chatel?

We're thinking of a cheeky March '13 trip 3 or 4 days or the 2014 January trip 7 days, any thoughts, recommendations?

maybe ian is ur man here.

If the thread is about Chatel, I cant recommend it enough. I ski there twice a Year, December and March. I've done the 3 vallees, espace Kiily thing and bought the t shirts. Perfect base to explore the portes du soleil, but it does depend on what you priorities are. There are no tour operators in Chatel anymore so you'll have to source everything on the net. I stay catered chalet in December and s/c apt in March. Fly one and self drive the other so anything and everything is possible. Let me know if I can help further.

Hi Adam

This is good news for me as a French colleague of mine from work has just acquired a little chalet there, but not knowing the area I was reluctant to try it. Your positive comments have convinced me ! Thanks.

Hi Billip, the reviews on J2Ski regarding Chatel are way off the mark so take no notice of them. Its a fantastic base to explore the PDS area. I've been skiing for 30 years and the groups I have travelled with have ranged from child beginner to advanced adult. All have had a fantastic time and return there often. The snow record is also v good and there has also been significant investment in snow cannons and new chair lifts. Hope you make it there.

Brilliant info Adam. I certainly will. Is it ok right through to late March ? Reason I ask, is I have a short break to Uttendorf in Austria booked for early December then the regular family-fest in Austria early Jan; but Chatel for a later trip would be great if the season lasts that long.

As anywhere, late March is very much spring conditions. In a typical season the Super Chatel area above the centre of the village will be getting slushy as it gets all the sun. This is mainly a beginner area. However, the runs out of Pre La Joux up to Plein Dranse and the links over to Les Lindarets and Avoriaz, get more shade than sun so keep the snow longer. The runs down to the Lindarets valley can get slushy, but I guess what I'am trying to say is if its mild then its an easy link to Avoriaz. Latest I have skied in Chatel/PDS in recent years is 17th March and it was awesome. Day I left they had a big dump too. Ski Club of GB website has historical snow records if you're in any doubt.

Thanks Adam.