summer 2016 | press pack | en...

summer 2016 | PRESS PACK | EN

are you a CHâtellover?

CHâtel

03

EVENTS

06

A MOUNTAIN OF ACTIVITIES

11

SPECIAL OFFERS

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There’s an exciting new summer season on the horizon with a mountain of activities, events, special offers and new experiences to enjoy!

Aoste

StrasbourgSeraingBœrschBerneBâle

Pontarlier

A41GrenobleMarseille

Vias

CLUSES

EVIAN

MONTREUX

MONTHEY

AIGLE

MARTIGNY

CHAMONIX

GENÈVE

ANNEMASSE

A40LyonParis

Mont Tremblant (CA) LAUSANNE

THONON

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GPS COORdINATES>> Latitude: 46.269966>> Longitude: 06.840753

BY ROAdFrom France: follow signs for Geneva, exit the autoroute at Annemasse, continue to Thonon then follow signs for Vallée d’Abondance/Châtel.

From Switzerland: follow signs for Monthey - Grand Saint Bernard, exit the autoroute at Monthey (Portes du Soleil exit) then follow signs for Morgins.

BY RAILFrom France: Thonon railway station is the closest to the resort. There is a bus service for transfer to the resort.

From Switzerland: there is a daily rail service between Geneva airport and Aigle. Transfers between the station and resort are by taxi.

>> www.voyages-scnf.com www.tgv-lyria.com

BY AIRGeneva Cointrin international airport is only 1¼ hours from Châtel. Travel to Châtel is by train to Aigle or Thonon then by bus or taxi.

MOBILEFind us on the web by downloading the flashcode application.

www.chatel.com

GETTING TO ChâTELLocated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc, Châtel is just 20 minutes from the Swiss motorways, 30 minutes from Aigle railway station, 1 1/4 hours from Geneva Cointrin international airport and 45 minutes from Thonon-les-Bains railway station.

ChÂTEL Summer 2016 ConTACT PASCALE DuCRoT - Communication Service Châtel Tourisme Tel. +33 (0)4 50 73 25 58 - Mobile +33 (0)6 86 93 56 54 - [email protected]

eVeNtS

ChABLAIS PEAkS TRAILSunday 19th June 2016This mountain running event is comprised of 4 different races over three different routes: 18 km, 42 km and 76 km. All routes leave and finish at the Place de l’Eglise in Châtel.

Route descriptions:>>> A short circuit ‘Le Pacotilleur’: 18 km long with a height difference of +1,200 m, start time 10am.>>> An intermediate circuit ‘ Le Colporteur’: 42 km long with a height difference of +2,900 m, start time 8am.>>> A long circuit ‘Le Contrebandier’: 76 km long, with a height difference of +5,800 m, start time 3am. The circuit can also be run as a relay.

Estimated arrival time from 8.30am to 8.30pm.

The race routes are available on:>>www.traildescretesduchablais.com>>www.tracedetrail.fr

SPortING eVeNtS

12e COL dE BASSAChAUx BIkE RACESunday 24th July 2016The Col de Bassachaux has many loyal summer fans, both cyclists and walkers.

So it is only natural that on this Sunday in July the 12th Bassachaux Bike climb should be included in the 74 Department Cycle Climb challenge.

There will be two routes; 21 and 12 km long. Both leave from the village centre and finish at the col de Bassachaux with its 5.5%, 11 km climb!

Such fun!

Last year Châtel had the pleasure of welcoming Jeannie Longo and her husband as competitors, bringing additional prestige to the event.

13th PASS’PORTES dU SOLEIL MTBFriday 24th to Sunday 26th June 2016The summer season gets off to an explosive start with around 7000 mountain bikers gathering for this unique opportunity to enjoy the huge Franco-Swiss mountain bike area that is the Portes du Soleil! The atmosphere is fun, friendly and exciting and is the perfect opportunity to explore the enormous mountain-bike domain.

There are over 80 km of varied routes and tracks interspersed with refreshment stops serving local specialities to fuel participants over the three days.

The MTB Show will be held in the centre of Châtel this year with over 200 international brand exhibitors and the opportunity for free test rides.

ConTACT PASCALE DuCRoT - Communication Service Châtel Tourisme Tel. +33 (0)4 50 73 25 58 - Mobile +33 (0)6 86 93 56 54 - [email protected]

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traDItIoNal eVeNtS

SAINT-LAURENT FETESunday 7th auguSt 2016Saint-Laurent is the patron Saint of Châtel church. Celebrations begin mid-morning with a parish Mass accompanied by music from l’Echo Alpin, the traditional local band. The band will then process through the village centre as they play.

