Chalet Cateriane: Weblog

Portes du Soleil Snow forecast

2012-01-18T16:09:00.005+01:00

More snow coming this weekend!

After a perfect start to our winter season with an awesome amount of snow and fantastic skiing and boarding conditions, followed by a spell of amazing blue-sky days there is more fresh snow forecast for this weekend. Our 2011-12 season here in Chatel is shaping up to be one of the best, with a great snow base and very cold temperatures throughout January so far, and with the bonus of a nice top up on the way things don’t get much better! If you haven’t yet booked your winter break and you're tempted to hit the slopes we've got very limited availability left so don’t delay, give us a call.

Al & Debs

www.chalet-cateriane.com

www.bikechatel.com

Chatel opening 2011/12 season

2011-12-07T18:20:00.005+01:00

Chatel opening for winter 2011/12

Chatel tourist office has officially announced that after an extra 60cm of fresh snow falling over the last 24 hours, (and still dumping) Chatel will open it's pistes this weekend, 10th Dec 2011.

How cool is that, for us in Chatel anyway.

Skis are serviced and boots cleaned and ready. Let the fun begin.

If you haven't yet booked your winter holiday give us a ring or get in touch through Chalet Cateriane for the latest availability.

Chatel 2011/12 Whats New?

2011-12-05T14:53:00.004+01:00

It's Time...

As temperatures continue to plummet and the snow continues to fall in the village It's time to put away our mountain-bikes and turn our attentions to the winter sports season here in Chatel.

Whats new in Chatel...

Châtel: develops its already extensive artificial snow-making network with 39 additional snow cannons,
32 will cover the Rennes and Blattins slopes in the awesome Linga area. 7 others will be on the Super Châtel snow park and Crêt areas.

New Rochasons chair: replacing the old Plaine Dranse 2-seater chair is a fantastic new six-man detachable chair capable of carrying 3,000 skiers per hour to offer more comfort, safety and speed. And so, more time skiing.

The ‘air board’ arrives

The latest sensation: ‘airboard’ is equipped with edges and is steered by positioning the body weight to one side or the other.

Experts say riding the air board is instinctive, safe and fast. Thrills guaranteed

Suitable for skiers and non-skiers. # Prices to be confirmed.

If vyou haven't yet booked your well deserved winter break, give us a call at Chalet Cateriane. Still the best catered chalet holidays in the Portes du Soleil.

THE BELLE DIMANCHE, HIGH PASTURE FESTIVAL

2011-08-02T17:46:00.002+02:00

THE BELLE DIMANCHE, HIGH PASTURE FESTIVAL

Sunday 21 August 2011

A rendez vous you cannot miss!The Belle Dimanche is the traditional high pasture and farmers festival. As every year it take place in Plaine Dranse where all day farmers and cattle are mixing with tradesmen, musicians and folk bands, going back in time there is fun for everyone in the high mountains.

Les Passportes du Soleil 2011

2011-07-04T09:16:00.004+02:00

Passportes du Soleil 2011 from MTBberkhamsted on Vimeo.

Chalet Cateriane welcomed team MTBBerkhamsted to kick off the MTB season here in Chatel, and what a great few days it was, two days of great riding in the Chatel and Morgin bike parks to get used to the terrain and get all the bikes dialed in and blazing sun for Sundays trek: The classic circuit tackled by the brave Team MTBBirkhamsted is a tour of the Portes du Soleil, Approximately 80 km / 50 miles - 14 up-lifts - 7000m of downhill with 1000 m of climbing, Starting in Chatel and passing through the resorts of: Avoriaz, Les Gets, Morzine and Montriond-Les Lindarets in France plus the Swiss resorts of Champery, Morgin and Les Crosets.

A great day was had by all and even some energy left to sink a few well-deserved beers in the Tunnel Bar. Congratulations to you all!

Chatel winter 2010 / 11

2011-05-03T17:56:00.008+02:00

End of a bizarre and exciting winter season at Chalet Cateriane in Chatel

Once again Chatel has much cause to celebrate by being the last resort in the ‘Portes du Soleil’ to close its pistes, 25 April 2011.

