huge from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We visit every February half term from West Wales. Having skied for over 30 years at places ranging from communist Bulgaria to Morzine and St. Moritz, I feel that Chatel is a great place to ski and is quite reasonable for our family of four. The trick is to rent an apartment cheaply, drive out and the whole holiday including accommodation (#350), ferry/tunnel(#70), fuel (#250), tolls (#80), lift passes (#250) for 6 days can cost little more than a thousand pounds with your own equipment. This leaves a little money to visit some of the quality small restaurants tucked away in the outlying areas and on the quieter parts of the slopes. Most of the staff are really helpful and polite. We ski Chatel only and are now considering the more expensive lift pass to explore further but 650km of pistes (plus off-piste) should be ok for most at the start. Try it and have a great time. Peter and Lyn Huge

• October 20, 2006
  Susan from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Christmas 2005 - My first time skiing at 45 years of age left me a little apprehensive. I had only ever viewed a ski resort in the summer. I chose Chatel as my son had been there with the school; this gave me confidence that at least he would know where he was going even if I didn't.
  I know I have nothing to compare it with, but I can't envisage going anywhere else. I did ski, and actually I did like the one or two drag lifts that were at Pre la Joux, and I love the winding green run from Plain Dranse to Pre la Joux. I have booked again for Christmas - not sure the snow could be improved on last year it was fantastic, and I'm not sure I'll progress beyond the lovely green run. As a complete beginner at 45 it was heavenly.

• October 15, 2006
  Pauline from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Went to Chatel for the first time in March 2006. What a great place. Snow fantastic,food fantastic,place first class. We ate out most of the time at the Flambee; what great steaks, pizza and onion rings!!!! To die for. Could also drink as much as we liked as they provide transport back to the chalet.
  (Russ the Bus does a great job - for only a few euros tip) would highly recommend Chatel for all the family. The runs are well groomed and the lift attendants are really good with helping on and off the chairs/lifts.

• March 07, 2006
  Anon from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Went to Chatel Feb 06, snow was fantastic, resort is great. Runs well groomed, manageable queues for lifts. One minor gripe is that I am a boarder and found that the alot of the meandering blue and green runs are very narrrow, in quite a few places have slight up slopes, which makes navigating down them on boards very very hard. Skiers should have no problem. It also took some planning at the end of each day to try and work out a days boarding avoiding drag lifts. Usual problems around very full buses for Pre-la-joux and Linga at the end of the day.

  Word of advice; we stayed at Club Hotel Les Soldanelles, although the hotel is adaquete it is very basic and in need of a refurbishment. Bathrooms are small and only have a bath. Food is of school dinners standard. They cater mainly for school parties, hence the beds seemed very small. We managed to miss any school parties but I would imagine it would be hell sharing it with school trips. My advice would be to spend a little more money and find alternative accomodation.

• February 13, 2006
  Marcus from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  8 of us have just spent a fantastic week at the Chalet Lac de Vonnes in Chatel. The chalet was perfect, as was the region. Chatel is a wonderful town, and although not huge, there are enough restaurants and bars to keep most groups entertained. Plenty of excellent skiing in Linga, Pre la Joux and Avoriaz, and some good runs over in Super Chatel & Morgins. We didn't make it over to Les Gets, but you will need a full Portes du Soliel area pass to get the best skiing. The lifts were efficient and queues were small. Super Chatel has quite a few drag lifts, but they're OK, and the rest of region has mainly chair lifts / gondolas. There are some good runs for beginners, but not a huge amount. If you are new to skiing, get some lessons booked & you will be cruising the blue runs at Linga / Pre la Joux & Super Chatel in no time. Avoriaz is a boarders paradise & it's easy to get to from Pre la Joux - a couple of chair rides & an easy blue takes you straight into Avoriaz.

• February 09, 2006
  Rebecca Roberts from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We rent an apartment in petit chatel, over looking the town. Fantastic views off the balcony. Sleeps 4 people. Ski back to the apartment from SuperChatel. Visit our website at www.aplaceinthesnow.co.uk

• January 27, 2006
  Paul from NETHERLANDS
  

  Drag lifts @ Chatel.... well sure at Super Chatel there are quite a few. But when you hop over into Switzerland, or start off at Linga or Pre La Joux, you'll find mostly chair lifts. At least that was the case when I was there last time (must have been Feb 2000). In any case... super ski area for touring but don't limit yourself to Chatel itself. Village is very nice.
  And if the snow is good... do take the 'wall', the Chavenettes - not for the faint of heart but what a joy!

• January 17, 2006
  Jochem from NETHERLANDS
  

  What a great place to ski/board. Nature at her best. Drag lifts in Chatel? Don't think so (there are a few). When you have the Port du Soleil pass it is endless skiing. It will be my 12th year and still I find new place to go.
  Great boarding in Avoriaz (big parks with big hits).

