Family Holidays, Chatel

Many people describe Chatel as the Alp’s hidden gem. Here is what makes Chatel ideal for your family ski holiday.

Chatel is an award winning resort!

Chatel has been given the Famille+ award which means it is committed to providing the very best facilities for families on holiday. To earn and maintain this award the village must provide family friendly activities both on and off the ski slopes. It must also provide high quality childcare and have a child-friendly medical service locally. Chatel puts on a huge range of activities for children of all ages and events for families to enjoy together

2. Skiing for all levels

For beginner adults and children you can master the snowplough and gain confidence with an adventure down the gentle green path which winds it’s way through woodland and open areas. Numerous shorter beginner pistes can be found at the foot of the mountain as well as in the Super Chatel area above the village. Marmattons is an area dedicated to teaching children to ski as is the ESF snow garden which is full of obstacles and fun. Many blue and red slopes can be found in the ski area as you progress. For people who are after more of a challenge, Chatel offers several black runs, with Rhododendrons being a personal favourite. Chatel is extremely popular with off piste skiers with a plethora of tree runs and wide slopes easily accessible (of course this is always dependant on weather conditions and avalanche risk levels- be careful out there!) As part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area you need never ski the same slope twice.

3. World class ski instructors

Having spent many years working alongside the ESF in Chatel I can assure you that the majority of the instructors based here are young, fun and enthusiastic. A number of small independent ski schools also operate who can cater for each member of your family. Helen Trayfoot (author of Head, shoulders, skis and toes) is a highly renowned ski instructor who specialises in teaching children to ski and who also offers lessons where you can learn as a family alongside your children or help them to learn to ski yourself under Helen’s expert guidancece.

4. Excellent childcare tailored to you

On a family holiday it is sometimes nice to have some adult time too. Chatel’s central creche is very well recommended by many happy parents who have used it’s facilities. For those of you looking for a more flexible and personalised service Chatel Childcare offers both daytime nannying and evening babysitting. More information can be found on this website!

5. Short Transfer

Aeroplane travel with young children can be draining and the last thing you want at the end of your flight is a slow going coach drive half way across the country. Chatel is only an hour and a half from Geneva. Magic Transfers and Professional Transfers are small companies based in Chatel who will whisk you away to your holiday destination. Child seats are provided.

6. Huge investment in snow making facilities

With the Alp’s having suffered a few years of irregular snowfall, rather than waiting for nature to do it’s work Chatel has invested in snow makers on most slopes including nursery slopes. There is also a ‘Snow Farm’ which can make snow at temperatures of up to 15 degrees, so you needn’t worry about there being enough snow for your family to ski on. Chatel has an excellent snow record even in ‘bad years’ partially due to the variation in north and south facing slopes.

7. A welcoming and family friendly atmosphere

After a holiday or two in Chatel your family will soon start to feel at home here. Chatel Childcare is very happy to recommend child-friendly restaurants and cafes as well as ski instructors to suit the needs of you all. As it expands, Chatel is still retaining its village feel which means that you will get a friendly atmosphere in whichever bakeries, shops or restaurants you choose to visit.