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Activities |
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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. |
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For the
Active: |
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Mountain Biking - a big hit in Châtel 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 Châtel 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 |
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Devil Karts - these
are like big soap boxes which are hauled up by a ski drag and you charge
downhill on a marked track |
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Bob Luge - a bob
sleigh without snow! |
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Fantasticable - is unique to
Châtel. You slide along a wire which is over
1000m long across a valley reaching speeds of 80-100 kph. Not for the
faint-hearted! |
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Parapente - both
individual flights and training courses are available in Châtel |
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Via Ferrata and Climbing - 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 |
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Walking - there
are defined mountain walks throughout the Portes du Soleil which provide
the opportunity to see the breathtaking beauty of the area. Large scale
maps are available which show the ski lifts which are open during the
summer. You can also make use of guided walks, some of which include
an overnight stop
in a mountain refuge |
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Fitness Circuits - put your
fitness to the test at one of the several fitness circuits in the area |
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White Water Rafting - the River Dranse which flows into Lake Geneva has rafting, river luge
and canoeing. It is at its best in May when the spring melt from the
mountains produces white water conditions, but is great fun all
through the summer |
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Tennis - there are
tennis courts available in Châtel. Equipment can be hired |
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Swimming - all
resorts in the area have open-air swimming pools. The outdoor pool in
Châtel is a short walk from the chalet and is excellent. You can
also swim in Lake Geneva or in some of the high mountain lakes. There is
also an aquapark near Monthey, Switzerland where you can spend the day enjoying the
various rides and pools |
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Adventure Course - at
St Gingolph on the lake there is an adventure playground with ropes, zip
wires, ladders etc where you can spend an exciting afternoon |
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Golf - there are
several courses in the area including Evian where they hold the Ladies Masters
every year in July. Courses at Morzine, Les Gets, and the championship
course at Crans Montana are all within easy reach |
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Fishing - is available in the rivers and lakes in the area |
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Horse Riding - there are
stables in Châtel and also in Morgins, just over the border in
Switzerland |
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For the Less
Active: |
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Lavay les Bains - these are thermal baths of a style and quality you will never have
experienced in the UK |
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Evian - visit the original
springs or spend time at the casino |
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Olympic Museum, Lausanne - take a ferry ride from Evian and visit the Olympic museum |
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Alpine Garden, Bex - a must
for the keen gardener, providing examples of all types of alpine flower |
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Rhône Glacier
- a great day trip to see the source of the river Rhône |
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Yvoire - the medieval village
on the lake |
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Geneva - shop, eat
and enjoy sight-seeing in this lakeside city |
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Concerts - most
towns & villages have a concert or festival of some sort during the
summer months. The most
famous being the Montreux Jazz festival |
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Abondance Abbey - the
historic abbey with some beautiful frescoes and stained glass |
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Chillon Castle,
Villeneuve - a fine example of a lakeside castle |
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Montreux, Thonon and
many of the other lakeside towns are well worth a visit. The Italian
border is only 90 minutes drive away and a trip to Aosta makes an interesting day
out |
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Swiss Vineyards - seldom available outside Switzerland,
Swiss wine is of a high quality.
Visit some of the caves and taste their wines, perhaps buy some to take
home |
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Local Markets - there
are traditional markets in every town and village where you can buy local
produce |
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Other Activities - there are great opportunities for painting, photography, botany
and
ornithology |
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