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Natural Intensity
Châtel, an experience without compromise…Why settle for a little when you can have it all?
That’s the promise of Châtel: an experience without compromise, where you can enjoy the very best of a vibrant, unspoiled mountain while taking part in a wide range of high-quality summer activities. Here, every trail, every peak, and every encounter reflects the authenticity of a rich and welcoming region. A unique adventure that we’ve been shaping for years to offer you an unforgettable summer holiday.
Welcome to Châtel, the Natural Intensity!
Authentic Village
Hospitality is an art, it’s a storyNurtured by agropastoral traditions and a living mountain culture, the soul of Châtel is authentic, sincere, and welcoming. A love of nature and the sharing of traditions have shaped the strong identity of this traditional village in the Abondance Valley. Friendliness, simplicity, and the art of hospitality: these are the values that have guided us from the very beginning.
A traditional village—what does that mean in summer? It means, for example, that after a hike or a day of mountain biking, you can stop at one of the village’s working farms to taste a piece of award-winning Abondance AOC cheese. Nothing better to extend the experience and savor the intensity of the local terroir.
Welcome to Châtel, where the escape continues!
Outdoor Temple
A Playground in the Great OutdoorsSummer, we know the mountains. Over time, Châtel has become an unmissable playground for lovers of the great outdoors. Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, paragliding, or simply a leisurely stroll… here, everyone finds their own way to feel the rhythm of the peaks.
What truly sets Châtel apart, and can’t be found anywhere else, is its location at the bottom of a wide, open valley. This allows you to enjoy every slope, with varied exposures and a constantly changing palette of breathtaking landscapes: the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc… a scenery that never ceases to amaze. Here, you literally travel from one world to another, and complete disconnection is guaranteed.
The Chalet Gene ^
Where Tradition Meets ModernityTraditional farm or contemporary chalet, Châtel’s architecture blends seamlessly into the valley. Buildings sit harmoniously among forests and meadows, creating a setting that is both beautiful and calming. In summer, the green alpine pastures and mountain flowers turn the village into a lively, sun-filled place—perfect for recharging amid nature. Châtel, where authenticity meets comfort and well-being.
Up for the Heights?
Even more striking
Châtel, Its Story
Back to the Future
Châtel, a village that lives with its mountains
Châtel took its first steps into summer tourism in the 1940s, welcoming holidaymakers and convalescents seeking calm and beauty, while maintaining its traditional pastoral activity.
The 1940s–1950s also saw the development of skiing, with the construction of the Vonnes drag lift in 1947, followed by the arrival of Roland Macchi at Christmas 1948, founder of the first ski school, marking the beginning of the village’s winter tourism boom. But summer was never left behind: the first hiking trails and connections to alpine pastures already allowed visitors to fully enjoy the landscapes and nature.
In the 1950s, the Morclan area was structured with a chairlift and a drag lift, giving rise to Super-Châtel. This development was accompanied by hotels and shops, while strengthening ties with neighboring Swiss villages. The Portes du Soleil ski area began to take shape during this period.
In 1967–1968, the Linga area was equipped with a gondola and a second section, providing access to the summits with 1,000 meters of vertical drop and off-piste zones. A few years later, the Barbossine area completed the lift network, establishing Châtel as a major resort.
At the same time, summer tourism experienced significant growth: marked trails, mountain biking routes, outdoor activities, and events animated the season. In the 1970s, despite real estate development, the village retained its authentic charm. The people of Châtel continued farming, with several hundred Abondance cows, celebrating the 120th anniversary of this cheesemaking tradition in 2011, recognized as AOC since 1990.
Today, Châtel combines summer tourism with living heritage: hiking, mountain biking, alpine pastures, and cultural events invite visitors to explore a village rooted in tradition yet fully open to the mountains and the great outdoors.