A great choice for anyone looking for a more authentic ski holiday retreat, Chatel, at heart, still remains very much a traditional Alpine village. Ancient stylised chalets, cobbled streets and a 17th century church contribute to the atmosphere, making the village an appealing location for visitors in search of a calm, festive break. Along with its time honoured architecture, Chatel's other claim to fame is its dairy produce. The pungent, award winning Abondance cheese is produced in the valley nearby. Located in the Portes du Soleil ski area, Chatel also offers links to Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets and the Swiss resorts of Morgins, Torgon and Les Crosets. The resort's principal ski area,
Super Chatel, predominantly offers a mixture of intermediate and advanced runs, along with a snowpark, blue halfpipe, and on a clear day, views of Lake Geneva. First time skiers coming to the area may prefer to opt for a stay in Les Gets or Morzine, as these resorts offer better provision for beginners and straightforward access to easier slopes.
'Abondance: a fine mountain cheese'. The origins of this popular and widely acclaimed cheese date back as far as the 6th century, when the cattle used to produced it were brought into the valley by the Burgundians, who arrived in Savoy from the north. The cheese was later refined and developed by monks living in Abondance abbey, a short distance from Chatel. These monks took pride in the selective breeding of the Abondance cow, taking the finest heffers and providing them with different types of grazing, in particular, the Alpine summer pastures. The result is a fine firm cheese, with a strong smell and a complex flavour, with hints of fruit and hazelnuts.
Chatel Airport Transfer Information