• January 06, 2006
  robert from SWITZERLAND
  

  A quick read thru the resort reviews and i can agree with nearly every single one EXCEPT for the one from Dieter from germany - think he must have been in a different resort! Chatel is mainly drag lifts - i dont think so, sure there are a few, but it is not mainly drag lifts. I have always found the pistes to be well prepared, lift passes are good value, €80 for 3 days ( £55) if you compare that to switzerland is about 165chf for 3 days ( £74). hotels are quite good prices eg €50 per night inc breakfast and evening meal.

  and as already said dont be fooled by the altitude - chatel gets a lot of snow

• January 02, 2006
  lynne from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  What a wonderful place. Unspoiled but with all the facilities you could want. Superb snow due to location (don't let the height fool you) friendly, traditional village and fantastic restaurants. Best kept ski resort secret - 650 km of linked runs for all abilities.

  You can keep Val d'Isere and all the upmarket, expensive resorts - this is what is all about. Loved it so much, we bought a chalet.

• January 08, 2005
  Amanda Forsyth from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Chatel is the best ski area you can find. I am another of the 'I liked it so much I bought' clan. The village is friendly and still fairly traditional, it's very pretty in summer and winter. The links between different ski areas are great, with mountain resturants to suit all tastes. Skiing is throughout the whole Portes du Soleil (650km) on one pass if you require. There are many other leisure activities available too. Apres ski is mainly cantred around the excellent resturants in the village, although there are a few lively bars and a nightclub. Our family apartment is near the Linga lift and sleeps up to six. If you wish to rent it them email me as we still have some availability.

• January 04, 2005
  GB J'adore Chatel from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from 2 weeks of sheer heavn - powder - deep - cold and sunny most of the time! Chatel is such a vast ski area no need to venture beyond into Portes du Soleil - ski Morgins/Superchatel/Torgon/La Chapelle plus Pre La Joux / Linga on one pass - can't beat that! Ski enough and get a FREE PDS pass with bonus fidelity points! Only minus are the overcrowded (but free) buses to Pre la Joux - need to get out of there by 16.00 to miss the crush! Be back soon to meet our fave restaurants and ski bars!!! YUMMMMM!Any info required about Chatel please contact - I drive out - V easy to get to!

• October 16, 2004
  phil rider from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  unbelievably good area that takes a few visits to get to know really well if looking for ease of access from air ports -excellent ski runs-650km of the portes du soleil and fantastic summer activities along with the best restaurant in the alps [le monchu]-
  after 3 yrs we bought a small apartment at the bottom of a ski lift--if you want the details for hire please e mail as i would like the appartment habited as we only use it twice in winter and twice summer
  phil rider

• March 16, 2004
  carol from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We always hire a car - its so easy at Geneva you don't even have to leave the airport you just go downstairs to pick up the car.

  If you want a company to pick you up try alpine cab company.

  As far as buses go - I've no idea, but most resort do have some sort of link with the airport.

  Have a great time - we go again on friday.

• March 12, 2004
  Anastasios from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi everyone, I have booked a holiday to Chatel and will be going in a couple of weeks. I am figuring out that I might have a problem getting there from Geneva.. anyone have any ideas if the train/buses are ok and how much would they cost.

  many thanx!

• February 02, 2004
  WAYNE from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  BRILLIANT!!!!!
  WHAT MORE CAN BE SAID, THIS PLACE IS VERY FRIENDLY AND VERY PRETTY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A VILLAGE THAT HAS IT ALL THEN YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH CHATEL....
  ITS A MUST FOR EVERYONE.....
  

• February 02, 2004
  jane from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from an excellent week.

  The resort is lovely and has kept its original character - the locals are very proud of their food and traditions - the ski area is massive and we had some lovely trips around the swiss resorts.

  Highly recommended

• January 20, 2004
  doug from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Absolutely fantastic. Only drag lifts if you stay in super Chatel all week - most of the ski area is chair lifts.

  Very friendly in the restaurants and the ski area superb.

  Lovely pretty village - highly recommended.

• January 19, 2004
  Dieter from GERMANY
  

  Badly prepared slopes; mostly drag lifts; very unpolite and lazy lift personal (especially they do not like to help children); no good sign posting, lift passes much too expensive, compared to the number of slopes.

  The first resort were we have been really upset in France.

  Never ever we go back there.

• December 27, 2003
  Lawrence Toogood from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  What a gem! Chatel is a well keep secret
  from us Brits, but speak to anyone who has been and they say it is one of the best experinces in the Alps, as the saying goes i liked it so much i bought (the village ) ok an apartment.Linked to the worlds largest cross boarder ski area(portes Du Soleil)the skiing is endless covering all abilities.The main reson that we bought is for the summer activities to mention just a few hiking , mountain biking with downhill runs for all levels just let the ski lift do the work and gravity do the rest, paragliding , white water rafting,outdoor pool with childrens pool/slides, go-karting, horse riding and many more thingsto many to mention just checkout www.chatel.com and see for yourself not forgetting the superman ride on a cable from one mountain to another and if all this is for you and you want somewhere to stay checkout my web site www.ski-fly-bike.co.uk this is not a buisness its just for a select few to rent to help with the running costs but most of all to share the Chatel experience.

• November 25, 2003
  carol from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Chatel is a great resort for families and couples. The skiing is superb in one of the largest areas in Europe - something for all abilities.

  The area is made up of several different resorts on the french/swiss border - each one has its own snow park to play in - Super Chatel has a particularly good area if you fancy some jumps.

  There are many good restaurants in what is still a very pretty resort. Its not far from Geneva so very easy to get to - we're off there again in January.