Photo: Les Gets ski resort – © D.Boucher OT Les Gets
Les Gets is a very family-friendly resort in one of the world’s largest ski areas, Les Portes du Soleil, in the French Alps. Its short transfer time from Geneva airport and gentle treelined slopes attract skiers to Les Gets year after year. In this ultimate guide to Les Gets, we will delve into the details of Les Gets. You will learn what to expect, what to do and where to stay when staying in this fabulous ski resort.
Where Is Les Gets In France?
Les Gets is in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the French Alps. As mentioned above, it is nestled in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which falls on both sides of the French-Swiss border.
It is also linked by the ski slopes to nearby Morzine, just 8 kilometres away by road. Another noteworthy nearby town is the iconic ski resort of Chamonix, about 82 kilometres away from Les Gets.
As Les Gets is so close to the French-Swiss border, most people fly into Geneva Airport. As Geneva is only about 60 kilometres away from Les Gets, transfer times are pretty short when compared to other resorts.
How High Is Les Gets?
Les Gets is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,172 meters above sea level. The resort’s reasonably high elevation provides excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season.
The highest point in Les Get’s local ski area is the summit of Mont Chery, which reaches an altitude of 1,826 meters. On a clear day, from the top, you can take in incredible Alpine views, including Mont Blanc, before enjoying some superb pistes.
Les Gets Ski Resort
Les Gets sits at 1,170m in a wide, shallow valley that caches the sun most of the day. There are no high-rise buildings in Les Gets, which helps to maintain the alpine village atmosphere. The buildings are largely attractive thanks to timber cladding buildings, even along the lively main street. Les Gets has been going through a modernisation project in recent years, seeing the development of a few more modern buildings. These have an elegant architecture that is in keeping with the more old-fashioned buildings.
With ski lifts within easy reach of much of the accommodation, Les Gets is an excellent choice for families heading out on their first French Alps ski trip.
Les Gets is a beautiful year-round traditional mountain village with cosy little wood and stone chalets at the foot of the mountains.
THE MOUNTAINS
The ski area is divided into two parts on either side of the valley. Both sides are suitable for beginner skiers and families, thanks to their selection of pistes. There are many green and blue runs to hone your skills on. Many are wide, well looked after and easily accessible to skiers of all levels. The local lift pass also gives you access to the Morzine ski area, which is well worth exploring too.
Les Gets itself isn’t the best for more advanced skiers unless they are willing to put some effort in. There are a couple of black runs, but the area behind Mont Chery is fantastic for ski touring and splitboarding. To take full advantage of this, book a guide, as they will choose the best peaks for the conditions. Alternatively, if you are up for an all-day mission, you can explore the whole Portes du Soleil area. This area straddles the French-Swiss border and incorporates twelve ski resorts, all under one lift pass. But if you plan to stay in Les Gets, just buy a local Morzine-Les Gets pass to save you some money.
One of the attractions to Les Get for families is that the snowpack is pretty reliable, but its low altitude means that it doesn’t get too cold and uncomfortable.
Les Gets has many restaurants, most of them have a traditional Savoyard style
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Les Gets doesn’t have any five-star hotels, but this doesn’t mean that there is a lack of choice of lovely places to stay. Here are some of our favourite accommodation options in Les Gets.
Residence Annuapurna
Residence Annapurna is a prestigious apartment block on the Mont Chery side of the valley. Its location is just 100m from the Mont Chery bubble lift and 400m from the Chevannes gondola.
This was completed in 2018 and was awarded the title of ‘Best New Build Ski Development.’ There are a few different apartment options to suit your group’s size, ranging from three to five rooms. They all have a high-end contemporary design and easy access to some great amenities. Downstairs is a fantastic restaurant and bar to sip après drinks or enjoy evening meals without having to stray too far away from your accommodation. There is also a beautiful wellness centre with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam and hot tub.
Chalet-Hôtel La Marmotte, La Tapiaz & Spa
La Marmotte chalet-hotel and spa is a wonderful four-star hotel located at the bottom of Les Gets’ slopes. It has a cosy, friendly, welcoming atmosphere with traditional alpine charm. The ambience is enhanced by quirky design cues and antique furniture. Its location not only makes Le Marmotte very convenient for guests, but it also provides stunning panoramic mountain views.
The hotel caters perfectly for families and for those that want to be pampered in the wellness centre.
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Residence Annapurna is a prestigious apartment block on the Mont Chery side of the valley in Les Gets
APRÈS AND NIGHTLIFE
The nightlife in Les Gets may surprise you. Even though it is a predominantly family-oriented ski resort, there are some fun times to be had for après and in the evenings.
Bar Bush
Bar Bush is one of Les Gets’ most well-known pubs and has been the ‘go to’ spot for seasonnaires and holidaymakers for many years. It is quite a small bar, but there is always something going on. For example, the darts board has played host to many tournaments, and the weekly Friday night quiz night is always lots of fun. Bar Bush is an ideal venue to watch sports on the TV screens too. Other events to look out for are the themed costume party towards the end of January, open mic night in mid-February and full-moon UV paint party in the first week of March.