Despite being the driest season for over 20 years, Chatel’s extensive investment in harvested snow has set it above many more renowned resorts by providing us excellent skiing throughout the entire winter and a longer than average season, in part helped by good early snow followed by a long spell of very cold conditions providing a good base, this, topped up with regular artificial and some fresh snow ensured our season in Chatel was much better than anyone could have predicted and gave us the undisputed best skiing in the ‘Portes du Soleil’ and better than most other European resorts throughout the entire season.

We now look forward to our summer season of action and relaxation on and off the mountains:

Mountain Biking on world class trails for all levels, 650km of marked tracks, 18 permanent downhill tracks, 4 bike parks, 6 shores-style zones, one 4 X, a Dirt zone, the Kid's Cross (4X for kids), the freeride/freestyle face of Plaine Dranse, a Drop Zone (wall ride, quarter...) and the "pump tracks". plus 24 lifts usable with mountain bikes

Hiking & Walking on endless dedicated woodland, mountain, lake & river trails

White water adventures in Rafts, kayaks, canoes, hydrospeed plus canyoning

Climbing & via feratta on many local rock faces for all abilities

Golf 9 holes in Chatel or try one of the many championship courses in the area

Tree top adventures fun for all high up from the forest floor

Football all weather pitches or grass

Fishing for trout or coarse fish at lac du Vonnes or in the river Dranse

Tennis many all weather courts

The unique fantasticable take to the skies on this unique & thrilling zip-wire with a difference

Plus Bars, Live music, Cinemas, Restaurants, Bowling, Markets, Shopping, Thermal baths & Spas, Medieval villages, Lake Geneva, Evian les Bains

Chalet Cateriane is now taking summer and winter bookings for 2011/12 plus exciting new mountaibiking holidays in Chatel, Portes du Soleil, France.

Christophe Maé in concert: Chatel

2011-03-13T17:44:00.002+01:00

Christophe Maé in concert: Chatel

The 2011 winter season in Chatel is set to end in triumph with nothing less than a concert from Christophe Maé!

The famous French musician and singer who broke all records with his first album "My Paradise" (1.5 million), artist "revelation" to the victories of music in 2008, Christoph has attracted over 800,000 fans for his tour and has been named in no fewer than three categories for the NRJ Music Awards 2011 (Male Artist of the Year concert of the year and video of the year with "Je me lâche")

OPEN AIR CONCERT IN CHATEL ON THE 23 APRIL 2011

PRÉ-LA-JOUX 

6.30 p.m: Doors opening  

8.30 p.m: Concert  

10.45 p.m: Final 

11 p.m: DJ Rim 

1 a.m: End of the concert..................... chalet cateriane

Lift-off!

2010-12-04T15:49:00.007+01:00

Lift off in Chatel

A long awaited wicked day on the slopes of the Portes du Soleil. Dec 4th and the ski-lifts of Chatel run for the start of 2010/11 season... mostly over excited locals out playing today, very cold under clear blue skies and sooooooo much beautiful untouched snow under our feet. A start to the season really doesn't get much better and with more snow forecast it's shaping up to be one of the best, watch this space for regular snow conditions updates (a tough job but you all need to know! so I will will have to keep getting out there)

Al :-)

2ninety8

First Ski of the season 28 Nov 2010

2010-11-28T18:06:00.005+01:00

First Ski

No lifts until next weekend in Chatel but with all this fresh, a few hours rando' was a small price to pay, It is really sweeeet up there. first tracks all the way back to the village for the first ski of the season, it really doesn't get much better than that!

I'm still grinning!

Snowing again now so shaping up nicely for a very happy Christmas. ;-)

Chalet Cateriane

Chatel snow conditions update:

2010-11-11T11:43:00.004+01:00

Pre season update
Chatel snow conditions November 11th 2010

A couple of gloomy days are now forgotten as we wake up to fresh snow and blue skies. All good to cool down the mountain and build a base for the winter season, more forecast tonight so all looking good.

Guess its about time to winterise the bikes and dust off the skis, bring it on I say!

Chalet Cateriane

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil opening dates 2010/11

2010-09-26T17:18:00.002+02:00

Chatel and the Portes du Soleil opening dates 2010/11

Chatel village has said goodbye to the final summer guests and with a sharp drop in temperatures this week is blazing with autumn colors and is simply breathtaking, with a fresh dusting of snow on the surrounding peaks this-morning our thoughts turn to the winter season.

