Winter

"We think you’ve made a great choice in considering Chatel and the Portes du Soleil as a destination for your Ski holiday.  Situated in Chatel village centre, we firmly believe that our chalet is perfectly located for those seeking an action-packed Ski holiday or a quiet relaxing break.  We will be on hand throughout your stay to help make your holiday run smoothly and to ensure you spend an enjoyable and memorable time with us.  During the winter months between December and April we run our chalet on a fully-catered basis.

What's so special about Skiing in Chatel?

·         Attractive unspoilt village

·         Good snow record

·         The resort is in the centre of a huge ski area with modern lift system and excellent mountain restaurants

·         The area offers skiing and boarding to suit all tastes

·         Short transfer from Geneva airport with good road access

·         Wide choice of ski schools with English-speaking instructors

·         Suitable for individuals, groups or families with children

·         Wide range of shops and bars in the village, from Ski equipment to Ski Clothing or ski accessories.

Having taken over SutoChatel and chalet ‘Les Erines’ in autumn 2006 we now have one successful winter ski season under our belts and think we know what ingredients are required to turn a good holiday into a great one.

We look forward to welcoming you to ‘Les Erines’ as our guests and showing you around the best ski we know very soon.

With best wishes,"

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil

Chatel is 1 of 14 resorts in the heart of the Portes du Soleil region. The village is located in the Abondance Valley on the border with Switzerland. Its close proximity to Thonon and Evian (35km away), between Lac Léman and Mont Blanc makes it a great holiday destination for your winter break.  Only 75km from Geneva, Chatel is ideal for those seeking quality away from the big name resorts.

The best adjective to describe Chatel is ‘unspoilt'.  It is a charming and traditional Savoyard village which has managed to maintain its alpine architecture and many of its original features.  The bustling village centre with its many shops and weekly market selling regional specialities has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.  Aprés ski mainly revolves around the many colourful bars and good quality restaurants. There are also plenty of other activities available in this delightful village such as bowling, two cinemas and ice-skating.

The stop for the free ski bus is situated approximately 50 metres from chalet 'Les Erines'. This bus stops at Le Linga and Pré la Joux Télécabines in the Chatel ski area. The Super Chatel Télécabine is close to the chalet. Please note that a minibus service to and from the slopes is included in the price of your holiday on 6 days out of your 7 day stay.

The Portes du Soleil is the largest area of linked ski resorts in the world with:

·         650km ski area

·         14 resorts across France and Switzerland

·         288 marked slopes

·         211 lifts

·         8 snow parks including Chatel

·         11km of snow canons

It's entirely possible to ski/board for a week and not visit the same slope twice.

Quite simply, Chatel is one of the Alps best kept secrets!

Skiing and Boarding

Equipment Hire

We have used Chatel-based 'Vertical Horizons' for many years and can thoroughly recommend them for all your equipment needs.  We are pleased to be able to offer our guests a discount when hiring equipment through this source. 

Included as part of our service to you, we can pre-book all your gear so it's ready for collection on your way back from the airport.  This means you'll be ready to hit the slopes at the earliest opportunity without wasting time queuing.  During busy weeks it is essential that you reserve equipment in advance.  Just tell us what you need by completing the relevant section of our Booking Form. 

There are several different charges depending on what type and quality of equipment you hire.

As a general guide only, here are some prices from the '06/'07 winter season.

Passes

Prices for the winter season 2007/08 can be found here.

As part of our service to you we purchase your ski passes in advance so they're ready and waiting for you on your arrival at the chalet.  Use our Booking Form to let us know what type of pass you'd like.

Lessons

We strongly advise that those with 4 weeks or less experience have lessons or attend ski school.  In the busy holiday periods it is essential to pre-book lessons which we are happy to do on your behalf as our service to you. Just complete the relevant part of our Booking Form.

We have very good links with all the private instructors and ski schools in Chatel and once we know your requirements (which we're happy to discuss with you beforehand) we can recommend lessons to suit your needs.

Snow Report

Visit this site

The Resort and Chalet

Chatel is an ideal holiday destination for families with children.  The chalet is situated in the village centre, only a short walk from a variety of shops, restaurants and amenities.  At 'Les Erines' we provide high chairs and travel cots for guests at no additional cost.  A high tea is provided in the chalet for children and an on-site evening baby-sitting service can also be made available. 

Famille Plus

Chatel has recently been recognised nationally as a family-friendly resort by being awarded 'Famille Plus' status.  This is in recognition of the family focus many of the facilities and services offer in the village and surrounding area.

Daycare Facilities

'Les Mouflets' Day Nursery is open to children from 3 months to 6 years. It is open daily during the winter season from 8am to 7pm.  It is especially equipped for the well-being and comfort of tiny tots.  Please enquire about prices for the hour, half-day or full-day.

Le Village des Marmottons is open to children between the ages of 3 - 8.  They provide some ski instruction plus other indoor and outdoor activities. Children can attend on an all-day or part-day basis, with or without lunch.