The Black Bear
The Black Bear is a quirky Canadian themed bar, great for relaxed drinks watching sports events. The fun decor plays to the Candian theme perfectly with a moose head and a black bear as focal points. This bar is also great if you fancy a game of pool or darts. You can also enjoy drinks in the covered, heated outdoor area.
L’ Après Ski Bar Resto
After skiing on the main side of Les Gets, L’ Après Ski Bar Resto is the easiest après bar to get to. It is an outdoor bar that sits right at the foot of the piste and is attached to the Bellevue Hotel. You can often enjoy live music and themed events throughout the winter. You don’t have to stand outside though, as there is also a covered bar and restaurant. This is not a relaxing place, but it is great fun and ideal on sunny afternoons, especially towards the end of the season when temperatures are mild.
If you want a quick bit to eat, there is a small snack bar next to the outdoor bar.
Bar Bowling
Bar Bowling is a French-owned underground bar featuring two bowling lanes, some pool tables and a darts board. Here you can often enjoy themed nights, such as back to school and horror nights. You can expect locals, seasonnaires and tourists enjoying loud music. This bustling bar is popular with younger party-goers, not for anyone wanting a quiet drink.
Igloo Chalet Club
The Igloo Chalet Club first opened in 1938 and is the only nightclub in Les Gets. Here DJ’s host various specialised nights, including foam parties and themed nights. Unusually for a nightclub, the Igloo’s interior looks like a chalet with lots of old wooden beams.
Les Gets is one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the French Alps, perfectly suited for beginners with its gentle, flat and cruisy runs and is great for tree skiing.
EATING IN LES GETS
Les Gets has many restaurants, most of them have a traditional Savoyard style. But in recent years, there have been a few more options appearing for those that want a break from the meat and cheese. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Les Gets.
Mountain Restaurants
La Paika Restaurant
La Paika is located on the blue slope serviced by the “La Turche” draglift. This makes it easy for skiers to get to, but it is accessible by foot and makes a great stop off for those on snowshoes. There is also a shuttle from Hotel La Marmotte. La Paika is very popular, so it is best to book to avoid disappointment. The large sunny terrace is a great place to sip wine while enjoying local and seasonal specialities. The meats and fish cooked on the barbecue are also fantastic.
Altitude Lodge
Enjoying lunch in the mountains is a great experience, and the Altitude Lodge is a superb option. They serve honest and traditional dishes made from local ingredients. But, if you fancy a change, their menu includes international cuisine, featuring soups, baguettes, burgers, steaks, risotto, and fish. There is also a children’s menu. Altitude Lodge is easy to get to on skis, but you can also get there on foot from the ski lift. You would be wise to book in advance to make sure you get a table on the sunny terrace.
La Grande Ourse Restaurant
Le Grande Ourse is a family-run restaurant on the Mont Chèry side of the valley. It sits at 1750m overlooking Les Gets, and on a clear day, Mont Blanc. The British chef put the menu which includes sausage and mash, made with a range of home-made sausages. The Rosé wine spaghetti with lobster is excellent, and so is the lobster and scallop tartiflette. A big attraction to Le Grande Ourse is their smoker, with which they slowly cook pulled pork and lamb. You can enjoy your meals on the sun terrace or inside the cosy restaurant. Either way, you can enjoy what has been regarded since the 1930’s as one of the best views of the famous Mont Blanc in the Alps.
The après-ski in Les Gets may surprise you. Even though it is a predominantly family-oriented ski resort, there are some fun times to be had for après and in the evenings.
EATING IN LES GETS
Les Gets has many restaurants, most of them have a traditional Savoyard style. But in recent years, there have been a few more options appearing for those that want a break from the meat and cheese. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Les Gets.
In Resort Restaurants
Le Boomerrang
Le Boomerang is owned by characterful Australian JM, who serves some fantastic food, that is a little different to your usual Savoyard fayre.
Here you can enjoy a varied menu featuring fantastic barbecue-style meats, excellent sushi and other Asian inspired dishes. JM ensures that the atmosphere in Le Boomerang is a fun but laidback place to enjoy his food. Le Boomerang has always had an excellent selection of cocktails. There is also a wide range of gins to work your way through during your stay too.
Wild Beets
Wild Beets is an excellent lunch stop, just a short walk from Les Gets’ centre and the Chevannes lift. Owned by Jo and with a menu created by chef Pippa, Wild Beets focuses on clean and healthy food. They serve a range of delicious wraps, salads and smoothies. This is a good stop for a coffee and a cake, while their breakfasts are a superb way to start your day too.
