Summer Holidays in Chatel

Chaletneuf du Tenne is one of the highest chalets in the area and located at the start of some of the best walking trails in the Abondance valley. There’s no need to get in the car – just walk out of the door and enjoy the mountains.

You’ll be met with incredible views where ever you choose to walk, with key highlights such as panoramas of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

Accompanied walks are available to book, for all abilities and preferences. Whether you’d like an all-day hike or a quick introduction to the area, we can arrange a guide to help you get the most out of your walking holiday.

Child friendly walks can also be suggested or guided to suit your needs. With over twenty years experience walking in the area we know the best routes for children of all ages.

Picnics can be arranged for you or we can recommend one of the many excellent mountain restaurants for essential ice cream stops en-route!

Châtel is a perfect base for some of the best road biking in Europe. There are obviously some fairly challenging climbs and famous cols to tackle such as the Pas de Morgins and Col du Corbier, however there are also some exceptional flatter rides around Lake Geneva and the Rhone valley. The roads are quiet and the scenery is breathtaking, in short it’s a biking paradise.

ski10 cycling holidays are tailor-made to give you total freedom to choose your dates, routes & daily timetable. We design your holiday based on what you and your group want to achieve and experience, so everyone gets the most out of their holiday time.

Whether you are a serious club rider, training for a big event, or just looking for an adventurous and fun weekend our excellent local knowledge and professional team will ensure you get the most from your time on the bike. We are always on-hand to help, and we can provide vehicle support with bike carriage, guided or self guided itineraries.

Classic climbs accessible on a day of riding from Châtel include:

• Col de Joux Plane (Cat 1)
• Pas du Morgins (Cat 2)
• Route d’Avoriaz (Cat 1)
• Col de la Joux Verte (Cat 1)
• Col du Corbier (Cat 2)
• Col de Bassachaux (Cat 2)

Châtel plays host to a number of pro cycling events throughout the season, including the famous Critérium du Dauphiné. Featuring all the big teams, each year the race is considered as an important forerunner to the Tour de France.

Other events include stages of the Tour d’Aosta and the Tour de L’Avenir.

Get in the saddle and enter one of the many open participation rides throughout the season. These events are a great opportunity to test your cycling skills on the challenging climbs and technical descents in the area. Our favourites are the Cyclotour du Leman in May, the Morzine Vallee D’Aulps cyclosportive in June and the Montée de Bassachaux at the end of July.

Discover nature with one of the many signposted walks for families that allow discovery and learning about the rich and diverse countryside. Some are even suitable for an off road buggy so even the little ones can enjoy the mountain.

The bob luge is always a favourite with children and adults alike! Set among the trees at Pre La Joux, it’s a ride of 650 metres with 7 bends and an average speed of 7 m/s. Tickets are available to buy on-site or at the tourist office.

Teatime on the high pastures, organised by the tourist office, is a lovely opportunity for families to visit the high alpine chalets and pastures of local farmers and discover how the delicious local cheese is made. Children then enjoy a high tea with the company of the onlooking cows!

Water activities include visiting and swimming in the beautiful lakes of the area. Just a short drive to Lac Leman provides beaches, boat hire and exciting water parks.

Within Châtel is the beautiful Lac de Vonnes where there’s the opportunity to try out fishing.

DevelKart is another firm favourite with children aged 10 and over. Just next to the bob luge at Pre La Joux, there are 20 unpowered karts to steer down the slope at the speed of your choice. Tickets are available to buy on-site or at the tourist office.

Miniature golf is available at the 18 hole mini course at Loy, just below the village centre. You can also try out the classic french game of Boules here on the free pitches.

Golf… If you like a golf course with a view then you won’t be disappointed with the local choice. Choose from a number of courses in France & Switzerland, including the famous Evian Championship course on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Fantasticable…The only ride of its kind in the World, the Fantasticable is an exhilarating and spine tingling experience. Positioned in a horizontal harness you fly through the air on two separate zip wires reaching speeds of 100km/h and 240m above the ground!

Mountain biking…With 90km of marked paths within Châtel itself and links to the Portes du Soleil’s 850km of biking routes you’ll be able to ride a different track through the stunning mountains every day – biking bliss!

Water skiing & wake boarding.. Lake Geneva, just 40 minutes drive from Châtel offers a range of sports such as water skiing and wake boarding.

Tennis… Châtel has 8 courts in two stunning locations; fun and fitness for all the family.

Rock climbing… Châtel and the Abondance valley have a number of rock climbing sites, plus artificial wall and Via Ferrata to offer a full range of activities for climbers of all abilities.

Paragliding… Riding the dynamic air currents and thermals in the valley, tandem flights over Châtel provide an unforgettable experience.

White water rafting… Canoeing, rafting and kayaking are all possible on the challenging river Dranse which weaves through the valley from Châtel all the way down to meet Lake Geneva.