Activities for Non-Skiers in Chatel

Posted 6th November 2014

Activities for Non-Skiers in Chatel

Activities for Non-Skiers in Chatel

Visiting the Alps in the winter is a truly magical experience…  beautiful ski chalets, log fires, amazing views, fresh snow, delicious food and great skiing!  But what happens if not everyone in your group likes skiing?

Happily, Chatel has lots to offer for non skiers, to ensure their holiday is just as enjoyable – without racing down a ski slope. Here we have listed some of our favourites – and when you book a holiday with NINE & TENNE we are always on hand to point you in the right direction and ensure everyone in the group has a memorable holiday.

1) Snowshoe walking

Snowshoe walking is a great way to explore the mountains and get a close look at the natural beauty of the area without strapping on some skis. It’s very easy to master; we have all the equipment you need to use free of charge and our helpful staff are always happy to help you get started.

2) Husky rides

Just a couple of miles down the road alongside the riverbank is a husky-ride centre which gives people the chance to drive their own team of huskies. Alternatively you can sit back and relax in the sledge as one of the trained guides takes you for a ride.

3) Spa treatments

Holidays are the perfect time for a bit of pampering and R & R. We can arrange for a masseuse to visit you at the chalet for treatments, or we can also book a variety of treatments for you at the new aquatic centre Forme d’O in the middle of town.

4) Shopping

Chatel is a charming traditional mountain village with a lovely selection of shops selling local produce and specialties. There is also a fantastic market on Wednesday mornings which is a great place to buy some of the local cheese and cured meats.

5) Farm visit

Chatel is still very much an active farming village with over 60 farms in the valley. Its possible to visit some of these farms and see first hand how the delicious local cheese is produced.

 

6) Forme d’O

The Forme d’O is a state of the art leisure complex recently opened in the middle of Chatel. It’s facilities include two indoor pools one outdoor pool, gym, and spa facilities. It’s a great place to exercise and relax if you’re not on the slopes.

7) Ice fishing

Just above the town is a beautiful mountain lake which ices over in the winter.   It’s a lovely place for a walk and the ice skating rink is located here, but it’s also possible to try ice fishing. just as the eskimos do!

8) Cross country skiing

If downhill skiing isn’t your cup of tea why not try your hand at cross-country skiing? There are 10km of cross-country trails located just below Chatel which zig-zag trough the woods and along the riverbank. We can arrange ski hire and lessons if required.

9) Fondue lunch up the mountain

Just because you’re not skiing doesn’t mean you can’t head up the mountain. It’s possible to use the Super Chatel Telecabine or the Pierre Longue chairlift as a pedestrian, so it’s very easy to meet your skiing friends for a fondue lunch in one of the wonderful mountain restaurants.

10) Watch the world go by…

Many of our non-skiing guests just love sitting on one of the comfy sofas reading a book and admiring the views over the village and Abondance valley; it’s the perfect way to relax and re-charge the batteries.

For more information and prices for any of the activities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Google Reviews

Scott Roberts  February 2026

         
Paddy, Jo, Andy, and the rest of the Nine & Tenne team were absolutely amazing from start to finish. Their care and attention to detail ensured our holiday was both memorable and seamless. Andy checked in with us most days to make sure we had everything we needed and thoughtfully suggested places to eat and experiences suited to all of us. This was an absolute five-star experience, and we would thoroughly recommend Nine & Tenne to anyone looking for a truly special ski holiday in Chatel.

Jane Chapman  January 2026

         
Great chalet directly opposite Linga lift, so easy access to the slopes. We were self catered and the chalet was very well stocked with good equipment. Paddy and Andy were very helpful coordinating transfers, taxis into Chatel centre, restaurant bookings, ski hire and lift passes. Hot tub was a bonus after skiing all day. Highly recommend.

Hannah Milburn  January 2026

         
Just another boring 5 star review for the team at Nine and Tenne. They’d probably love some constructive criticism but honestly there’s nothing to criticise! Paddy and Andy were warm and welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Andy was like a human internet with bookings for taxis and meals within seconds. So impressive. We were a large group, but everyone felt well looked after throughout our stay. The Chalet was beautiful, the fridge perfectly stocked, the cooked meals and chef night were excellent. The ski hire door delivery was super helpful, and having a taxi to the slopes every day was just an added bonus that made things so much easier! This was a “treat” holiday for our whole family, but I hope one day we can visit another Nine and Tenne chalet in Chatel (which is also idyllic!). Normally I am happy to be back in Devon after holidays, but this one was just too good! I wanted to be back in Chatel!! Take me back!!

Rob Hues  February 2026

         
The hosting was over and above, thank you! Busy slopes but lunch and dinner all sorted at a great selection of places. The recently refurbished chalet was spacious and right by the bus stop (with live tracker). We actually drove to the free parking by the lift each morning to enjoy the massive Portes du Soleil ski area. Chatel was really characterful, still with a French feel. We will be back!

Austen Ramsden  March 2026

         
We are just back from a wonderful week staying at Chalet Grange et Merle. A party of 3 generations, 6 adults and 4 children (9-2). Paddy and team from Nine & Tenne organised it all faultlessly with great attention to detail: from airport transfers, Ski hire at the chalet (so easy and convenient), daily private transport to the ski lifts, ski passes etc. etc. Andy was really helpful and made everything easy for us including shopping. Grange et Merle was a wonderful spacious atmospheric chalet and the sauna and hot tub were resounding successes, especially with the kids. We opted for their Freedom package plus some extras which was excellent (part superb catering and part "freedom" to do our own thing) and which suited us and the kids really well. our only trivial suggestion for improvement is to provide bath/pool robes it was a chilly dash to the hot tub with just a towel! Great holiday much enjoyed by all - highly recommended and many thanks to Paddy, Andy and the team.

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