This will be followed by a celebratory parade of floats and musical events in the Place de l’Eglise. Each year, the imagination of participants in this celebration never fails to delight and surprise with the construction of beautiful, ingenious floats. The day will close with a dinner followed by a dance (free admission) also in the Place de l’Eglise.

40th BELLE dIMANChESaturday 20th and Sunday 21st auguSt 2016This traditional country fair, usually a one-day event, really will be a ‘Belle’ fete this year as, to mark this big birthday, celebrations will continue over two days!

The Belle Dimanche is one of the most popular traditional fairs in the region. Each year it attracts nearly 10,000 visitors during the day. There’s no excuse to miss it; access is easy by foot, bus, chair-lift or mountain bike!

But why “La Belle Dimanche”?

Simply because in patois (the local dialect), Sunday is a feminine noun, so one says “la brav’dminve”.


Programme: Saturday 20th auguSt – in the village

>>Agricultural fair, local produce, tastings.>> Music throughout the day: The Tradisons, The Tuaz, Démolis, Trompes de chasse, 27e BCA…>> Children’s activities: Eco-friendly merry-go-round, carpentry workshops.>>Concert with nicoletta.>>Dance evening with the Lou Véros orchestra.>> Food and drinks available.

Programme: Sunday 21st auguSt – at Plaine dranSeAnimal-judging competition:

>>10.00am: farmers and their animals arrive.>>10.30am: judging of over 90 cattle begins.>>12.30pm: first-round prizes awarded at the podium.>>4.15pm: final results and prize-giving at the podium.

Religious services:>>10.45am: procession with l’Echo Alpin band.>> 11.00am: open-air Mass. Blessing of the shepherds and their animals.

During the day:>> From 9.30am: Abondance cheese-making, traditional craft demonstrations; bells, black-smiths, wood turning and children’s activities and cow-bells. There will be a roaming caricaturist, a wood turner, a biathlon, an introduction to climbing, balancing games, folk music and helicopter rides from the Col de Bassachaux. Food and drink available.>> 12.00pm: official address by the Mayor and County Councillor followed by an aperitif provided by the CIC Lyonnaise Bank.

tHe Fete’S HIStory?From time immemorial, the last Sunday in August has been the date that shepherds

from Plaine-Drance, Combes, Betzalin and further afield brought their flocks

together in these idyllic pastures.

The priest would come and bless the shepherds and their flocks to protect them

from bad luck and the fury of the mountains. L’Echo Alpin, the village band and the

shepherds’ families would follow the flock on foot and meet with them at the top.

The religious formalities over, the party began.

Accordion, cheese and mountain ham washed down with a cup of the famous Marin

(small glass of white wine, from Chasselas grapes grown on the slopes of the village

of Marin, a few kilometres from Lac Léman) became the obligatory ingredients for a day of good humour and good living.

They danced… they sang… they laughed…

As night fell, people returned home; a farm for some, a mountain chalet for others…


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a MouNtaIN oF aCtIVItIeS

THE summer passport for only €2 per day! The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass gives visitors (staying with an accommodation provider registered with the scheme) unlimited access to a mountain of unforgettable activities throughout the Portes du Soleil. For only €2 per person/per day visitors can use the pedestrian chair-lifts, swimming pools and lakes, tennis courts, inter-resort minibuses, cultural centres, ice rinks, mini-golf (Châtel only), little tourist trains…

The Multi Pass also works in conjunction with ‘partners’ offering discounts to holders.

Specifically in Châtel, the Multi Pass can be used on the 4 open chair-lifts, at the Forme d’o water centre, tennis courts, mini-golf, ice rink, little tourist train and inter-resort minibus. There are reductions with ‘partners’ on the Fantasticable (on both solo and tandem flights), the old Customs House, (the mountain contraband information centre), the bobluge, and at the cinema… It offers a very full programme ensuring that the mountains and activities are accessible to everyoneFurTHEr InForMATIon:

>>www.chatel.com>>www.portesdusoleil.com

tHe MultI PaSS aND FaMIly aCtIVItIeS

MouNtaIN walkING aND FarMING

A certain harmony has always existed between walkers and farmers in Châtel and the Abondance valley; farmhouse afternoon and high-teas have existed in Châtel for over 35 years.

Many of the hiking paths criss-crossing the mountain landscape lead to beautiful panoramic views and alpine farms. Here, farmers and their animals pass the summer having gone up to the fresh pastures in spring before returning to the valleys with the arrival of the first snow.

