Chatel versus morzine?

I have just booked for Xmas 2013 to Chatel. This will be my 7th visit there. Many moons ago I spent a season in Avoriaz working as a ski host/guide/companion, blah de blah...... Unless you are looking for a load of nightlife, then Chatel everytime for me (there are a couple of really good bars). The skiing is better, with a good snow record and easy access to Avoriaz, Les Lindaret and Switzerland. Morzine and Les Gets also on a full days skiing (but personally I wouldn't bother). Plenty of great safe off piste too. The centre of Chatel isn't really that spread out, although accommodation spreads along the valley. Most of the private chalets available for rent are fairly centrally placed with a 5 minute walk into the centre. All the chalets I have stayed in, offer a free shuttle mini bus at times to suit yourself, too and from the piste. If you want ski in ski out then Chatel is not for you, but I quite like the personal chauffeur thing. The piste back down from plain dranse (bluey red) is easy, there is also a green run. They can get chopped up with artificial stuff but they're a breeze. The chalets themselves are excellent. Privately owned means they are not leased off anyone, so they are treated like a home and offer all the facilities. I have no personal drum to bang by the way!

I have to say I quite like Morzine as a Town, yes there are a lot of expats from all over Europe but that applies to many ski resorts, however you can still speak French!
It is still a Town rather than a purpose built resort in the way Avoriaz is so is geared up for more than just the ski season.
Have ski'd down to Chatel but I wasn't staying there to comment meaningfully.

If you look at the piste map Morzine is more at the heart of the Portes Du Soleil in terms of being able to cover the area, with Chatel being more peripheral.

Chatel does have easy access to Avoriaz and then on down to Morzine, So don't let that put you off, the PDS is a fantastic area where ever you decide to stay.

I really enjoyed Chatel. It's a bit quiet at night but hey that's France for you in general. Super Chatel is really handy for hopping over the border to ski en Suisse. We had a car so the short drive to Vilapeyron to pick up Le Linga/Pre-la-Joux sector wasn't a problem. Some terrific blues and reds in that area as well as access to Avoriaz where the skiing is as good as anywhere.

The skiing in Chatel, Avoriaz, Morgins and Champoussin kept us occupied for a week so we never got as far as Morzine so I can't comment on its virtues and/or shortcomings. Mind you, I'd probably like it there as well. :-D

Visited the Morzine/Les Gets area in March and covered the entire area from Point de Nyon to Montchery. Didn't cross over to the Avoriaz side as there was more than enough variety on our side. The blacks tended to mogul up as the day went on, but if that's your thing fine. My 'thing' is fast reds....and there are plenty of them. Mellezes, L'Aigle, Marmottes, Tulipe, Arbis, Sautenailles....etc