The Chalet Location

Chalet ‘Les Erines’ lies in the picturesque and sunny Abondance Valley on the French/Swiss border in the traditional village of Chatel.  It would be difficult to find a chalet closer to the centre of the village, yet ‘Les Erines’ is situated in an enviably quiet location tucked away on the hillside.

It’s an easy walk to the village centre, convenient for the local bars, restaurants and shops. The bus stop is only 50 metres away up a short flight of steps from the chalet.  The free bus runs from here every 15 minutes during the winter season and stops at all the lifts and télécabines in the Chatel area.  The Super Chatel télécabine is only 250 metres walk away.

Access to the chalet is on foot down a short flight of steps from the road.

The chalet has a balcony surrounding it providing stunning views up and down the valley. 

For safety and for the comfort of all guests, the chalet is no-smoking inside.

To locate the chalet in the village please view the Chatel village map.

The Chalet Layout

The chalet sleeps 9 people extremely comfortably but can accommodate a maximum of 11/12 guests, depending on the structure of your group. Each bedroom can be adjusted to suit your party size.

Three of the four en-suite bedrooms can be twins or doubles and the fourth en-suite bedroom can be set up as a triple or single & double room. Next to the triple room is the Grenier (loft room) which can be used for two children in single beds but does have a low ceiling. Alternatively it can be used as a delightful den/games area/tv room.

Two of the bedrooms are situated on the ground floor with the other rooms found on the first floor. All bathrooms have full-sized baths with shower, basin, WC and plenty of hot water.

The ground floor is split level comprising a comfortable lounge area with wood-burning stove and kitchen area for guests’ use. Breakfast and evening meals are served in the spacious separate dining room which overlooks the garden to one side of the chalet with views across the valley. There is also a sauna on this level

The Chalet Bedrooms

To make your stay more comfortable at chalet 'Les Erines' we provide you with towels, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries and hairdryer.

Morclan

En-suite situated on the ground floor.  Can be either a double or twin bedroom.

Corbeau

En-suite situated on the ground floor.  Can be either a double or twin bedroom.

Bise

Situated at the top of the stairs on the first floor.  It is next to the balcony with views up and down the valley and has the last of the evening sun.  En-suite which can be either a double or twin bedroom

Chesery

The largest en-suite on the first floor which can be used as a double, twin or triple bedroom.

The Chalet Living area

Kitchen

Available solely for guests' use. Has large table with seating, cooker, fridge, microwave, dishwasher and other kitchen equipment.

Dining Room

Breakfast and evening meals are served in the spacious separate dining room.

Lounge

Relax, read, play games, listen to music or chat the evenings away in front of our open fire. Patio doors lead from the lounge and dining room onto the balcony with stunning views up and down the Abondance Valley. A good place to soak up some winter sunshine.

Sauna

What better way to unwind after an active day in the mountains.

The Chalet Food and drink

During the winter we offer a fully-catered service at 'Les Erines', which includes the following:

Breakfast
Choice of cereal, porridge or muesli, eggs, bread, croissants, pain au chocolat, yoghurt, fruit juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Afternoon Tea
Freshly baked cake or biscuits, tea/coffee.

Dinner
Four course evening meal with wine. All evening meals are prepared by our qualified in-house chef.

Special Menus
We can cater for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions if given advance notice. We can also cater for vegetarians, diabetics and other special dietary requirements but ask that you provide details at the time of booking.

Wines
For guests who want something a bit special with their evening meal, we offer an upgraded wine list.  For a few euros more you can choose from our more exclusive list (please ask for further details at time of booking).

Alcohol
We hold the necessary licenses from the Mairie & Douane for the supply of alcohol & soft drinks to guests.

Getting to the Chalet

By road and sea

The quickest route from the channel ports is to follow the motorways south to Rheims, Troyes, Dijon, Dole and head for Geneva. At Geneva take the A40 to Annemasse and follow the signs to Thonon-les-Bains and then Chatel. The journey time is approximately 9 - 10 hours using the Autoroutes. Please remember that the French Autoroutes are toll roads. If you are splitting your journey then look for accommodation between Troyes and Dijon as this is approximately half-way. The French hotel group "Campanile" (similar to a Travel Lodge in the UK) have hotels in both Troyes and Dijon. You can make a reservation or find further information on their website: www.campanile.fr/

Useful Road & Sea links:

By rail

The TGV goes as far as Thonon-les-Bains. Transfers to and from the resort can be arranged with prior notice for an additional charge.

Useful Rail Links:

·         Eurostar: www.eurostar.com

·         French Railways SNCF: www.sncf.com

·         Swiss Railways CFF: www.sbb.ch

·         Rail Europe: www.raileurope.co.uk

By plane

Most major airline companies have regular flights in and out of Geneva. Chatel's proximity to Geneva means that the transfer rarely takes longer than an hour and a half.