Some farmers take their animals from pasture to pasture, following the lushest grass, an essential ingredient for Abondance cattle and production of the (AoC) Abondance cheese!

Among other things, the cheese is used to prepare the renowned Berthoud – a local delicacy not to be missed!

SPECIAL OFFER7-nights’ accommodation in an apartment + a 6-day Portes du Soleil Multi Pass from

€99(1)

(1) per person, based on 4 people sharing a studio, 5 people sharing a two-room apartment, 6 people sharing a three-room private rental apartment. Prices applicable from 9th July to 27th August 2016.

InForMATIon AnD rESErVATIonS:>> Châtel réservation Tel. +33 (0)4 50 73 30 22 www.chatelreservation.com

The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass is the perfect ticket, giving unlimited access to around 30 activities in the Portes du Soleil, for only €2 per day when staying with an accommodation provider registered with the scheme.


a MouNtaIN oF aCtIVItIeS

From the huge choice of walking and agriculture-themed walks available, we focus on two:

early morning walkWednesday mornings. This walk to the Blattins meadows and a delicious goats-cheese breakfast departs, in shared cars, from the Place de l’Eglise at 6.30am. Drive as far as Plaine-Dranse.

The walk takes about 45 minutes (each way). This beautiful circuit along the Keysets path will take you through magnificent scenery; pines and woodland glades, past imposing rocks and open pastures brimming with mountain flowers.

At the end the rewards are a superb view of Mont de Grange, a nature reserve, extending to a height of 2,432 m, views over the summits of local mountains (Abondance valley, col de Bassachaux…) and of course a warm mountain welcome at the farmhouse.

There is the chance to taste different goat cheeses and hear a delightful short talk on the life and work of goat farmers from local farmers, Gérard and Caroline Cruz.PrICES:

>>Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 16>>Child (-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 10>>Child (-3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .free of charge

evening walkA unique opportunity to share a Savoyard meal in an Alpine farmhouse above Petit Châtel. Each Thursday, visitors can experience the atmosphere of a traditional evening in the mountains, sharing a delicious meal before walking home under the stars.

once again, the walks starts and ends opposite the Mont de Grange nature reserve and the farm itself is located on the Swiss border. The view over the Abondance valley is as beautiful as ever!PrICES:

>>Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 35>>Child (-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 20

InForMATIon AnD rESErVATIonS:>> Aline Ploton Mountain guide Tel. +33 (0)6 81 56 69 97

hiking remains one of the most popular summer activities.

As previously mentioned, there are numerous circuits throughout Châtel (90 km) and in the Abondance valley and Portes du Soleil (850 km). Purists remain faithful to the IGn large-scale maps which explain both figuratively and literally which steps to follow! other walkers may have different motivation, preferring a themed walk, such as valley or mountain walking. For them too there is a broad choice:

- Themed walking tracks: Morclan, De l’eau (water), rivari trail (rivari is the Châtel Family Plus mascot), Dranse river banks (also accessible with pushchairs), the Contraband path by the old Customs House dotted with battery-operated audio-markers (batteries available from Châtel Tourist office or the old Customs House).

- Using the chair-lifts: this is the perfect choice with the Portes du Soleil Multi Pass, offering unlimited use of ‘pedestrian’ chair-lifts. The lifts facilitate access to the higher mountain paths meaning hikers can choose to walk only on the flat or down hill.

- Chablais became part of the European Geopark network, internationally recognised by UNESCO, in March 2012. This validation lasts 4 years. So, this summer, two experts from the world-wide Geopark network will visit Chablais to re-evaluate the area with a view to maintaining its membership. Chablais contains a number of interesting sites extending from the southern banks of Lac Léman to the Portes du Soleil summits. It is the col de Bassachaux in Châtel that is connected to the network.

Specific information is available for all of the walks from the Tourist offices, enabling everyone to enjoy the walks in their own way, at their own pace…

now the mountains are open to everyone!

Châtel, a French resort in the Portes du Soleil with the ‘Famille Plus’ accreditation is located in the Abondance valley - which itself holds the Pays d’Art and Histoire accreditation. This combination guarantees a mountain of activities suitable for everyone throughout the summer.


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ThE FANTASTICABLE ANd A NEw AddITION: ThE AdVENTURE PARk/ACCROBRANChEonce again, thrills and excitement on the two-line Fantasticable are guaranteed this summer. At the time of construction, the first line began in June 2002, followed by the second July 2003, the Châtel Fantasticable was the only one of its kind in the world!

