Are you considering a luxury holiday?
Our team has over 50 years luxury travel experience
We can find the perfect luxury property for you
Book a Call Enquire OnlineBY - Will Davis , 7 October 2024 - VIEW ALL ARTICLES
If you are looking for traditional charm rather than contemporary concrete, Les Gets is perfect. A dairy farming village dating back to the 12th century, it retains much of its old Savoyard atmosphere. It is also set below the tree line (1,172 to 2,002 metres) and so has some beautiful runs through the pines.
Les Gets prides itself on being friendly and accessible. A free-of-charge small motorised ‘train’ transports visitors around the resort, and there are also free shuttle buses, removing the need for driving which helps to give the pedestrianised village centre a more relaxed feel.
Les Gets is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the French Alps, and it is a beloved destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world. One of the main reasons people love Les Gets is its extensive ski terrain, which offers something for skiers of all levels, from beginner to expert. The village is part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, which includes 12 linked resorts and over 650 kilometres of ski runs.
Beyond skiing, Les Gets offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledging. Dating back to the 12th Century, Les Gets stems from a traditional farming community with beautiful old farmhouses and barns littered around the valley making it incredibly pretty throughout the year. The traditional building style has been maintained throughout Les Gets’ development and any new builds must adhere to these strict parameters. Add several feet of fresh white powder on the sloping roofs and you have a chocolate box postcard to die for.
Les Gets lies at 1,172 to 2,002 metres, therefore, the best snow conditions are generally between January and March. However, with its pretty, tree-lined pistes some fantastic sunny skiing can be enjoyed in the later months particularly as it forms part of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area.
The closest major airport, Geneva, is approximately a 1 hour and 15 minute drive away. Many ski resorts are over 2 hours from the closest major airport, so Les Gets ski trips have a relatively short transfer time.
Les Gets is an excellent ski destination, and part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, which spans across France and Switzerland. On the outskirts of the Portes Du Soleil ski area, Les Gets allows you to ski all the way to neighbouring Morzine and Avoriaz and even dip into Switzerland via Champery and Champoussin. The ski area offers over 650km of ski runs and 200 lifts, making it one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. Les Gets itself has over 120km of ski runs, with something for skiers of all abilities.
Beginners will find plenty of gentle slopes to learn on, with many of the beginner runs conveniently located close to the village. The Chavannes area is particularly popular for beginners, with gentle runs and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Intermediates will also find plenty of terrain to explore, with a wide variety of blue and red runs spread across the ski area. The Mont Chery area is particularly popular for intermediate skiers, with challenging red runs and spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
Expert skiers will be thrilled with the extensive off-piste opportunities available in the Portes du Soleil ski area. The area is known for its challenging terrain, with plenty of steep runs and mogul fields to test even the most experienced skiers.
The ski area also has several snow parks, with a range of features and obstacles for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. The Stash Snowpark is located on the Mont Chery ski area and is a unique park that is built using natural materials, such as logs and tree stumps. The park has a range of features, including jumps, rails, and boxes, and is designed to blend in with the surrounding environment. The Boarder Cross Snowpark is another popular park in Les Gets and is located in the Chavannes ski area. The park has banked turns, rollers, and jumps, and is designed to simulate a boarder cross racecourse.
Visitors to Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil ski area can purchase lift passes that provide access to the entire ski area, as well as discounted rates for families and groups. The ski season typically runs from December to April, with snow conditions varying depending on the time of year.
Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil ski area offer a wide array of non-skiing activities, making it an ideal destination for those looking to take a break from the slopes or for non-skiers. One of the most popular activities is visiting the local spas and wellness centres. The Les Sources du Chéry is a popular choice, offering a range of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments.
For those who love shopping, Les Gets has some lovely boutique shops and local markets. The weekly market takes place on Thursdays, with local produce, crafts, and souvenirs on display. One of the most popular shops is the La Ferme de Caroline, which offers a range of local cheeses and dairy products.
Hot air balloon rides can take off from Les Gets and fly over the surrounding mountains and valleys, so you can take in the panoramic views of the beautiful landscape. The flights last for around an hour and sometimes end with a traditional champagne toast.
Les Gets offers a range of dining options, from traditional Savoyard cuisine to international dishes. On the mountain, Le Belvedere restaurant is a popular choice, offering magnificent views of Mont Blanc and a range of traditional French dishes, including fondue and raclette. The Folie Douce is another popular option, located on the slopes between Les Gets and Avoriaz. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with live music and DJs, as well as a range of international cuisine.
Off the mountain, La Paika restaurant is a must-visit for its unique location and delicious food. The menu features a choice of local and international dishes, including grilled meats and seafood. Another popular choice is the La Grande Ourse restaurant, which offers a cosy atmosphere and specialises in traditional Savoyard meals including tartiflette and diots de Savoie.
Après-ski in Les Gets reflects the laid-back, family friendly atmosphere of the resort itself. There is a good selection of restaurants, lively but civilised bars and a nightclub or two for those looking for a drink before heading back to their luxury ski chalet.
For après-ski drinks, the Barbylone is a popular choice, offering a range of cocktails and live music. The Irish Bar is another well-liked option, offering a lively atmosphere and a variety of beers and whiskeys. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Le Pub Le Saint Laurent offers a comfy setting and a range of local beers and wines.
As convenient ski resorts go, Les Gets in The Portes Du Soleil ski area in France ticks many boxes. Being just 1 hour from Geneva Airport it has one of the shortest transfer times in the Alps of all the resorts so works very well for families with younger children.
Chalet Valambrun is a beautiful ski chalet in Les Gets that boasts luxurious facilities and a prime location in the heart of the village. The open-plan living area is spacious and welcoming, with comfortable seating and a wood-burning stove.
The facilities at Chalet Valambrun are second to none including an indoor swimming pool, steam room and outdoor hot tub, providing the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. The chalet also features a fully equipped kitchen, a heated ski room with boot warmers, and a cinema room with a large screen and surround sound system, exactly what you need for a good movie night.
Ferme de Moudon is a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse that has been lovingly converted into a stunning ski retreat. The chalet features nine luxurious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, as well as some exceptional facilities. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub overlooking truly one of the most magnificent views from the terrace. There is also a home cinema, a games room, and a fully equipped gym.
What makes Ferme de Moudon truly special is its attention to detail and commitment to providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience. The chalet staff are on hand to provide a range of services, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and gourmet dinner service, ensuring that guests are well taken care of during their stay.
Written by
Will is a keen traveller and writer. When he's not travelling the world or writing about it, he's managing the marketing for Firefly Collection.