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Chatel – The best kept secret in the French Alps
If you know a bit about skiing, and someone asked what the largest ski area in the world is probably say that the Three Valleys. Similarly, if you're wondering where to better the snow "safe" ski areas are, it is possible to mention some of the glacier ski resorts like Tignes and Val Thorens.
In both cases it would be a mistake!
Currently, the largest ski area the world is linked in the Portes du Soleil area in northern France and the Swiss Alps. The area benefits from North facing slopes and the highest average snowfall in the Alps, which means that Chatel Avoriaz and tend to get some of the best snow conditions in Europe from the beginning to the end of the season. In fact, elevators Avoriaz usually remain open until the first weekend in May. Not bad for a complex without the glaciers of the elevators only go up to 2500 m!
Avoriaz is a purpose built complex built on strike in a dramatic cliff at 1,800 m. Its architecture evokes a mixed response. It is very convenient for skiing and is located right in the center of the Portes du Soleil.
Of course, the purpose resorts built are not for everyone, and if you prefer a villa-style resort, more traditional, then title = "Chatel"> Chatel might be for you.
Chatel is built on the side of a sunny south / west slope for visitors staying in the village get beautiful views up and down the picturesque Vallée d'Abondance. However, the strength lies in its spectacular Chatel North slopes facing the Linga and Pre La Joux. These areas have some of the most exciting and interesting spot in the whole of the Portes du Soleil, and two chair lifts Avoriaz will take up about 10 minutes or less.
The area receives a phenomenal amount of snow on an annual basis, and because of its appearance, which remains very good. The domain often gets set for its low altitude (1200 – 2500 m), but those who know him long realized a high altitude station is not good if the area not usually have much snow!
Chatel itself is a beautiful place to stay. All buildings are chalet style and a number of old original farm is still full of cows that are in and around the town center. It's not just skiing to keep tourists entertained – the village has two cinemas, an ice rink, a lake, where you can ice diving, a lot of great bars and restaurants, spa facilities in a number of hotels and a whole list of activities related to skiing and sled dogs, snowshoeing, and paragliding.
One of the best things is that Chatel is relatively unknown. It appeals to "the People in the know "who want to avoid the crowds and find the longest ski slopes of the best areas.
For more information on this precious resort, you can visit the site Chatel tourist office ( http://www.chatel.com ).
The town also makes a spectacular destination in summer, but you need a separate article devoted to summer in Chatel.
About the Author
Ed Ockelton runs a operates ski chalets in Chatel, and writes as a ski journalist for a number of ski based websites.
Hotel view Avoriaz (cloudy)
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