Since then numerous people have flown, comfortably and safely installed in a harness, at a speed of around 100 km/h and at a height of 240 m over the hamlet of Plaine-Dranse. The first cable is 1,200 m long and the second is 1,325 m long. The option of flying in tandem was introduced in Summer 2013.

>>Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . € 36>>Tandem flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . € 72>>20% reduction with the Portes du Soleil Multi Pass.>>Access either by foot or chair-lift from Pré-la-Joux.

This summer, from the 24th June, a ‘Family’ offer, for visitors aged from 2 to 99, will be introduced in the new Adventure Park/Accrobranche located in the forest below Morclan at Super-Châtel.

There will be 7 circuits:>>> 1 Little Kids>>> 2 Kids>>> 4 Large – 1 blue, 1 red, 1 black, 1 super black.

Security in the park is state-of-the-art, with a safety system ensuring users can complete the course, from start to finish, without assistance.

FaNtaStICable

IN ChâTEL - MOUNTAIN BIkERS RULE!Located at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, the largest international-linked MTB terrain, Châtel is a top rendezvous for Dh, cross-country, enduro and trial biking.

The lifts, quality tracks, breath-taking and varied landscape entice Mountain Bikers from far and wide to come and enjoy this village resort and its summer playground. They are guaranteed a warm and personal welcome.

IN ChâTEL – MTB IS kING>>> Six specialist shops with material rental and repair facilities, some offering electric MTB hire.>>> Three MTB schools and guides>>> Après-MTB during the summer, like winter après-ski, when riders can meet and relax with a drink on the bar terrace and enjoy music from a DJ or band.>>> Accommodation specially adapted to riders and their needs: bike sheds, garages, washing stations, washing machines.

MouNtaIN bIke


MTB OFFER7-nights’ accommodation in an apartment + 6 day MTB Portes du Soleil lift pass (12 Portes

du Soleil resorts, 650 km of tracks, 21 lifts)

>>From€175(1)

(1) per person, based on 4 people sharing a studio, 5 people sharing a two-room apartment, 6 people sharing a three-room private rental apartment. Tarif applicable before 30th July and from 20th August 2016.

InForMATIon AnD rESErVATIonS:>> Châtel réservation Tel. +33 (0)4 50 73 30 22 www.chatelreservation.com

FoCuSCHâtel Mtb SCHool

Three state-qualified instructors offering the best of MTB. Jacques, Julien and Sylvain will do everything in their power to ensure you

experience all there is for mountain bikers in the heart of one of the most beautiful MTB

areas in the world: The Portes du Soleil.

Their varied programme includes numerous exciting activities like the MTB biathlon –

combining the explosiveness of MTB with the calm of a (secured) laser gun!

Strategic and fun!>>www.ecolevttchatel.com

AN ACCLAIMEd MOUNTAIN-BIkE PARkMTB fans delight in this area with 20 down-hill runs, of varying degrees of difficulty, and the choice of ‘new-school ride’ areas.

There are 5 shore zones, the Mountain Style Face (freeride/freestyle area), a kids’ shore and a Drop Zone with a Live Park to film riders and share their recordings.

LIFT OPENING TIMES FOR ThE BIkE PARk ANd FANTASTICABLEPré la Joux areaLift opening times - weekend 11th/12th June (and the weekend 10th/11th September - depending on weather conditions):

>>Pierre Longue Chair-lift . . . . . . . . . . . .from 10.00am to 4.30pm (last ascent) - 4.45pm (last descent)

>> rochassons Chair-lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from 10.15am to 4.15pm (last ascent) - 4.30pm (last descent)

Then every day from 16th June to 4th September*:>>Pierre Longue Chair-lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from 9.15am to 4.45pm (last ascent) -

5.15pm (last descent)>> rochassons Chair-lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from 9.30am to 4.50pm (last ascent) -

5.00pm (last descent)

*From 9th July to 21st August the lifts will open ¼ hr earlier.

The Fantasticable is open for the weekends 11th/12th and 18th/19th June, then every day from 24th June to 4th September.

