Linga: history, traditions, and sporting spirit! - Châtel Tourist Office

The Linga: history, traditions, and sporting spirit!

Skiing began to develop in Châtel in the mid-20th century. Thanks to its altitude, orientation, and reliable natural snowfall, Linga quickly established itself as a strategic area for the expansion of the ski domain. The first facilities made it possible to open long, varied runs, attracting skiers in search of vertical drop and thrills. Linga then became a driving force behind the development of alpine skiing in Châtel, contributing to the resort’s growing reputation.

1967: first gondola lift

In 1967, the municipality of Châtel decided to build the first gondola lift at Linga in order to develop this area of the ski domain.
Supported by a team of young municipal councillors, the mayor at the time, Pierre Alix, fully backed this ambitious project.
The four-seater cabins, attached directly to the cable, could carry up to 600 people per hour at a speed of 3 metres per second.
The journey time was then 9 minutes and 30 seconds.

1987: a world first

The 10-seater gondola lift, equipped with peripheral seating, built in Châtel, was a world first, designed by the manufacturer Poma-Galski.
It also represented the first and largest investment of the year for the newly established SAEM Sports et Tourisme, a company bringing together the operations and sectors of Super-Châtel and Le Linga.
Driven by André Crépy and with the support of the municipality, this momentum continued: twenty years after the first Weber gondola, Le Linga was equipped with a modern, fast, and efficient lift.

Châtel’s story continues and modernizes, honoring its visionary pioneers while looking toward future generations.

2025: A new generation

The new Linga chairlift represents a major step forward for Châtel’s ski domain. This 6-seater detachable lift, which replaces the old gondola, offers a ride that is faster, more comfortable, and more efficient. Its capacity has been significantly increased, allowing it to carry up to 3,000 skiers per hour, greatly improving flow on the slopes, especially during peak periods. The wider, ergonomic seats ensure greater comfort throughout the ascent, while the reduced journey time—around six minutes—provides quicker access to the Linga pistes. Designed with sustainability in mind, this modern lift blends harmoniously with the landscape thanks to fewer pylons and a quieter, more energy-efficient drive system. Beyond its technical performance, this new chairlift reflects Châtel’s commitment to more sustainable tourism while preserving the authenticity and beauty of its alpine environment.

A sector with a strong sporting character

Over the decades, Linga has established itself as much more than just a ski area: it has become a true sporting arena, capable of hosting some of the most prestigious events. Its slalom stadium, speed runs, and vertical drop have served as the setting for the French Alpine Ski Championships.
In 2024, Châtel also had the honor of hosting the speed events of the Junior Alpine Ski World Championships.
The area has also made its mark in ski mountaineering history with the famous Montée du Linga, which has hosted the French Vertical Race Championships, an intense event that has become iconic.
More recently, Linga has made its mark on the international stage by hosting the UCI Snow Bike World Championships, confirming its ability to reinvent itself and attract spectacular and innovative disciplines.
Building on this success, Linga is already set to welcome visitors on February 7 for the 3rd edition of the Snow Bike World Championships, a highly anticipated event that will once again bring excitement to this iconic sector of Châtel, at the crossroads of performance and spectacle.