Chalet Cateriane is having its annual maintenance plus as always, a few upgrades and improvements, so some interesting shopping to keep Debs busy as well. The winter booking season is now well under way as well as preparation and testing of new menu plans and the terrible job of wine and champagne tasting, so plenty to keep us busy.

Chatel Opening Dates winter 2010/2011

Saturday 4th December 2010 Chatel Ski lifts open at weekends
Saturday 11th December 2010 Chatel and the Portes du Soleil opens everyday for the winter season.

Winter returns

2010-04-01T10:49:00.003+02:00

The winter has decided not to give in to the spring just yet, hitting us with a beautiful blanket of the white stuff this-morning, a good 30cm overnight and still falling. All a welcome bonus at this time of year and ensuring a great end to our awesome winter season here in Chatel, I'm getting out there for some fresh tracks. It has to be done.... :-)

Chalet Cateriane

Hot, Hot, Hot

2010-03-24T18:00:00.003+01:00

After a gloomy start to the week we have had 3 glorious days of sunshine and warm spring skiing, pistes are holding up well and we have seen great snow cover across Chatel and Avoriaz today, Can't unpack the shorts just yet though as we have cooler and snowy weather forecast for the weekend, bring it on! Let's get some winter back......

A beautiful velvet carpet of spring snow

2010-03-17T13:37:00.006+01:00

Tuesday mornings warmer temperatures treated us to the first signs of spring snow on the deserted south facing swiss slopes, carving easy, silent turns in the beautiful velvet carpet of snow, it really is one of the most amazing feelings, guaranteed to put a smile on the hardest of faces. Forecast is for more warm and sunny conditions so I'm getting out there for some more. AWESOME!

Watch this space for up-to-date snow conditions in Chatel and the Portes du Soleil

Thinking about summer holidays in the Alps? Think Mountain Bike Chate l or Summer fun in Chatels Chalet Cateriane for the best of local knowledge and unsurpassed personal service.

Getting creative..

2010-03-12T10:21:00.004+01:00

Sub-zero temperatures may have have kept Debs off the mountain but her time is being spent wisely with fresh new menus and creations like this little 'white chocolate and mini fresh strawberry Mille-Feuille' number... believe me it tasted as good as it looks.

See some more of our sample menus here: Passionate about Food

Mad March.........Winter is very much still here

2010-03-12T09:45:00.005+01:00

Took a blast around the original Portes du Soleil circuit today and encountered beautiful clear blue skies, White-out cloud and Freezing fog, all in one afternoon on the mountain, came home with frost in my hair and a big grin - does that make me weird?.

Conditions on the empty pistes are still great, helped by a dusting if fresh snow and slightly warmer temperatures, off-piste is challenging with a frozen base except for some north facing slopes which are still skiing well and more manageable. Sun is shining this-morning so now I have unfrozen the minibus door it's....'Happy Days'.................

Chatel 3 style days 20th - 24th March

2010-03-04T11:32:00.005+01:00

The amazing ‘Chatel 3 style days’ mountain bike and freestyle ski and snowboard event will again be hosted byChatel in 2010, the Châtel 3 Style Days”, 20-24 March 2010. including:

The razorbike downhill mountain-bike race on snow, starting at the top of new Echo Alpin express lift at the Col du Linga at 2050m.The racers descend through open piste and some fast forest sections to finish on a 4X track at the bottom of the Lingastation.

The Festyslide: See how far you can Ski or board across a huge pool of water built in the snow, ' this is such a laugh to do or watch'

Pro Freestyle Competition: See how it should be done!

TryChatel Chalet Cateriane for THE premier chalet accommodation in Chatel, Portes du Soleil. For summer mountain bike holidays check out Mountain BikeChatel.

Half term madness draws to an end!

2010-02-26T14:49:00.004+01:00

As the half term madness draws to an end we look forward to getting our mountains back to ourselves and our guests, although we have had surprisingly quiet pistes in good snow conditions and with some local knowledge have kept away from too many que's without too much effort.

