Winter Activities for Non-Skiers in Chatel

WINTER ALPINE HOLIDAYS – WITHOUT SKIS

A winter stay in a ski chalet isn't just for skiers

MAGICAL WINTER

Most of the guests that stay at Chalet Cannelle in Winter come to ski or snowboard the excellent pistes of the Portes du Soleil without giving a second thought to other snow activities in the area. Chatel is well suited to those who fancy a holiday in the French Alps during winter without skiing or snowboarding and it can be as active or as relaxing as you would like.

Chalet Cannelle with its mountain views is just the spot to curl up and get lost in a good book with a hot chocolate. And of course, there is the private hot tub in the garden. For something more active why not try some of these activities below!

CATERED STAYS

snowly walking track in petit chatel, france

SNOW SHOE WALKING

Snow-shoeing is a great way to experience the mountains without skis. There are marked snow-shoe trails for different levels of ability in the Abondance Valley. If you have friends or family skiing, there are routes that link up with the ski areas and others that are far more remote. A snow shoe walk with a local guide is ideal for discovering the region and its wildlife.

“We have friends that love to ski…but as we are in late 50’s we didn’t fancy being beginners on the magic carpet! We had a number of days walking and snow shoeing with Lolo, a local guide, and it was just magical! Lolo’s knowledge is second to none and we learnt so much about the alps flora and fauna. We found time in the afternoon to relax, before having evening drinks and dinner with the rest of our friends. Never did I think a winter holiday in the alps was for us, now we have booked to return next year!”

The pools at lavey les bains in switzerland at sunset

SPAS AND THERMAL POOLS

Chatel has beautiful pool and wellbeing facilities at the Forme D’O. The heated pools are inside and outside with stunning views of the valley and available for everyone. The wellbeing centre with hot pool, saunas and steam rooms as well as spa treatments and a gym is available for adults.

For those that have their own transport, we recommend the natural thermal baths of Lavey Les Bains. Just 30 minutes by car, the complex has the warmest natural spring in Switzerland and superb relaxing facilities surrounded by mountains.

If you prefer to be pampered at the chalet, there is a private hot tub and we can arrange a professional massage for you without leaving, the perfect cocooning.

vintage pair of mens ice skates hanging on a wooden wall

ICE SKATING

Châtel has a ice-skating rink in the picturesque church square of the village that is great to combine with a stroll around the shops and lunch spots close by.

For those with transport, the stunning natural ice-rink created on the Lac des Plagnes lake in Abondance makes for a charming Narnia like experience . Each day an expert checks the thickness of the ice to ensure safety and equipment can be hired at the lakeside.

While in the Abondance area, thrill seekers might like to try the ice circuit, where high speed Porches drive around the circuit made completely from ice!

Nordique skier practicing skating on a track in the middle of the snowy forest, in France

NORDIC SKIING

OK so technically this one does use skis! But you don’t need to be able to ski to enjoy nordic skiing, also called cross country skiing or ski du fond.. There are two types; classic & skating with the later being the more ‘sporty’ technique. Anyone that enjoys walking can enjoy classic nordic skiing, where you glide through the trails of La Chapelle D’Abondance.

There is a extensive network close to Chalet Cannelle with all levels of ability catered for. We highly recommend taking a 90 minute lesson to get you started; after that, the serene snow filled forest trails are yours to explore.

SKI DU FOND MAP

WINTER ACTIVITIES