SuPer Châtel areaEvery day from the 24th June to 28th August:

>> Super Châtel Bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from 9.00am to 4.45pm (last ascent) - 5.15pm (last descent)

>>Morclan Chair-lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from 9.30am to 4.15pm (last ascent) - 4.45pm (last descent)

MTB LIFT-PASS PRICES

Châtel mountain bike-Park onlyPack of 6 MTB ascents

>> Price for both adult and child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 21

Pack of 10 MTB ascents>> Price for both adult and child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 30

PorteS du Soleil>>Adult 1-day pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 26>>Child 1-day pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 20>>Adult 6-day pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 104>>Child 6-day pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€ 78


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RESoRT

key stAtIstIcs>> 1,282 permanent residents>> 22,000 visitor beds>> 25 hotels (1 ****nn hotels, 9 ***nn hotels, 11 **nn hotels, 4 hotels)

>> 2 ****nn Holiday apartment complexes>> 1 Holiday apartment complexe asking for ****nn>> 2 ***nn Holiday apartment complexes>> 1 Holiday apartment complex with hotel services>> 11 Hotels for groups, holiday centres>> 1 winter/summer camping and caravanning site****>> other accommodation: 1 x Gite***, 1 x Club chalet***nn, 1 other accommodation, 7 x Bed and Breakfasts, 1 Youth Hostel

>> 60 restaurants (including hotel restaurants)>> A wide variety of shops

>> The ‘Famille Plus’ accreditation for the resort>> The ‘Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’ accreditation for the Abondance valley

>> 1 Mountain Smuggling and Contraband information centre>> 1 Aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor pools and health and beauty area

>> 90 km of marked walking tracks in Châtel - 850 km in the Portes du Soleil

>> 4 pedestrian and MTB Ski lifts open in the summer in Châtel- 21 in the Portes du Soleil

>> 1 Downhill bike park in Châtel - 5 in the Portes du Soleil, MTB Trail zone, Fantasticable, bobluge, devalkart, rollherbe, ice rink, tennis, paragliding, white-water sports, 6-hole compact golf course, mini-golf, park accrobranche (new)…


SPeCIal oFFerS

ActIvItIesNORdIC wALkINGTuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am. Meet at the bottom of La Panthiaz bubble in La Chapelle d’Abondance. The route follows the Dranse river, which flows through the Abondance valley. It begins on the path along the river bank and can vary in direction heading either towards Abondance or Châtel to add interest for regular walkers.

>>Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . € 12 (including sticks)

InForMATIon AnD rESErVATIon:>> Aline Ploton Mountain guide Tel. +33 (0)6 81 56 69 97

FITNESS CIRCUIToriginally located at Linga, the circuit has now been relocated to the top of Petit-Châtel. The start is just above Le Tenne along the path towards Barbossine. It continues to the bottom of the Petit-Châtel chair-lift and returns towards Super-Châtel on the same track to complete the circuit.

Like its predecessor, the path crosses pastures and forests revealing beautiful views of the Abondance Valley and surrounding mountains from a different angle.

ThE ESCALE hOTELLocated at 1,650m at the top of the Super-Châtel bubble, is an exciting accommodation option for families. Its altitude and location on the Franco/Swiss border mean visitors can hike or enjoy cross-country MTB in both countries directly from the front door.

The ludic rivari walking trail (named after the Family Plus mascot) and Accrobranche park are both close to the hotel and the Lac de la Mouille, a great spot for fly-fishing, is easily accessed just below. The lake, along with other mountain lakes and reservoirs, is part of an on-going monitoring programme carried out by the organisation ‘Easylacs’ to ensure water quality. Care for the environment and tourism are, as always, interdependent.Accommodation prices

Half-board, based on a double room from € 70 - € 90 per person

Full-board supplement € 19

FurTHEr InForMATIon:>> www.escalechatel.com

Fitness

AccommodAtion

7-NIGhTS’ ACCOMMOdATION + ALL-INCLUSIVE FITNESS PACkAGEunlimited access to:- all activities: aquabiking, aquabalance,

aquapalmes, aquabuilding, aquagym, aquaforme, etc.- the water park (indoor and outdoor pool).- the ‘well-being’ centre (balneotherapy pool, saunas, steam baths).- the ‘cardio’ centre (fully equipped 100 m² workout room).

>>From€193(1)

(1) Adult price, based on 4 people sharing a studio or private rental apartment. This price is valid from 9th July 2016 to 27th August 2016.

FurTHEr InForMATIon:>>www.chatelreservation.com

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CoMMuNICatIoN SerVICeCHâtel tourISMe

14, route de Thonon - BP 40 - F - 74 390 Châtel - Haute-Savoie - FranceTel. 33 (0)4 50 73 22 44 - Fax. 33 (0)4 50 73 22 87 - [email protected]

CoNtaCt: PaSCale DuCrotTel. +33 (0)4 50 73 25 58 - Mobile +33 (0)6 86 93 56 54 Fax +33 (0)4 50 73 22 87 - [email protected]

www.chatel.com

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summer 2016 | press pack | en...

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