Considering a ski trip to the French Alps and torn between Châtel and Morzine? Both resorts sit within the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, but they offer different vibes on and off the slopes.
In this guide, we'll help you choose the right one by comparing their skiing, atmosphere, après-ski, accommodation, and more, so you can plan the trip that fits you best.
Châtel or Morzine?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Châtel | Morzine |
|---|
| Resort elevation | 1,100 m (3,609 ft) | 1,000 (3,280 ft) |
| Highest lift | 2,200 m (7,217 ft) | 2,460 m (8,071 ft) |
| Local pistes (km) | 90 km (55.9 mi) | 107 km (66.5 mi) |
| Best for | Families & intermediates who want a pretty, traditional base with direct links into Switzerland. | Mixed groups wanting a bigger town, varied nightlife, and easy access from Geneva. |
| Advanced terrain | A few solid blacks (Linga/Tête de Linga) plus fun off-piste bowls (La Leiche). | Limited steeps in town sectors; pockets of challenge (Aigle Rouge, Chavannes blacks) and good off-piste around Nyon/Chamossière; Avoriaz nearby for more. |
| Village atmosphere | Traditional Savoyard, cozy, authentic | Bustling alpine town; lively but still charming |
| Accommodation | Chalet-style hotels/apartments, mostly low-rise; a mix of slopeside and shuttle-served options. | Wide range from chalets to hotels; some stays are a stroll or shuttle from the lifts. |
| Après-ski scene | Relaxed but with a few lively pubs and a nightclub. | Lively spectrum, from laid-back wine bars to late night clubs. |
Ski area & terrain
- Châtel: A laid-back village with access to the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, Châtel is great for intermediate skiers who enjoy long, scenic runs. The Linga and Pré-la-Joux sectors offer wide reds and blues, while Super Châtel is better for beginners and gentle cruising. The links to Avoriaz and Switzerland open up more variety, but some connections depend on snow and weather conditions.
- Morzine: Surrounded by tree-lined slopes, Morzine is ideal for beginners and families. The Pleney side is home to gentle runs and ski schools, while nearby Nyon and Chamossière have more varied reds and a few steeper pitches. You can also ski straight into Les Gets or hop over to Avoriaz for a bigger challenge and higher-altitude terrain.
Check out Châtel piste map and Morzine piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | Châtel (cm/in) | Morzine (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 30 cm/11.8 in | 28 cm/11.0 in |
| January | 30 cm/11.8 in | 28 cm/11.0 in |
| February | 25 cm/9.8 in | 24 cm/9.4 in |
| March | 25 cm/9.8 in | 24 cm/9.4 in |
| April | 15 cm/5.9 in | 13 cm/5.1 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Châtel offers a traditional Alpine setting with wooden chalets, charming hamlets, and a slower pace. It’s less developed than other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, giving it a more peaceful, authentic feel. Most accommodation consists of family run hotels, self-catered apartments, and chalets, with a few slopeside options around Linga and Pré-la-Joux.
- Morzine is a bustling, year-round resort with a lively atmosphere and a well-established centre filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It blends Savoyard charm with modern convenience, offering a wide choice of places to stay, from boutique hotels to large chalets and apartments.
Explore some accommodation options in Châtel and in Morzine
Après-ski & dining
- Châtel has a more relaxed après-ski scene, with cosy bars like Nazca Bar or Pub L’Avalanche providing a welcoming atmosphere for a quiet drink after skiing. Dining is focused on traditional Savoyard fare, with restaurants such as La Table Savoyarde and Le Vieux Four offering cheese-heavy mountain classics in a rustic setting.
- Morzine delivers a livelier après-ski experience, especially around the Pleney lift and the town centre. Venues like Bar Robinson and Le Tremplin are popular for post-ski drinks. When it comes to food, Morzine’s restaurant scene is more diverse, offering everything from gourmet French cuisine to international favourites and family-friendly pizzerias.
Families & beginners
- Châtel: Families will find gentle slopes around Super-Châtel and a calm village atmosphere that works well for younger children. There are good ski schools and quieter pistes, especially during off-peak times.
- Morzine: With its beginner friendly Pleney slopes, central ski schools, and plenty of non-ski activities for kids, Morzine is one of the most popular resorts in the Alps for family ski holidays. Everything is easy to access and well set up for first-timers.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Châtel offers some steeper red runs around Linga and Combes, as well as freeride terrain between pistes and a few snowparks. It has enough to keep confident skiers entertained for a few days.
- Morzine: The terrain in Morzine itself is gentler, but you’re only one lift away from the tougher runs in Avoriaz and beyond. For expert skiers, Morzine works best as a base for exploring the higher and steeper terrain nearby.
Activities beyond skiing
- Châtel: Off the slopes, Châtel offers winter walks, snowshoeing, and a relaxing aquatic centre with pools and wellness facilities. It’s low-key but charming, ideal if you want to unwind.
- Morzine: There’s lots to do in Morzine beyond skiing, from ice skating, swimming, sledging, spas, and even helicopter rides. It’s well equipped for non-skiers or those wanting a break from the pistes.
Accessibility & transfers
- Châtel: Located in the Abondance Valley, Châtel is around 60 minutes by car from Sion Airport (~70 km / 43 mi), with shared and private transfer options available.
- Morzine: accessible from Geneva Airport (~80 km / 50 mi), Morzine benefits from a slightly quicker drive due to better road connections.
Cost and value for money
- Châtel: Typically offers better value, especially for families and those looking for a quieter alternative within the Portes du Soleil. Accommodation is often more affordable, lift passes are slightly cheaper, and restaurants and bars generally have lower prices than Morzine.
- Morzine: As a more popular and lively hub, Morzine tends to be a bit pricier across the board, from lodging to dining. However, the broader selection of accommodation, entertainment, and ski schools can justify the cost for those seeking convenience and a vibrant après-ski atmosphere.
Explore our Châtel deals and Morzine deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Châtel if you prefer a quieter, traditional village with scenic skiing and fewer crowds. Perfect for a relaxed holiday with friends or family.
- Choose Morzine if you want more going on, better après-ski, and an ideal base for both beginners and those keen to explore a wider ski area.
