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Activities

Canoeing The River Dranse that flows from Châtel to Lake Geneva includes some spectacular white water up to Grade 5.

Rafting Non-canoeists can experience white water first hand. The premier rafting organisation in Europe has a base between Châtel and Thonon. They provide all the equipment including wet suit, helmet and life jacket and promise a thrilling three mile descent accompanied by experienced instructors. Guide price: 3€ Hot-Dogging This was particularly popular last summer. The ‘hot-dog’ is a canoe-shaped raft with room for two or three persons. The chances of a capsize are far higher than with a raft! Guide price: 38€ Hydrospeed For even more excitement; it’s like rafting without the raft. You descend a Grade 3 river equipped with a well padded wet suit, helmet, life jacket, fins and a float. Guide price: 38€

Scuba Diving We are pleased to be able to recommend ‘Aquaventure’ a well equipped, PADI registered diving centre on Lake Geneva.
Experienced divers will appreciate exploring a new environment and newcomers to the sport will enjoy their ‘come and try it’ sessions. Guide price: 37€

	Parapenting Running off a mountain top hanging under a parachute is becoming more popular each year!
You can have an accompanied flight with an instructor or enrol for a five day course which will enable you to fly solo. Guide prices: Accompanied flight 65€; Complete course 350€

Sailing, Windsurfing, Water Skiing
Lake Geneva provides the ideal situation for these water sports.

Swimming
There are three open air swimming pools in Châtel, all on the same site. One is for toddlers, one for non-swimmers plus a large pool for serious swimmers.
There are also pools at Morgins, Champery, Thonon and Evian. The pool at Evian is considered to be one of the most immaculate swimming complexes in France.
A favourite of ours is Lavey-les-Bains in Switzerland. As well as a selection of pools there are saunas, jacuzzis, Turkish baths, relaxation and colour therapy rooms, an ‘ice cave’, a whirlpool and the chance to join in aqua-gym sessions.
Not far from the village is a private lake that has been developed as a leisure centre. Apart from swimming there are other activities; diving, boating and a spectacular ‘death-slide’ across the lake.
Aquapark at Bouveret boasts some of the most exciting water chutes in Europe and each year they seem to add something bigger and better.

Fishing
A vast selection of rivers and lakes is available to anglers. Fishing permits are not expensive and are available in the village.
Lessons are available for visitors who would like to learn the technique of fly fishing.

Archery
Both young and old are welcome at the Loy Centre where you can use the range or have instruction.

Walking Châtel is at the heart of a vast network of paths and trails. To save time and also take the hard work out of a day’s trek, in peak season you can make use of the chair lifts and telecabines to gain height.
	June and July are particularly good months for seeing the alpine flowers at their best. September and October are the
months to collect the wide variety of wild mushrooms. Committed walkers will enjoy tackling more demanding routes. We would be pleased to accompany you to the more remote areas to discover alpine ibex, chamois and golden eagle.
	A regular favourite with visitors is the ascent of the impressive Dent d’Oche; a challenging walk which leaves everyone with a real sense of achievement.
For something very different we can arrange for you to spend the night in a mountain farm just below the summit of Mont de Grange. Early the next morning you can expect to be surrounded by fifty or more chamois and see families of marmots. Guide price: 27€ (includes evening meal & breakfast)

	Mountain Biking This is becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe and not just with the youngsters. If mountain biking is already your sport you will find Châtel to be an ideal location.
The Tourist Office produces a local map overprinted with trails suitable for mountain bikes. Newcomers to the sport will enjoy the accompanied excursions arranged each day.

Climbing Experienced climbers will find plenty of challenging routes in the area. At Plaine Dranse several of the crags have been ‘bolted’ and marked to give visitors over twenty graded climbing routes.

Luge
New in 1998, the exciting 640 metre toboggan run at Pre-la-Joux; the first of its type in France.

Grass Skiing
Gives you a chance to keep your muscles in trim for next winter. The technique is similar to snow skiing but the falls are more painful.

Adventure Courses Several treetop rope trails have recently been set up in the area. A particular favourite of ours is ‘Cimes Story’ at St Gingolph. The course has some 45 activities over 1500 metres and takes up to 2½ hours. Guide Price: 20€

Horse Riding
This is an excellent way to explore the area. The riding school has mounts to suit all abilities. You can book by the hour, half-day or day and specify whether you want a leisurely trek or a more exciting ride.
Guide Prices; 11€/hour, 45€/day

Tennis
There are eleven all-weather courts in Châtel. They may be hired by the hour; with or without coaching. A tournament is held most weeks throughout the season. Do remember to bring your rackets! Guide Price: 11€/hour

Short Tennis
Ideal for younger children at the Loy Centre.

Summer Skiing
The Swiss glacier ski resort of Saas Fee is only two hours drive from Châtel for those who just can't wait till next winter.

Crazy Golf, Petanque, Table Tennis &
Ten Pin Bowling
are all available in Châtel.

Golf There are several courses to enjoy in the area, from the more famous at Evian to the lesser known at Les Gets, Avoriaz, Chamonix and Montreux.

The well groomed, challenging courses along with wonderful scenery will provide every golfer with memories to talk about when they get home. Unlike in many parts of the UK, golf courses in France and Switzerland are generally available to all and the majority have clubs for hire to visitors. Snowise would be pleased to reserve teeing-off times. Châtel has its own driving range so you can practice your swing regularly during your stay.

Now with a second cable
Fantasticable
Fly with the birds above Plaine-Dranse. A 1200 metre aerial runway between two mountains; 140 metres above the ground with speeds up to 100 km/hour.

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