Useful Air Links:

·         EasyJet: www.easyjet.com

·         Go Voyages: www.go-fly.com

·         British Airways: www.britishairways.com

·         Air France: www.airfrance.co.uk

·         Satellite Travel: www.satellitetravel.co.uk or tel 00 44 (0)208 643 3666

Summer

" We think you’ve made a great choice in considering the French Alps as a destination for either a short break away or for a longer holiday.  Whether you’re active or whether you’re not, Chatel and the Portes du Soleil have plenty to offer individuals, groups and families during the summer months.

Situated between the largest lake in Europe (Lac Léman) and the highest mountain in Europe (Mont Blanc), Chatel has its own microclimate resulting in cold winters with plenty of snow and hot, balmy summers reaching temperatures well into the 30's.

Between May and November we have the flexibility of offering the following accommodation options: self-catering, room only, B&B or half-board.  The most difficult decision you have to make is which one to choose and we’ll do the rest.

We firmly believe that our chalet is perfectly located for those seeking action-packed holidays or a quiet relaxing break.  We will be on hand throughout your stay to help make your holiday run smoothly and to ensure you spend an enjoyable and memorable time with us.

Having taken over SutoChatel and chalet ‘Les Erines’ in autumn 2006 we now have one successful winter season under our belts and think we know what ingredients are required to turn a good holiday into a great one.

We look forward to welcoming you to ‘Les Erines’ as our guests very soon.

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil

Where Swiss style meets French touch

The best adjective to describe Chatel is ‘unspoilt'.  It is a charming and traditional Savoyard village which has managed to maintain many of its original features and alpine architecture.  The bustling village centre with its many shops and weekly market selling regional specialities has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.  There are plenty of good quality bars and restaurants in which to enjoy the local cuisine and wine.

Chatel is 1 of 14 resorts in the heart of the Portes du Soleil region. The village is located in the Abondance Valley on the border with Switzerland.  Its close proximity to Thonon and Evian (35km away), between Lac Léman and Mont Blanc makes it a great holiday destination for your summer break.  Only 75km from Geneva, Chatel is ideal for those seeking quality away from the big name resorts.

In winter the Portes du Soleil is the largest area of linked ski resorts in the world with over 650km of prepared pistes and over 200 lifts connecting resorts across France and Switzerland.  These pistes are transformed during the summer into a playground for walking, mountain biking, golf and a host of other activities.

Activities

It is impossible to mention all the activities and trips that are available within easy reach of the chalet.  Below we have attempted to list just some of them.

For the active

Respectez Vous Les Cyclists, VTT or Mountain Biking in Chatel is Hot

Since 1996 X Country has been an Olympic discipline, VTT as it is known by in France and Switzerland. X Country Mountain Biking is a sport where stamina, strength and skill are tested to the full. Fullsuspension or Hardtail Bikes are used by the athletes, but generally the Hardtails are preferred. The Bikes have 27 speeds and hydraulic brakes, in total weighing less than ten kilograms.

Today, Robert Heathfield & Stephanie Heathfield watched Julien Absalon of the Orbea team, ride coolly in under the finishing post in 2:12:44:57 (That's just over two hours if you are not familiar with the stopwatch timings). The event was the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Elite Mens Cross Country Final. The event took place at Champery Bikepark at Grande Paradis. The Champery course is steep and quick in the first part, then technical in the forest. It then had a difficult hill of 800m followed by a tricky downhill. This lap was 5km long, which the riders had to do 8 times making a total of 40km of gruelling cross country.

Stephanie and I felt we were out there with them as their determination to be the champion elevated the atmosphere. Given the pain on some of the riders faces this was no stroll in the woods. Respectez vous les Cyclist!

Mountain Biking is a big hit in Chatel and many more are coming to the Portes du Soleil to test their skills on some of the best downhills you can find. You may prefer cross country Mountain Biking and here in Chatel there is much to offer, including a bike park. You can rent bikes locally, but we can also accommodate those who wish to bring their own. We hope to turn our skills at looking after skiers into a similar deal for the thrill-chasing biker

Devil Karts are like big soap boxes which are hauled up by a ski drag and you charge downhill on a marked track

A bob sleigh without snow!

Fantasticable is Unique To Chatel

Fantasticable is unique to Chatel.  You slide along a wire which is over 1000m long across a valley reaching speeds of 80-100 kph.  Not for the faint-hearted!

Individual flights for Parapente and also training courses are available in Chatel

Rock Climbing Holidays, and Via Ferrata

for the rock climber there are numerous routes on the local mountains and guide books are available. For the experienced climber there are some superb faces yet to be explored. There are several Via Ferratas, the closest being at Chapelle d’Abondance.  These are prepared climbs where you use ladders, chains etc and are clipped on using a safety harness

Walking Holidays in and around Chatel

 Walking

 Chatel still keeps it's original traditional charm and is a superb setting for a number of walks ranging from Medium to Strenuous. Whether you are French or English you are equally welcome here and there is no hard feelings from the battle of Agincourt. We encourage you to come here as a group so that you can take advantage of Andy the walking guide, who is qualified to guide walks in the summer to 4000 metres.

Come and Get Fit using the Chatel Fitness Circuits

Ride The Rapids Of the River Dranse by White Water Rafting

For the less active