Top 10 things to do in Châtel

Top 10 things to do in Châtel

1 - Ski in one of the largest areas in Europe

The Châtel ski area straddles Switzerland and France with 56 slopes over 130 km with areas dedicated to beginners and others for experienced skiers who can also enjoy the Portes de Soleil area, i.e. 12 resorts, including 4 in Switzerland, for 650 km of slopes and 195 lifts with a single ski pass. It is one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Châtel also has a snow park for beginner and expert freestylers.

Price:

• 5 hours: 24 euros;
• 1 day: 28 euros;
• 6 days: 131 euros

2 - Slide differently

Châtel lets you ski across a vast area, but the resort also lets you enjoy other activities. The Snooc is a combination of ski touring for the ascent and sledding for the descent. From the age of 8, you can go snowshoeing and enjoy superb descents supervised by an instructor. With the Snooc, you use your body weight to steer. It's fun and accessible to all. With a Yooner , you sit 20 cm above the ground, like on a snow kart. Fun, easy to maneuver, and easy to handle, it allows you to have fun quickly. Meet at the foot of the Pierre-Longue chairlift when the slopes close for a five-kilometer descent with instructors.

Airboarding is a snow bodyboarding technique with edges. You steer using your body weight. It's an activity accessible to everyone once the slopes close.

SnooC price:

• 25 euros per descent;
• 60 euros for a one-hour private lesson

Bodyboarding price:

• 25 euros per descent;
• 1/2 day of 4 hours: 200 euros;
• 7-hour day: 350 euros.

3 - The Fantasticable

The Fantasticâble is a huge zip line that departs from the top of the Rochassons chairlift. You'll soar 140 meters above the village of Plaine-Dranse. The 1,200-meter zip line allows you to reach the incredible speed of 100 km/h. You can arrive with your skis; they'll follow the same path as you in a carrying bag. And if you're not sure, opt for the duo descent.

Price:

• From 26 euros per person.

4 - Snowshoeing or hiking

Châtel is the starting point for numerous hiking trails. In winter, put on your snowshoes and explore the white expanses. Several routes are available, such as the Blattes Loop, which allows you to wander between snow and forest. The Fox Trail, on the Swiss border, is more for experienced hikers, while the Dranse River, ideal for families, runs between Châtel and Abondance.

5 - Mountain biking on land and snow

In Châtel, mountain bike enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of trails, regardless of their level. There's also the bike park, which has around twenty trails. Some are reserved for beginners. Accessible by chairlift, it overlooks the valley at an altitude of 1,778 meters. Châtel also has two slopestyle trails , including a pro track and a pump track . You can also swap your skis for an electric mountain bike and ride down the slopes on the snow, in the morning or at night, with courses adapted to your level.

Price:

• from 70 euros.

6 - Visit the Old Customs House

La Vieille Douane is the Mountain Smuggling Interpretation Center. Here, visitors step back in time to discover the border village where smugglers attempted to cross the peaks without being caught by the "gabelous." Young and old alike will discover a world full of surprises. Everyone can visit at their own pace, with a game booklet for children, an audio guide, or a guided tour. La Vieille Douane also houses temporary exhibitions.

Prices:

• Adults: 4.50 euros;
• children (8-15 years): 3.50 euros;
• family: 3.50 euros/person (one adult and one child).

7 - Lake Vonnes

Just one kilometer from the center of Châtel, Lake Vonnes is a beautiful walking destination. The area is suitable for walking, cycling, and strollers. At an altitude of 1,300 meters , it features a superb water jet that rises to a height of 40 meters. It's the highest water jet in France! Children can enjoy a playground, and fishing is permitted in season. A themed trail connects Lake Vonnes to Lake Morgins in Switzerland, dotted with texts about water and the environment.

8 - Discover Châtel with Chloé or by little train

To discover the village's history, use the free "IONO Expression Nomade" app, where you can choose "Discover Châtel." Put on your hiking boots, fill your backpack, and follow Chloé, who will guide you, offering games and puzzles. Two routes are possible: the smugglers' trail from the Vieille Douane (Old Customs House) or the banks of the Dranse River.
You can also board the little train for a complete tour of the village.

Prices:

• adult: from 3 euros;
• child under 12 years: 1.50 euros;
• child under 5 years old: 1 euro

9 - Canyoning

In summer, thrill-seekers should try canyoning , which includes abseiling, swimming, jumping, and slides in a superb setting. The descents take place on the Crédin stream or in the Nyon canyon . This activity is accessible to everyone, even beginners, thanks to the presence of an instructor.
Prices vary depending on the site.

10 - Visit to the farm and tasting

For foodies and animal lovers, there are many farms to visit. Chantal and Dominique's farm is open every Tuesday. You'll discover the farmers' daily lives, the cheese cellar, the animals, and more. Enjoy many anecdotes and taste the cheeses, charcuterie, and blueberry jam sandwiches. Philippe and Annick will explain everything you need to know about making Abondance cheese, with a farm tour and tasting.

Don't forget to book!