Nestled in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world, Les Gets is a charming and picturesque alpine village that has retained its traditional Savoyard character. With its wooden chalets, friendly atmosphere, and stunning mountain scenery, it’s no wonder that Les Gets is a firm favourite with families and skiers of all abilities. The resort offers a unique blend of authentic village life and world-class skiing, making it a truly special destination for a winter holiday.
Located just a short drive from Geneva, Les Gets is incredibly accessible, which adds to its appeal. But it’s the combination of extensive skiing, a family-friendly environment, and a lively village that really sets it apart. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to take your first turns on snow, an intermediate skier wanting to explore the vast Portes du Soleil, or an expert seeking challenging off-piste adventures, Les Gets has something for everyone. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect ski trip to Les Gets, from the best ski schools and slopes to where to stay and what to do when you’re not skiing.
Resort Overview
Les Gets is part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, which straddles the French-Swiss border and offers an incredible 650km of pisted runs. The local Les Gets-Morzine ski area provides 120km of pistes, with a great variety of terrain to suit all levels. The resort itself sits at an altitude of 1172m, with the highest lift reaching 2002m. This ensures reliable snow cover throughout the season, which typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Resort Altitude | 1172m |
| Highest Lift | 2002m |
| Piste Kilometres (Les Gets-Morzine) | 120km |
| Piste Kilometres (Portes du Soleil) | 650km |
| Number of Lifts (Les Gets-Morzine) | 47 |
| Snow Record | Excellent, with extensive snowmaking facilities |
| Season Dates | Mid-December to mid-April |
Ski Schools and Lessons
Les Gets is home to a wide range of excellent ski schools, offering a variety of lessons to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for group lessons, private tuition, or specialised clinics, you’ll find a ski school that’s perfect for you. Some of the main ski schools in Les Gets include:
- ESF Les Gets: The largest ski school in the resort, ESF Les Gets offers a comprehensive range of group and private lessons for both adults and children. They have a dedicated kindergarten for young children and also offer instruction in a variety of disciplines, including snowboarding, telemark, and off-piste skiing.
- Evolution 2 Les Gets: A smaller, more boutique ski school, Evolution 2 is known for its small group sizes and personalised instruction. They offer a range of private and group lessons, as well as off-piste guiding and adventure activities.
- New Generation Ski & Snowboard School: With a focus on fun and progression, New Generation is a popular choice for skiers of all levels. They offer small group lessons, private tuition, and specialised clinics, all delivered by a team of friendly and experienced instructors.
- LGS - Les Gets Ski School: A small team of highly qualified British ski instructors offering high-quality lessons with a personal touch.
Prices for ski lessons in Les Gets can vary depending on the ski school, the type of lesson, and the time of season. As a general guide, you can expect to pay around €200-€250 for a week of group lessons, and from €70 per hour for a private lesson.
Best Slopes for Each Level
Beginner
Les Gets is an excellent resort for beginners, with a number of dedicated nursery slopes and gentle green runs. The main beginner area is located at the top of the Chavannes bubble, where you’ll find a large, sunny plateau with several magic carpets and easy-to-use drag lifts. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can progress to the gentle blue runs that wind their way back down to the village.
Intermediate
Intermediates will be in their element in Les Gets, with a huge variety of blue and red runs to explore. The local Les Gets-Morzine ski area offers plenty of cruisey blues and more challenging reds, while the wider Portes du Soleil provides endless opportunities for mileage-hungry skiers. The runs around the Ranfolly bowl are particularly popular with intermediates, offering wide, open pistes with stunning views.
Advanced
While Les Gets is best known for its intermediate-friendly terrain, there are still plenty of challenges for advanced and expert skiers. The Mont Chéry area, on the opposite side of the valley from the main ski area, is home to some of the steepest and most challenging black runs in the resort. For those who enjoy off-piste skiing, the Portes du Soleil offers a lifetime of adventures, with countless couloirs, bowls, and tree runs to explore. For a real challenge, why not take on the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’, a formidable black run on the border between France and Switzerland.
Getting There
Les Gets is one of the most easily accessible ski resorts in the Alps, making it a popular choice for weekend breaks and short trips. The nearest airport is Geneva (GVA), which is just over an hour’s drive from the resort. There are numerous transfer companies that offer shared and private transfers from Geneva to Les Gets, or you can hire a car and drive yourself. If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station is Cluses, which is around 30 minutes’ drive from Les Gets. From Cluses, you can take a bus or a taxi to the resort.
Where to Stay
Les Gets offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, from traditional chalets and apartments to modern hotels and guesthouses. The village is quite spread out, so it’s worth considering where you want to be based. If you’re looking for easy access to the slopes, the Chavannes area is a good choice, while the village centre is perfect for those who want to be close to the shops, bars, and restaurants. For a quieter, more traditional experience, the Perrières area, at the entrance to the village, is a great option.
Apres-Ski and Off-Piste Activities
Les Gets has a lively and varied apres-ski scene, with a great selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink by the fire or a lively party atmosphere, you’ll find it in Les Gets. Some of the most popular apres-ski spots include the Irish Pub, Bar Bush, and L’Après-Ski. For those who want to continue the party late into the night, there are several nightclubs in the village, including the Igloo Challenger.
When you’re not skiing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in Les Gets. The village has a large outdoor ice rink, a cinema, and a bowling alley. You can also try your hand at snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or dog sledding. For a truly unique experience, why not take a hot air balloon ride over the mountains?
Tips for Visiting Les Gets
- Buy your lift pass online in advance: You’ll save time and money by buying your lift pass online before you travel. You can find more information on Ski Pass Prices in Europe: A Complete Guide for 2026.
- Book your ski lessons in advance: Ski schools in Les Gets can get very busy, especially during peak season, so it’s a good idea to book your lessons in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Explore the Portes du Soleil: Don’t just stick to the local Les Gets-Morzine ski area. The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world, so make sure you get out and explore it. You can even ski over to Switzerland for lunch!
- Try the local cuisine: Les Gets has a great selection of restaurants, serving everything from traditional Savoyard cuisine to international dishes. Be sure to try a fondue or a raclette during your stay.
- Visit the weekly market: Every Thursday, there’s a market in the village centre, where you can buy local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Les Gets good for beginners?
Yes, Les Gets is an excellent resort for beginners. There are several dedicated nursery slopes and a good selection of gentle green and blue runs. The ski schools are also excellent, with a strong focus on teaching beginners. It is considered one of The Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in Europe.
What is the apres-ski like in Les Gets?
Les Gets has a lively and varied apres-ski scene, with something to suit all tastes. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as a number of nightclubs for those who want to party late into the night.
How do I get to Les Gets?
Les Gets is very easy to get to. The nearest airport is Geneva, which is just over an hour’s drive away. You can also get the train to Cluses, which is around 30 minutes from the resort.
Ready to book your ski trip to Les Gets? Use Find a Ski School to find and book the best ski schools and instructors in the resort. We have a wide range of options to suit all ages and abilities, so you’re sure to find the perfect lessons for you. And if you're looking for more inspiration on skiing in France, check out our Skiing in France: The Complete Guide to French Ski Resorts. For other great French resorts, consider Ski Schools in Chamonix, Ski Schools in Val Thorens, Ski Schools in Courchevel, or Ski Schools in Val d'Isere.
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