Les Gets

With access to 600 km of slopes spread across 12 villages in both France and Switzerland, the vast Portes du Soleil area offers near-limitless skiing amid fantastic scenery. Border crossings are seamless.

Les Gets’ own pistes are spread across both sides of the village’s valley location, each side topping-off at around 1825m, while two chairlift hauls (one, if snow cover is good) will get you to Red- and Blue-graded runs into neighbouring Morzine.

There’s rapid gondola access to the pistes of Mont-Chéry for some good, north-facing onward (red- and black-graded) drops into L’Encraz – plus less-steep, south-facing return cruises. A new signed ski-touring route has been put in place in this sector from winter 2019/20. Also new is Les Trembles blue piste making it easier for moderate level skiers to return back to the Perrières Express chairlift.

Mont-Chéry is a fun way to start the day but, distance-wise, the more obvious attractions lie above the opposite side of the village in the Chavannes sector. Only the upper slopes here are above the tree-line, so there’s lots of useful shelter in less-than-perfect visibility, along with a refreshing sense of getting back to nature.

Although the figures might suggest otherwise, intermediates won’t find it too daunting here, while novices have plenty of facilities to ensure a confident start. Snowboarders will not be disappointed either - there are three boardercross areas and a snowpark including a mini-boardercross for children to build their confidence and join in the fun. In fact, kids are really well-provided for in Les Gets both on and off the slopes.

Although regarding itself as small, Les Gets has a reassuringly established feel to it and offers a refreshingly traditional alternative to high-altitude purpose-built resorts. It developed around the Col des Gets (1170m) and became a ski resort in 1936. Both architecturally and culturally you somehow sense that Switzerland is nearby. After fresh snowfalls the heart of the village looks and feels like something from a Christmas card.

Not that it’s in any way unsophisticated; quite the reverse, in fact - but nicely so. Ski boutiques (and boutique chalet hotels) tell their own story, yet Les Gets remains a friendly, down-to-earth place to spend some time, and has a particularly loyal following among skiers from the UK.

Access to the ski-lifts couldn’t be easier – and you can take ‘le petit train’ rather than wait for the next shuttle-bus between access points on opposite sides of the village. Now that’s different.

As a Famille Plus Montagne resort, Les Gets provides activities and services for all ages plus skiers with a disability. Mixed-ability groups will find variety locally, but will need to build their fitness levels if they intend really covering some distance and exploring the Portes du Soleil’s full potential. It really is vast.

Closer to home lie obvious opportunities for those looking to develop not only their stamina but also their technical abilities – and if you’re happy skiing red-graded runs (or are ready to step up) then you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Finally, for independent travellers there’s a wealth of luxury accommodation options – both hotels as well as chalets.

Snowboarding

Cross-Country Skiing

Handiski...