The holiday period has seen a mixed time of much snow, much sun and a roller-coater of temperatures, dumping hard in the village again today so all looking good for some more great skiing and boarding next week.

Boring I know, but more fresh, now blue skies

2010-01-27T17:49:00.004+01:00

Another awesome few days in the Portes du Soleil, Some fresh snow yesterday and perhaps the best piste skiing of the season today under clear blue skies. forecast is for more light snow tomorrow building to a heavier dump at the weekend, all sounds perfect to me!.....Bring it on!

Chalet Cateriane

Even the snow-men are smiling

2010-01-21T12:37:00.003+01:00

An amazing week so far, capped with last nights fresh snow and waking up to clear blue skies, I've got better things to do than write this blog, let's hit the powder.

www.chalet-cateriane.com

More snow, now give us some blue.....

2010-01-13T16:51:00.004+01:00

Great few days of sunny weather with very cold temperatures, down to -15, bearable only with hourly vin-chaud stops! with great conditions on and off-piste,

A snowy, gloomy day today but I'm not going to complain that I had to dig the minibus out of the fresh snow twice in one day but am looking forward to the promised sunshine and warmer temps' tomorrow.

Chatel Chalet Cateriane

It doesn't get much better than this!

2010-01-07T15:52:00.004+01:00

An awesome week of snow, some sun, and very cold temperatures gave the Portes du Soleil fantastic conditions this week. Pistes are being kept in perfect shape with almost nightly snowfalls and off piste skiing in the lightest champagne powder, With another 25 cm of fresh due tonight It really doesn't get much better than this.

Unlike the UK, we know what to do with our snow...Enjoy it!

Chalet Cateriane is now full for this season but we are taking bookings for winter 2010/11

New moon....New snow....New tracks

2010-01-03T14:57:00.004+01:00

The 2010 New Year brings more fresh snow

After the varied weather patterns and yo-yo-ing temperatures over the festive season in the Alps, it has settled down to a cold and snowy week, giving fresh, deep, powder and quiet pistes this morning for those of us lucky enough to be here. Forecast is for more of the same for the next few days so looking good for some more nice fresh tracks.

Chalet-Cateriane

Winter weather warning. bring it on!

2009-12-09T09:44:00.008+01:00

Winter weather warning issued 09:00 GMT Tuesday Dec 8th. Following a very mild autumn in Britain and the near continent much colder conditions will develop across most of Europe by the weekend. Next week should see significant snowfalls for the French Alps as well as snow falling to lower elevations across large parts of mainland Europe. :):):)

Bring it on!

www.chalet-cateriane.com

First Ski December 4th 2009

2009-12-05T16:43:00.003+01:00

Chatel opened a few ski lifts this weekend to let the locals play in the fresh snow. Great skiing on quiet pistes but a few shaky moments being back on skis for the first time since April. Looking forward to plenty more.

Chatel officially opens next weekend the 12th December plus the links to Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets and the Swiss resorts.

More updates soon.

Razor Snowbike event hosted in Chatel 2010

2009-12-04T10:54:00.003+01:00

The amazing ‘Razor Snowbike’ mountain bike event on snow will again be hosted by Chatel in 2010, As part of the Châtel 3 Style Days”, 20-24^th March 2010. The event starts at the top of the new Echo Alpin express lift at the Col du Linga at 2050m.

The racers descend at speeds of nearly 100km/h through open piste and forest sections finishing on a specially built 4X track at the bottom of the Linga station.

Try Chatel Chalet Cateriane for THE premier chalet accommodation in Chatel, Portes du Soleil.

For summer mountain bike holidays check out Mountain Bike Chatel.

La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc Husky Race From 9th to 13th January 2010 Portes du Soleil

2009-11-02T12:10:00.005+01:00

Bande Promo 2010
par grandeodyssee

La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc Husky Race From 9th to 13th January 2010 Portes du Soleil

La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc is the toughest international sled dog race in the world, because of the topography of the mountain it covers.
The race brings together 25 of the best mushers in the world. Together with their Alaskan and Siberian Husky, they stride 800km (about 500 miles) in Savoie and Haute Savoie and climb over 25 000 m in the Frenco-Swiss Portes du Soleil and in the Haute Maurienne valley.