Vina Annapurna
We mentioned Annapurna earlier, but it is worth going into a little more detail on the fantastic restaurant. The sunny terrace and the restaurant’s gorgeous interior are great places to enjoy anything from a coffee, après drinks or dishes from the excellent menu. The food is inspired by the mountains but with a more contemporary twist. The restaurant is open from lunchtime and is open for diners to enjoy evening meals in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
La Biskatcha Restaurant
La Biskatcha Restaurant is one of the three restaurants located in the Hotel La Marmotte. It has a simple but striking decor and a comfortable and cheerful atmosphere.
The menu comprises various grilled meat dishes, from Iberican pork to a selection of fresh fish. You can expect a selection of hearty meat-based main courses and some pasta and risotto dishes suitable for vegetarians. The children’s menu is very popular with families with small children too.
Chez Jeanne Restaurant
For an authentic traditional french alpine restaurant, Chez Jeanne is an excellent choice. Here you can sample traditional local cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, allowing you to discover the flavours of Savoyard home cooking.
You can enjoy your meals on the sunny terrace or surrounded by the traditional Savoyard decor of the restaurant’s interior.
Families are increasingly discovering this former farming village which centres around an ice-skating rink
NON-SKIING ACTIVITIES
Often on a family ski holiday, you will want other things to do that don’t necessarily involve skiing. Kids can’t always ski all day, but you will want to make sure that there is plenty of other things to do. Les Gets is very well geared up for providing non-skiing activities; here are some things you may want to experience.
See Les Gets From Another Perspective
Using the lift system while skiing and snowboarding is an excellent way of seeing the mountain landscape. For example, at the top of the Rainfoilly chairlift, there is a viewing platform giving you spectacular views of Mont Blanc. But, why not take in the views at a much more sedate pace?
Snowshoeing is an excellent way to take in the views. Les Gets has several marked snowshoeing routes. The tourist office has snowshoeing maps, but hiking up to Mont Caly is a favourite for an alternative view of Mont Blanc.
Alternatively, you can experience the snow-covered peaks and valleys from the air. Take a tandem paraglider flight to get the best-unobstructed alpine views in the French Alps.
Activities In The Village
You don’t have to hike or fly to find something different to do in Les Gets. The village has lots to do for everyone. Often, the tourist office hosts special events during peak weeks, with activities to entertain kids.
The village square has an outdoor ice rink to enjoy all winter. Kids can also go to Le Bowling bar during the day to go ten pin bowling while you sip a beer.
Les Gets gives you the chance to introduce your kids to some French culture and history too. The Museum of Mechanical Music has an outstanding collection of mechanical instruments, consisting of around 800 pieces.
Here you can enjoy a guided tour and demonstrations of the pieces, which include chimes, clocks, musical boxes, automatons, organs, orchestrions and mechanical violins, to name just a few.
Activities For Animal Lovers
If you or your kids love animals, there are a couple of ways to combine winter sports with the love of animals. A fantastic experience is to ride a sledge pulled by a team of huskies. Dog-sledding is a fun way to explore the local forests and snowcovered mountain roads of Les Gets. An alternative is to try your hand at ski joering. This is when you are pulled along behind a horse. Hold on to the special harness to steer your horse through a set route. Ski joering is a unique experience that will create memories on a ski tip to Les Gets.
Electric Snowmobiles
You will see an area under the Chevannes chairlift set aside for electric snowmobiles. This is a fun activity for kids as young as 5 years old, as the machines are specifically designed for their age. The snowmobiles are clean and entirely “zero emission”. This means they have no negative impact on Les Get’s air quality.
Dog-sledding is a fun way to explore the local forests and snowcovered mountain roads of Les Gets
How To Get To Les Gets
Most people reach Les Gets by flying to Geneva Airport, taking the train or driving. We recommend booking a private transfer from the train station or airport to Les Gets. This is one of the easiest ways of arriving in Les Gets, as your driver takes you directly to your accommodation. However, here are a few ways you can get to Les Gets:
How To Get From Paris To Les Gets
It is possible to get to Les Gets from Paris by train. However, the closest train stations are at Cluses, 22 kilometres away, and Thonon-les-Bains, 40 kilometres away. Each station is just under one hour’s drive from the resort. This is where a private transfer comes in, as it will be waiting for you when your train arrives.
How To Get From Geneva Airport To Les Gets
Hiring a car to get to Les Gets from Geneva is a good choice if you want to have more flexibility once you’re there. It gives you the opportunity to explore the local area. However, remember that you have about 650km of slopes to enjoy, so you may not feel the need to leave the Portes du Soleil.
Another thing you must consider is that your hire car needs to have snow chains or snow tyres fitted to drive in the Savoie region. Even though this is required by law between November and March, not all hire cars are equipped for winter driving. This is one of the many reasons we recommend booking a private transfer.
Why Book your Ski Holiday to Les Gets
For a family ski holiday in France, Les Get is one of the best choices. It is easy to get to, has plenty to do, and has a lovely atmosphere. For those days when the kids are in ski school or with a nanny, there is a vast ski area for you to explore too.