Chatel: Ski Area, Lac de Vonnes and Wellness

Options include a cross-border ski area, a snowshoeing route, activities by the lake, a play area and an insight into cheesemaking. The details about the village provide specific points of reference to help you plan your stay around your interests.

Ski Area and Snowshoeing Route

The Chatel ski area is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area. Espace Liberté offers 120 km of skiing between France and Switzerland. Another option for a snowshoeing outing is the “Balcon de Chatel” route: it leads from the village centre to Lac de Vonnes and can also be walked in the opposite direction. This means you can choose either the village centre or the lake as your starting point.

The snowshoeing route is considered very easy and is accessible to everyone. However, whether it can be walked depends on snow and avalanche conditions.

Lac de Vonnes: Lake and Activities

The private Lac de Vonnes is very easy to access. It lies at an altitude of 1,250 m, covers 2 ha and is up to 10 m deep. Details about its area, altitude and depth give the lake a clear profile, while the activities available there cater to a range of interests.

All fishing techniques are permitted, provided barbless hooks are used. Local regulations and seasonal restrictions apply. Paddleboarding is available on the lake by booking on site; a life jacket, included in the price, must be worn. Availability may vary by season. If you are planning your trip around one of these activities, check the applicable conditions in advance.

Wellness and Family Activities

Forme d’O in the centre of Chatel includes a wellness area with a 1.25 m-deep pool, bubble loungers and neck showers. There is also a gym, three saunas, two traditional hammams, two massage and sensory showers, and a relaxation room. Some facilities may be subject to seasonal arrangements. This lets you consider wellness as a focus alongside winter sports and activities by the lake.

Aire de Jeux de Vonnes is a family play area covering more than 400 m². Facilities include a zip line, two slides and a balance course. The play equipment is accessible to children aged 1 to 12; this age range applies to the installed equipment. This makes it easier to identify which play activities are intended for children when planning your trip.

Cheese, Bells and Practical Planning

At Cave d’Azélie in the heart of Chatel, you can take tours about the maturing of Abondance cheese, followed by a tasting of the same cheese. Farmhouse Abondance is made in the municipality of Chatel. Visit dates and seasonal schedules may vary, so it is worth checking the dates before your trip. Chatel’s sonorous heritage also includes 53 bells on five buildings.

During the season, a free shuttle bus to La Vieille Douane leaves from the church square. The service runs as Line 4 to the Les Fioles stop. As the shuttle runs seasonally, check the timetable for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Les Carroz-D'arâches, Jonzier-Épagny, Burdignin, Doussard, Mont-Saxonnex, Villy-Le-Pelloux, Faverges, Verchaix

For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.