Activities

Not everyone wants to slide down mountains but everyone can enjoy the mountain experience. There are a variety of other activities, both on and off the snow, available in Châtel and neighbouring villages.

Skiing can begin at forty

Skiing has grown in popularity over the last twenty years. Formerly regarded as a pastime for the privileged few, it is now available to all. However, it is still often seen as a sport exclusively for the younger element. It is not usually regarded as something to take up from scratch over the age of forty. Aching limbs and even broken bones can seem synonymous with the sport to the forty year old whose holidays may have become more sedentary over the years.
Snowise recognises the problems but knows them for the fallacies they are. We have put together the right ingredients and approach to ensure that a first time skiing holiday in the Alps can be great fun for the forty, fifty and even sixty year old who may be feeling apprehensive.
Enjoy half-board accommodation in Chalet Les Chouettes with like-minded guests. Snowise staff will always be close at hand to make sure everything is going well. Have fun in lessons with sympathetic and understanding instructors. We have made special arrangements with Rubin Sports to ensure that no-one is irrevocably committed to the cost of a full week’s ski hire should they decide not to continue. (Yes it does happen occasionally!)
There is no need to ski all day; there are plenty of other interesting things to do.
Please call us to discuss what would best suit you.

Snowshoes For a few hours away from it all, hire some snow shoes (raquettes). You can soak up the beauty and peace of the Alps away from the bustle and noise of ski lifts and skiers. There is an abundance of wildlife that is only likely to be seen by walkers. Paths are well sign posted and generally follow gentle gradients. One of the mountain restaurants regularly organises an evening meal for visitors arriving on snow shoes.

Cross Country The area is very popular with cross country skiers. There is an extensive network of marked trails, some along the valley beside the River Dranse and others at high levels above the village. The Pierre Longue chair lift at Pre-la-Joux gives cross country skiers access to a whole new area near Mt de Grange. The necessary equipment can be hired cheaply from Rubin Sports and lessons are available from the ski schools. Ski Touring Ski touring is now available in Châtel. There are large areas where you can enjoy the thrill of skiing virgin territory. Skating The village boasts two ice rinks; one artificial and the other natural on Lac de Vonnes. Skates may be hired at the rinks. Several evenings each week the artificial rink is open for floodlit skating.

Dog Sledding Every week at Tres-les-Pierre, between Linga and Pré-la-Joux, there is the opportunity to ride on a traditional husky sledge.
Tobboggan The exciting 640 metre toboggan run at Pré-la-Joux has proved to be a great success over the past two years. Each descent costs €3 but you can buy books of tickets more cheaply.

	Night Skiing On Thursday each week the piste at Linga is open from 7.30 to 9.30. Discover what fun floodlit night-time skiing can be (if you have any energy left over). Access is free for holders of a valid ski pass.
Archery There is a biathlon archery course near Morgins. The 2.5 km circuit incorporates 21 targets and can be tackled on foot, on snowshoes or on cross country skis.

Swimming One afternoon each week we take clients to the thermal baths at Lavey les Bains. About 50 minutes drive from Châtel, the natural outdoor thermal springs are a comfortable 34°C. In addition there are Turkish baths, saunas, colortherapy and relaxation rooms and even an ‘ice cave’. We can provide free minibus transport subject to space being available. For something exceptional in winter sports try some under-ice scuba diving in a mountain lake, snug in a dry suit accompanied by a qualified instructor.
	Scuba For something exceptional in winter sports try some under-ice scuba diving in a mountain lake, snug in a dry suit accompanied by a qualified instructor.
Gym L’Espace Tonic is the place to get in trim. The multi-gym, exercise cycles, sauna, spa bath and solarium may all be booked by the hour or with a ticket for the week. Bowling Ten pin bowling is a regular apres-ski activity. The bowling alley is located opposite the Post Office in the centre of the village.