A picturesque old farming village close to the border with Switzerland at the Pas de Morgins, Chatel has retained its rustic French charm and has a loyal British following. The resort is within a straightforward one and a half hour’s drive of Geneva; it is also one of the closest resorts to Calais for those who are driving all the way. There is a lively village centre and an attractive mix of hotels, apartments and chalets spreading out along main street, along the Dranse river valley and up the mountainside. It is claimed that there are around forty working farms still operating here; watch centuries-old practices such as cheese-making taking place and don’t miss tasting the local speciality ‘Abondance’ cheese.

There are two main ski sectors to choose from, with a free bus service running between them. The Super Chatel sector has pleasant, lightly wooded slopes reached via a gondola from the village centre. The Linga sector, which can be reached from Villapeyron just a couple of minutes outside the main village or from Pre la Joux at the head of the valley, offers something for everyone from beginner to expert and has mainly north-facing slopes creating the best snow conditions locally.

The Portes du Soleil is an intermediate skier’s paradise, and whilst there is plenty of decent skiing in Chatel, you can set off on a much longer circuit through the Swiss resorts of Champoussin and Champery before returning to France above Avoriaz. Advanced skiers will generally be best to head to Linga and beyond, where they will find some challenges including the long and steep Cornebois mogul field and some excellent off-piste opportunities. Beginners have nursery slopes in both areas, with the highest proportion of easy runs being in the Super Chatel sector. There is also a beginners’ area at village level which is regularly used by ski schools and the Marmottens Ski Kindergarten. Boarders have a choice of three terrain parks, including one for novices at Super Chatel, and a wide choice of slopes and off-piste at Linga. There is also easy access to Avoriaz from just above Plaine Dranse via the Lindarets bowl, and from there to Morzine and Les Gets.

A ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ resort, Chatel has a choice of entertainment on offer for families – check out the week’s programme at the Tourist Office when you arrive. Welcome parties with vin chaud and hot chocolate, floodlit night skiing and ice skating to music at the edge of the Lac du Vonne all help add to the magic of your ski holiday.