Situated in the Val d'Abondance in Isère, Châtel is a high Savoyard village and a family resort that's just as pleasant in summer as it is in winter. Close to Switzerland, Châtel has preserved its Savoyard identity, mountain traditions and wooden chalets with carved balconies. People come here for the pleasure of a place on a human scale, warm and friendly yet offering a wide range of activities. So, what's there to do in Châtel? Discover our 11 must-do activities in the resort.
1- Snowboarding or downhill skiing
Located close to Switzerland and at the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Châtel's skiable terrain extends over two massifs: Super-Châtel / Barbossine and Linga / Pré la Joux / Plaine Dranse. In all, the ski area has 43 runs and 39 lifts. The Super-Châtel sector features numerous blue and green runs, ideal for beginners. Intermediate and advanced skiers will prefer the Linga sector, where they'll find plenty of red and black runs.
We advise you to book your winter sports equipment in Châtel now, to save time before you head out to enjoy the thrills.
2- Handi ski or Taxi ski
In the Châtel resort, people with reduced mobility can take several lifts with their ski equipment. If you don't have your own equipment, the resort has slopes suitable for handi-skiing, accompanied by trained and experienced instructors. You'll also find tandem skiing and ski-taxi activities for disabled skiers, as well as for the elderly and the more skittish non-skiers.
3- What to do in Châtel? Tobogganing
If you love to slide but are a bit shy on skis, don't hesitate to take advantage of the resort's 3 tobogganing areas. Ideal for a family outing, the tobogganing areas feature runs dedicated to the little ones. The Pré la Joux tobogganing area is specially reserved for children aged 2 to 6. You can accompany your little ones to the Super Châtel and Vonnes areas. See also our article on the best resorts in France to ski with children.
Why not take advantage of your stay in Châtel to take your children to the Annecy Christmas market? It'sone of the 15 most beautiful Christmas markets in France.
4- Snowshoeing
The Châtel ski area offers a number of snowshoeing trails, ideal for enjoying the scenery without skiing. Ask at theChâtel Tourist Office about weather conditions: some trails may be closed due to avalanche risk. The office can also advise you on the best routes to take, depending on your preferences. Some of these straddle the border between Switzerland and France, making them perfect for exploring the region.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to hike near Lac Léman, less than an hour from Châtel. The lake is one of the 15 most beautiful places to visit in the Alps.
5- Nordic skiing
The Châtel ski area boasts a Nordic area, where you can go cross-country skiing. Starting from La Panthiaz, 5 cross-country ski trails offer a total of over 20km dedicated to Nordic skiing. You'll also find the Foyer 4 Saisons, a relaxation area where you can rest and eat. Please note that the latter does not offer rental equipment. The Nordic center also offers Nordic skiing, biathlon and orienteering courses.
6- Ski touring
Châtel's Rando Parc has many itineraries in unprotected mountain areas, so ski touring is entirely the skier's responsibility. To make the most of your outing, take the necessary precautions and equipment, and ask the Tourist Office for information on places to go and things to avoid. The Châtel region offers breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful mountain villages, such as Abondance, one of the most beautiful in the Alps. If you'd like to discover ski touring, the area also offers ski lessons.
Try your hand at free hiking in the Alps for a day with a qualified instructor, you can book your group outing right here.
7- Enjoy the aquatic center
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation after a day of winter sports at Châtel's aquatic center, located in the heart of the Isère village. The center features a sports pool, a children's pool and a heated outdoor pool with a superb view over the valley. There's also a wellness area with saunas, steam rooms and massage showers. Massages and treatments can also be booked in advance.
8- Taste local specialties
While some people come to the mountains for the skiing, others prefer the culinary delights. Located in the Val d'Abondance, Châtel boasts numerous mountain pastures and dairy cows, whose milk is used to make the cheese of the same name. Other local mountain specialities include traditional fondues, tartiflettes and raclettes.
To discover the region's gastronomic specialties, you can also take advantage of Annecy's many traditional restaurants. Take a look at our 17 must-sees in Annecy.
9- What to do in Châtel? Go to the ice rink
In the center of the village of Châtel is a large 200m² ice rink, ideal for young and old alike. A skating session lasts an hour, and you can enter every 10 minutes. Gloves and helmets are mandatory for children, but skates, helmets, walkers and sled chairs are also available. The rink closes in April for the end of the season, and may not open in bad weather.
10- Tyrolean traverse
Fans of speed and thrills won't want to miss the Fantasticable, a head-first zip-line unique in the Alps. Fly over the hamlet of Plaine-Dranse at almost 100km/h and enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley from a height of almost 140m. This activity can be enjoyed alone or in pairs. Skiers can also pick up their equipment on arrival and continue their day on the slopes.
To discover the department in a different way, read our article on the 16 must-sees in Isère.
11- Take advantage of the library
What could be better after a day on the slopes than reading in the warmth of a blanket in front of a snow-covered landscape? For book lovers, a library is open all year round in the village center. You'll find a selection of over 3,000 books. Children's books, comics, novels, audio books... there's something for everyone. Conveniently, you can check availability and reserve your books directly online.
What to do in Châtel when you're not skiing?
You don't have to be an avid skier to enjoy your stay in Châtel. Here are a few activities for non-skiing travellers :
- Tobogganing: the Châtel ski area has toboggan runs, so take advantage of them!
- Snowshoe trekking: a snowshoe trek is the best way to enjoy the mountain scenery without skiing.
- Relax at the spa : head to Châtel's aquatic center to unwind in the on-site pools, saunas or steam rooms.
- Go zip-lining: the Fantasticable in the Châtel ski area is a head-first zip-line for one or two people. Thrills guaranteed.
- Go ice-skating : the ice rink in the center of Châtel is an ideal way to spend some family time off the slopes.
Where to stay in Châtel?
Among the many accommodations available for booking in Châtel, we've made a selection for you:
- The most family-friendly :Hôtel au Bois de Lune. In the heart of the mountains, this chalet-hotel offers family rooms, open to nature and the magnificent surrounding scenery. Each room has its own balcony. You can book your stay here.
- The most traditional:Hotel-Restaurant Belalp. This traditional chalet, decorated in typical Savoyard style, offers bright, comfortable rooms, most with balcony. The hotel also features a sauna-hammam relaxation area and an escape game. Book your stay here.
- Close to the slopes: Fleur de Neige. Just 500m from the ski lifts, this chalet-hotel offers fully renovated rooms and a host of facilities. Heated pool, relaxation area and restaurant with panoramic terrace await you after a day's skiing. Don't hesitate to book your stay in advance.
What to do in Châtel in summer
If you prefer the mountains to the sea in summer and would like to spend your vacation in Châtel and the surrounding area, here's a selection of things to do outside winter sports.
- Hiking : numerous footpaths and mountain bike trails criss-cross the Châtel area, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Water sports: paddle, canoe or simply relax on the beach at Lac de Vonnes.
- Visit Switzerland: you're close to Switzerland and especially to Lake Geneva, so take the opportunity to visit this incredible site.
