Chatel – a great destination for family ski holidays

Chatel is a picturesque ski resort based at the heart of the Portes du Soleil – the largest linked ski area in the world. The resort caters for all the family which makes it an excellent choice for holidaying with children.

From as early as age 3, children can start their skiing in Chatel at “Les Marmottons” Kindergarten, run by the Chatel ESF team. Les Marmottons is situated within the main part of the village and is accessible by a regular free ski bus. It has a club house for refreshments and indoor activities, and a large ski area suitable for all first time skiers. They are also well staffed with English speaking ski instructors and assistants to help get the little ones on their skis.

Children can progress through all the various levels of skiing at Les Marmottons and can proudly return home as fully fledged skiers clutching their award medals. There are a number of ski lifts from small rope tows to Poma drag lifts which teaches the children the basics of getting up the mountain and the snow coverage on the nursery slopes is guaranteed as they also have added snow making facilities and their own piste bashers.

The other ski schools in the village, the ESSI and the ESF, also offer great group lessons or private lesson options for children as young as age 4 at the two main Chatel ski areas – Pre la Joux and Super Chatel.

The ESSI (International Ski School) is a small independent ski school with English speaking instructors, offering small class sizes and easy meeting points.

The ESF are able to offer fantastic value for money on their group and private lesson packages and offer meeting points at Super Chatel and Pre la Joux. Both ski areas are easily accessed by car or by the free village ski bus.

The Super Chatel ski area is reached by gondola from the centre of the village allowing parents with little children and even babies to go up the mountain and feel like they are part of the skiing action. There are sledging areas at the top of the gondola next to the nearby beginner slopes where the snow can be enjoyed by all with no need for Wii accessories.

At Pre la Joux the Pierre Longue chair lift is accessible to pedestrians and skiers alike allowing families and non skiers to go up and down the mountain by chair lift for lunch in one of the restaurants or for a hot chocolate or vin chaud on one of the sun terraces.

Families visiting Chatel find that very quickly they are able to find their way round the resort, skiing a range of slopes to suit all levels and ensuring that all members of the family feel like they can make the most of the ski area whilst still sharing quality time together.

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White-Peak Holidays (http://www.white-peak.com ) offers ski chalets in Chatel.

Trekking in the Beaujolais vineyards

Walking in the Beaujolais region, north east of Lyon, comprises a series of rolling hills, reaching a maximum height of 1000m above sea level. Although the hills are quite gentle, the scale of the peaks and the depths of the valleys means you see some superb panoramamic views during your walks. Passing through some of the most famous Burgundy vineyards, you will walk through the maturing vines during the summer months, or if you take this walking holiday in the Autumn you will see the spectacular changing hues of the vine leaves.This kind of activity holiday burns up plenty of energy, so you may not need Fastin after all the lovely local food. The Beaujolais Ridge Tour is offered by www.highpointholidays.com, and the price is £540 excluding flights.