Chatel resort news: What's new for winter 2009/10

2009-09-10T08:50:00.006+02:00

Chatel just keeps getting better:

Chatel is in the centre of one of the largest ski areas in the world, the Portes du Soleil has more to offer than most ski domains and this once sleepy farming village within 70 minutes of Geneva airport, just keeps getting better!

Replacement of Linga 2 Chairlift:

The actual Linga 2 chairlift which took skiers up to Col du Linga at 2050m, has been dismantled and replaced by a 6-seater detachable chairlift. The departure station is located at 1550m, next to the Leiche ski lift, and it’s name will be Echo Alpin. With a length of 1580m and a difference in height of 525m it will carry 2700 people per hour, making it one of the fastest lifts in the Portes du Soleil area, it will carry skiers at a speed of 5.5m per second taking them to the top in under 5 minutes. Access into the vast Portes du Soleil ski area has never been faster.

New snow-guns

Chatel is increasing it’s cultivated snow capacity. For winter 2009-2010 the resort will have 180 snow guns.

Great value “liberty” Châtel skipass

This flexible skipass allows you to ski on the whole Châtel area during 4 consecutive hours, starting when you want in the day.

Tariffs :

Adult: €27

Junior/Senior: €24

Les Passportes du Soleil 2010: 26-27th June

2009-09-05T14:03:00.003+02:00

Les Passportes du Soleil, Event dates are the 26-27th June 2010. Starting in Chatel, the most charming village in the Portes du Soleil, Open to all & a must event for any mountain biker. Les PassPortes du Soleil is a lift-assisted 50-mile free ride mountain bike tour of the region in an atmosphere of festival and focuses on fun.  Descending nearly 20,000 feet & includes massive descents, traversing, & even a tiny bit of climbing. Riders can complete the circuit in one day, over the course of the weekend, or even ride its entirety each day.  Although the festival is technically headquartered in one of the 14 resort villages the starting and finishing points are completely up to the individual. Entry includes weekend-long lift access throughout the region; post race festivities, goodie bag & everything else that comes with attending a large mountain bike event—all for less than 40 Euro.  The summer 2010 'passportes' will be held over the weekend 26-27th June, and will mark the start of the summer season in Chatel.   

VILLAGE FACILITIES IN CHATEL Bars • Live music • Restaurants • Tennis • Bowling • Cinemas • Free navette busses running in around the resort plus much more

Inscriptions from February 2010 on: inscriptions

Premier chalet accommodation and support for this event, try:Chalet Cateriane

Chatel bike park, Road-Gap in style

2009-09-04T13:56:00.009+02:00

Wow, what can I say, Ben Walker hitting the road gap in awesome style at the Chatel bike park this summer.

For the finest chalet accommodation in Chatel try Chalet Cateriane

Save time with a Snowjet flight to Sion

2009-08-24T11:55:00.009+02:00

Snowjet have announce the launch of an exciting new route between London Stansted and Sion for winter 2009/2010. Snowjet will operate the only scheduled flights to this exclusive and efficient ski airport located in the heart of the Swiss alpine region of Valais. Only 45 minutes from Chatel. Flying to Sion can save you up an hour getting to and from the comfort of your chalet in Chatel. Sion handles a low volume of passengers, which means you won’t have a long wait at baggage reclaim or check in and you can be on your way faster. Minimise your time on the road and at the airport and Maximise your time on the slopes. For details of the winter schedule, visit: www.snowjet.co.uk

We offer free transfers fron Sion to our luxury chalet in Chatel: www.chalet-cateriane.com

Belle Dimanche

2009-08-22T15:36:00.010+02:00

Only in Chatel would they have an annual Belle Dimanche (pretty cow competition)

Abondance cheese making, bell market, Traditionnal crafts: wood-turning, woodcarving, uhpholstering (such as basket weaving, dove carving, engraving...), old cars exhibition. Entertainment with folk bands, brass band and Alpine horns. Special entertainment for children. Rides from Col de Bassachaux with Mont Blanc Hélicopters....Food and drinks plus loads more. If you would like some pretty cool accommodation for next years event try: Chalet Cateriane