Les Gets is the hidden gem in the French Alps: a pretty, family orientated village, just one hour from Geneva and with direct access to the high mountain areas of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area including Morzine, Avoriaz and Châtel, with a single pass giving access to one of the largest connected ski areas in Europe.
If you don’t feel that adventurous, the Les Gets/Morzine ski area around Les Gets gives access to approximately 50 lifts and the nearby Mont Chéry ski area. This also includes several great spots for off-piste skiing and snowboarding, the best of which are around black run off Chamossiere and also a short hike from the top of the Ranfoilly lift. The latter area been rated as one of the best off-piste powder bowls in Europe. More than enough to satisfy all but the most demanding skiers!
There is a snowpark located on Mont Chéry, which is the ski area on the other side of the village. A bus service connects the two sides of the village, however it takes just 10 minutes to walk which can be easier. The snowpark has kickers, a spine, rails, boxes, a boarder cross and a large air bag to keep the teenagers happy. For the smaller family members, there is a children’s ski area: le Grande Cry. This has 2 drag lifts and several runs, all themed around trappers and Indians and they hey hold weekly treasure hunts for children. In the evening the children often go tobogganing on the final part of the slopes into the village whilst the parents keep eye on them and enjoying the music and drinks at the Après ski bar.
Les Gets has some of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps – some hidden gems and other larger more popular restaurants. Make sure you visit Le Grande Ourse restaurant on Mont Chéry and dine on the balcony for spectacular views over the mountains towards Mont Blanc. Also try La Païka half way down La Turche, soaking up the sunshine on the balcony. These are two of our favourites but there are more more we visit frequently!
There are many companies offering ski lessons both for adults and children, private and public, but the main company operating in the area is ESF (L’Ecole du Ski Francais), who have a building situated at the foot of the slopes, adjacent to Les Gets Village itself. They have English speaking instructors and teach to the very high standard you woudl expect. If you are an expert skier, why not hire an ESF guide and get them to take you off-piste? Even if you think you know the resort, you will ski new areas you never knew existed.
For more information about Les Gets including tickets and links to other resources, visit the official Les Gets website www.lesgets.com