Châtel sits at the French end of the Portes du Soleil, right on the Swiss border, and keeps more of a village feel than most places with this much skiing attached. Old farm buildings still stand between the hotels and the cows come back in summer.

The Linga and Pré la Joux sectors on one side are the ones strong skiers use, and the Super Châtel side connects towards Morgins in Switzerland. The whole twelve resort circuit is on the same pass, so the ground available is enormous.

The altitude is moderate, so midwinter is the safer bet. Chalets and family hotels dominate, prices sit below Morzine and Avoriaz, and the atmosphere is calmer than either.