Les Gets Ski Resort — Complete Guide 2025

Base: 1,172m | Summit: 1,852m (Les Gets) / 2,466m (Avoriaz via Portes du Soleil) | Piste: 120km (Les Gets-Morzine) / 600km (Portes du Soleil) | Lifts: 47 (local) / 196 (Portes du Soleil) | Season: Dec–Apr | Airport: Geneva (GVA) — 1.5 hrs

Les Gets is a genuine Alpine village — one of the few in the Portes du Soleil that feels authentically French rather than purpose-built. At 1,172m it’s lower than its neighbours, but its east-facing slopes and a substantial snowmaking network protect against poor seasons. The skiing is predominantly intermediate, the village is compact and family-friendly, and its position within the 600km Portes du Soleil mega-area means the ambition of the skiing is effectively unlimited. It’s one of the most popular destinations for British families in the French Alps — and for good reason.

Resort overview

Les Gets sits in its own bowl, with skiing on two main massifs: the Mont Chéry to the south and the Chavannes-Les Pelerins sector to the north, which provides the link to Morzine and the wider Portes du Soleil. The village is a proper working French mountain town — it has a church, a market square, good bakeries, and a genuine community. This gives it character that purpose-built resorts lack, though it does mean the layout is less ski-convenient than a purpose-built resort.

The Portes du Soleil pass is one of the great Alpine ski passes — linking 12 resorts, 600km of piste, and crossing the Franco-Swiss border. From Les Gets, the natural progression is to Morzine, then Avoriaz, and from there into the Swiss resorts of Champéry, Morgins, and Châtel. A circumnavigation of the full Portes du Soleil circuit is a day trip worth planning carefully.

Getting there

Geneva Airport (GVA) is the primary gateway, approximately 1.5 hours by road — the A40 motorway heads directly towards the Haute-Savoie, exiting at Cluses. Transfer services from Geneva are numerous and well-priced. From Chambéry (CMF) the drive is about 2 hours. Several UK tour operators run direct coaches from Gatwick to Les Gets during the ski season. The resort is easily accessible by car from the UK via Eurotunnel or ferry — a popular option for families.

The skiing

Terrain and pistes

Les Gets’ own ski area is well-suited to intermediates — long, rolling red runs, wide blues for warming up, and a handful of genuine blacks on the Mont Chéry south face. The Chavannes sector above the village is the busiest and most varied, with good connections north towards Morzine. The Ranfoilly black at the top of the Les Gets area is a satisfying steep pitch with excellent views. The Mont Chéry side, reached by gondola from the village centre, is often quieter and offers different aspect — useful on busy days.

With the Portes du Soleil pass, the skiing expands dramatically. Avoriaz at 1,800m is the area’s highest resort, with more reliable snow and an exceptional terrain park (the Stash). The Swiss side — especially Les Crosets and Champéry — offers a change of culture, food, and landscape. The circuit from Les Gets through Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, and back is a classic long day.

Off-piste and freeriding

Les Gets itself has limited off-piste — the terrain is mostly intermediate and well-patrolled. The better freeride options are in the wider Portes du Soleil, particularly Avoriaz and the Hauts-Forts area. Guided tours are available for those wanting to explore beyond the piste.

Ski schools and lessons

ESF Les Gets is the main French ski school — very large, with English-speaking instructors available. New Generation Ski School is a British-run school with an excellent reputation and child-friendly approach. Book early for peak weeks as group lessons fill quickly.

Lift passes

The Portes du Soleil pass is the best value if you plan to explore beyond Les Gets — it covers all 12 resorts and is approximately €55–65 per day for adults (6-day pass around €290–320). A Les Gets-Morzine pass is available for lower cost if you prefer to stay local. Child discounts are significant. Passes can be purchased online in advance.

Where to stay

Les Gets has a good range of accommodation — more chalets and apartments than large hotels, in keeping with its family focus. CGH Résidences Les Chalets de Jouvence are excellent self-catering apartments with pool access. Hôtel Mont Chéry is the most characterful hotel option. Crystal, Ski Total, and Inghams all operate chalet programmes here with catered options. Staying close to the Chavannes gondola saves time at the start of each ski day.

Book ski lessons, activities, and experiences in Les Gets via GetYourGuide.

Après-ski

Les Gets is family-oriented but has a decent après scene. Les Perrières bar at the ski area’s main junction is the classic first stop. La Bonne Franquette and The Igloo are popular mid-mountain spots. In the village, Le Boomerang and Bar Bush are lively evening venues popular with the British crowd. The resort isn’t Verbier or Val Thorens for nightlife, but there’s enough for a good evening without the excesses.

Best time to visit

January and February are the most reliable snow months. Being below 1,200m at village level means lower Les Gets can be patchy in mild winters — snowmaking covers the main runs. February half-term is extremely busy and more expensive. March offers a good mix of snow and sunshine with slightly lower prices. Christmas week books up far in advance for the best chalet programmes.

Les Gets ski tips

  • Buy the Portes du Soleil pass even if you mostly ski Les Gets — the Avoriaz day trip alone justifies the price difference
  • Mont Chéry is often quieter than the Chavannes side — use it on busy Saturdays
  • Plan the full Portes du Soleil circuit on a clear day — it needs 6+ hours and good navigation
  • New Generation ski school comes highly recommended for English-speaking instruction
  • Book chalet catering accommodation as early as October for peak weeks

Frequently asked questions

Is Les Gets part of the Portes du Soleil?

Yes — Les Gets is one of the 12 resorts that make up the Portes du Soleil ski area, the world’s largest linked international ski area with around 600km of marked pistes spanning France and Switzerland. From Les Gets you can ski to Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, and across into Champéry and Morgins in Switzerland, all on one lift pass.

Is Les Gets good for families?

Les Gets is considered one of the best family resorts in the Alps. The village is compact and relatively flat, making it easy to navigate with children. The ski area has excellent nursery slopes, a dedicated children’s ski village, and the resort is popular with British families in particular.

Can I ski to Avoriaz from Les Gets?

Yes — Les Gets connects to Morzine via the ski area, and from Morzine you can reach Avoriaz via gondola or via the Prodains cable car. The full circuit from Les Gets to Avoriaz and back is a full day’s skiing. Avoriaz is the highest resort in the Portes du Soleil at 1,800m and offers better snow conditions in lean snow years.

How do I get to Les Gets?

Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest major airport — about 1.5 hours by road or transfer. Les Gets is on the main road from Taninges, well-served by road transfer services. Several UK airports offer direct flights to Geneva, making it one of the most accessible Alpine resorts from Britain.

What is the skiing like at Les Gets?

Les Gets offers around 120km of piste within its own ski area, with access to 600km via the Portes du Soleil pass. The terrain is predominantly intermediate — wide blues and reds with excellent long cruising runs. The resort faces east and north, giving good snow retention. There are steeper sectors on the Mont Chéry side with genuine black runs.

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