{"id":87832,"date":"2024-03-20T15:28:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T14:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=87832"},"modified":"2024-04-03T09:57:41","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T07:57:41","slug":"spring-hikes-chatel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/spring-hikes-chatel\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Spring hikes around Ch\u00e2tel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As winter loosens its grip, Ch\u00e2tel emerges from its chilly slumber, offering a fresh perspective for outdoor enthusiasts. In this post, we\u2019ll guide you through a curated selection of 7 trails that capture the essence of the season. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From leisurely strolls along flower-lined paths to more challenging routes revealing panoramic mountain vistas, these hikes showcase the natural beauty that blossoms around this idyllic alpine location during the spring months. Plus, the Portes du Soleil region is home to some great gentle hikes which are ideal for families of novice hikers.<\/strong><\/strong> So lace up your hiking boots and join us as we navigate through the rejuvenating landscapes of Ch\u00e2tel!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Portes du Soleil<\/h2>\n\n
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The top spring hikes around Ch\u00e2tel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Morclan Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 3.5km
Duration:<\/strong> 2h 30m (one way)
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 200m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climb the heights and admire the beauty of the countryside around Ch\u00e2tel. You\u2019ll discover\u00a0the \u201carc\u201d of the Vall\u00e9e d\u2019Abondance and the Mont de Grange<\/strong> and learn more about the mountain\u2019s animals and plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will cross the forest on the mountainside to reach several mountain pastures, bedecked with multicoloured flowers. Before arriving at Super-Ch\u00e2tel, you\u2019ll be able to observe numerous species of alpine fauna. It\u2019s important to stay on the paths and keep dogs on a lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The return journey takes the same route, giving you the chance to enjoy some views you may have missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Tourisme Savoie Mont Blanc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. The Franco-Swiss Ridge Route<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 12km
Duration:<\/strong> 5h 25m
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 903m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the must-do spring hike from Ch\u00e2tel. On a clear day, the panorama from the ridges takes in the whole of the Mont Blanc range and the main Swiss peaks. This area was once a hotbed of smuggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After passing through a spruce forest, you\u2019ll reach the chalets of Conche and then climb the Pointe du Morclan to enjoy the first of a series of 360-degree views<\/strong>. This is followed by the Col de la Foli\u00e8re, the Pointe des Ombrieux and the mountain pastures of the Portes d\u2019Onnaz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve had your fill of the panorama, head back down towards Le Boude to return to the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Bords de Dranse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 16km
Duration:<\/strong> 3h 30m \u2013 4h (one way)
Elevation gain:<\/strong> flat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an easy, peaceful walk to enjoy with the whole family, along the River Dranse between Ch\u00e2tel and Abondance. You can go at your own pace, stopping off at the villages along the way.
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The path is also very pleasant to cycle along, being relatively flat and accessible to pushchairs. This lets everyone appreciate\u00a0the rich natural and cultural heritage<\/strong>\u00a0of the Abondance Valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is of course possible to cover only part of this route and then return on the \u201cColumbus\u201d shuttle. View the detailed map of the path<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Mouet loop from Ch\u00e2tel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 8.2km
Duration:<\/strong> 3h
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 550m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes less than an hour from the heart of the resort to explore the rural landscape that makes the Alps so charming no matter the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gentle family walk climbs to a higher altitude as you explore the heights of the village of Ch\u00e2tel. You will pass by several working farms<\/strong>, which are wonderful examples of local architecture, where the delicious Abondance cheese is still made in the traditional way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as the cultural delights, you\u2019ll also be coming face to face with some of the region\u2019s natural riches. The path crosses alpine pastures and streams, leading to the\u00a0Col du Saix<\/strong>\u00a0where you can admire the magnificent panoramic view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Experience spring in Ch\u00e2tel<\/h2>\n\n
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5. Boucle sur le Bord (Vonnes)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 6.9km
Duration:<\/strong> 3h 30m
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 438m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After walking along the shore of Lac de Vonnes, you can admire it from the heights of the Pas de Morgins. On the other side of the border, Lac de Morgins reflects the Swiss sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will then pass through\u00a0several spruce forests<\/strong>, an essential part of the subalpine environment. These woods are interspersed with plunging views of the upper Abondance valley, including Linga and the Essert waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final part of the walk takes you to\u00a0a third lake<\/strong>, the Lac de la Mouille, which is a splendid setting for a picnic. You will then continue downhill towards the Conche chalets to return to the village and the comfort of your OVO Network property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Betzalin Loop (Pr\u00e9 la Joux)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 8.3km
Duration:<\/strong> 3h 20m
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 567m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This route starts at Pr\u00e9 la Joux, 6km from Ch\u00e2tel. It takes you on an exploration of the different landscapes of the\u00a0Mont-de-Grange reserve<\/strong>, a protected area for chamois, mouflons and marmots. With a bit of luck and a lot of patience, you\u2019ll be able to spot some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the path, along the stream to the Betzalin chalet, is fairly steep. Once you reach the mountain pasture, the path levels out a little and crosses the place known as \u201cSur-le-Crac\u201d, which overlooks the Essert waterfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll then enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc range, before heading into a small valley and then into a forest with the scent of spring in the air. At the end of the route, you return to the starting point via the same path you used at the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Pointe du Midi (Vonnes)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 8.4km
Duration:<\/strong> 4h
Elevation gain:<\/strong> 782m<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another not-to-be-missed hike from Ch\u00e2tel, this route passes through forests and alpine pastures before leading you up to\u00a0the breathtaking panoramic view of the Pointe du Midi<\/strong>. The entire Abondance valley seems to be at your fingertips, while, on the other side, the peaks of Switzerland stretch out before you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the natural border between the two countries, the descent is partly shaded by undergrowth where the \u201cvoraches\u201d, the local name for the wild alder tree, flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take advantage of this outing to watch roe deer and chamois frolicking freely in the spring sunshine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The hikes around Ch\u00e2tel are particularly beautiful in spring, whether you\u2019re travelling alone or in a group, as a couple or a family, from novices to experts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, even if you\u2019re heading off on an adventure, don\u2019t forget to be properly prepared when it comes to mountain safety. Before you set off, make sure you tell someone your route and find out the local emergency numbers. Your outing will be all the more enjoyable for it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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