History and values

Long before Châtel became the vibrant ski resort we know today, it was a place deeply rooted in tradition and nature. The village first dreamed of thermal tourism, but that idea never quite took off. Instead, Châtel opened its arms to summer visitors and those seeking rest and healing, all while preserving its age-old pastoral way of life.

The spirit of adventure arrived on snowy slopes where early skiers dared to slide down untouched hills, without a single ski lift in sight. It was this passion that sparked the construction of the very first ski tow in 1947, the Vonnes ski tow, marking the beginning of Châtel’s journey into winter tourism.

Just a year later, Roland Macchi, a native of the Jura mountains and father to future ski champion Françoise, founded Châtel’s first ski school. For a decade, his leadership helped the village glide confidently toward becoming a winter haven.

The 1950s brought exciting developments. The Morclan slopes, stretching from village base to summit, saw their first chairlift and ski tow. Mid-mountain hotels sprang up, welcoming guests who would come to know this area as Super-Châtel.

Skiers crossing the border to Morgins reflected the deep bond between the two communities, giving birth to the legendary Portes du Soleil ski domain. Super-Châtel became a hub of activity, with shops, hotels, and sports stores flourishing alongside a growing Parisian clientele.

The momentum didn’t stop there. In the late 1960s, the Linga sector opened with its gondola lift, soon followed by a second section granting access to breathtaking 1,000-meter vertical drops and pristine off-piste terrain. The Barbossine sector further expanded Châtel’s reach, firmly establishing it as a key player in the vast Portes du Soleil network.

Yet, Châtel is not just about winter. Summer flourished with new activities, events, and infrastructure, all while the village held tightly to its authentic charm. Visitors arrived from all across Europe, drawn to the perfect blend of nature and culture.

Behind the scenes, many locals kept the pastoral traditions alive. Around thirty families continue to care for hundreds of Abondance cows, producing the world-famous Abondance cheese, a symbol of the valley’s heritage since 1990.

Châtel’s story is one of balance: a village where modern adventure and timeless tradition live side by side, inviting every visitor to become part of its ever-evolving tale.