Châtel

Châtel's skiing is divided into two sections, providing some 85km of pisted ski runs. One section heads down to Avoriaz, the other to the Swiss resort of Torgon. While intermediates often have the most fun, there are plenty of mixed runs including many for beginners. More advanced skiers will find the Linga sector that much more of a challenge and can access the whole Portes du Soleil area for some serious off piste and testing black runs, like the famous Swiss Wall.

For the experienced skiers heading up to the two highest peaks in the area, Mont de Grange (at 2,432m) or Cornettes du Bise (2,432m) offers the opportunity for some excellent backcountry riding.

There’s a decent freestyle park at Châtel which includes half-pipe, because well, that’s all we hit these days, right? The freestyle focussed can also easily head over to Avoriaz and enjoy the famous Stash area which is excellent.

Links between the Linga and Super Châtel ski areas have improved a lot with new, faster, chairlifts in recent years and a new piste, the Forestière, was opened for the 2015 season giving another option for returning to the village from Super Châtel. This run will also have snowmaking facilities added for the 2016 season.

The town of Châtel has remained typically French and has avoided the influx of major international tour operators. Instead you’ll find plenty of chalets and family run hotels offering some great accommodation choice. For après and nightlife Châtel there are bars, clubs and night spots that remain open until the early hours, some of which provide live music and entertainment. However if that’s not your thing there is also a cinema and bowling alley.

There’s some lively après to be had at the base of the Linga and Super Châtel and the town has a number of nice bars and restaurants if you want to carry on. Chatel has a number of excellent independent chalets making it a great choice to enjoy a proper chalet ski trip with easy access to a huge ski area.

Don’t forget to the try the local Abondance cheese and the Crepy white wine, two specialities of the local area.

An adult 6-day pass for Chatel will set you back around €195 and give you access to 54 lifts and 64 pistes, which is enough for beginners and those not looking to stray too far. Alternatively you can opt for the full Portes du Soleil area pass which will allow you to roam the full 400 km area. As usual there are numerous other lift options to choose from including half days, various concessions and family passes.