Les Gets Ski Resort: A Complete Guide to the Portes du Soleil's Most Charming Village
Les Gets is a genuine Alpine village that happens to sit at the doorstep of one of Europe's largest ski areas. Perched at 1,172m in the Haute-Savoie, it connects directly to the Portes du Soleil — 12 interlinked resorts spanning France and Switzerland with over 600km of marked pistes. Unlike purpose-built stations, Les Gets has a year-round population, a weekly market, and a centre built around a 12th-century church rather than a shopping mall. For skiers who want both serious terrain and a place that feels like a real town, it is one of the strongest options in the French Alps.
The Ski Area: Scale Without Leaving a Village Feel
Les Gets offers direct lift access to 48 runs across its own local ski area between Mont Chéry and the Chavannes sector, plus seamless connections to the full 600km Portes du Soleil domain shared with Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, and eight other resorts across the Franco-Swiss border.
The Local Terrain
The village sits between two main ski sectors. Chavannes, on the north side, is the primary connection point — from its summit at 1,995m, you can ski across to Morzine or continue up toward Avoriaz and the wider circuit. Mont Chéry, on the south side, is a quieter and steeper mountain with excellent tree skiing and views stretching from Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva on clear days.
| Sector | Summit | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chavannes | 1,995m | Wide cruisers, snowpark, links to Morzine | Intermediates, families, park skiers |
| Mont Chéry | 1,826m | Steeper, tree-lined, quieter | Advanced skiers, off-piste, scenic runs |
Piste Breakdown
Les Gets' own ski area includes 48 runs: 7 green, 17 blue, 18 red, and 6 black. The altitude range from 1,172m to 1,995m is modest by Alpine standards, but north-facing slopes and significant tree coverage help preserve snow conditions later into the season than the elevation might suggest.
The Wider Portes du Soleil
From the top of Chavannes, a single chairlift takes you into the Morzine sector, and from there the full circuit opens up — Avoriaz at 1,800m, the Swiss Wall into Champéry, and the gentler terrain around Morgins and Torgon. Strong intermediates can ski the full Franco-Swiss circuit in a day, covering six valleys and two countries. The Portes du Soleil pass covers all 196 lifts and 286 runs across the domain.
The Village: A Savoyard Original
Les Gets feels distinctly different from its Portes du Soleil neighbours. Where Avoriaz is a car-free modernist experiment and Morzine a bustling market town, Les Gets occupies a quieter register — traditional dark-wood chalets clustered around a church square, a mechanical music museum that draws visitors even in summer, and a pace that feels unhurried even at peak season.
The village centre is compact and walkable. Most restaurants, shops, and the tourist office sit within a five-minute radius of the main square. Dining tilts toward Savoyard classics — tartiflette, fondue, raclette — served in wood-panelled restaurants with genuine character rather than resort-chain polish. Le Tyrol and La Fruitière are local favourites, both within walking distance of the main lifts.
Family Credentials
Les Gets holds the Famille Plus label, a French government accreditation awarded to resorts meeting strict criteria for family facilities. The village nursery takes children from 6 months, the ESF ski school runs classes from age 3, and the Chavannes sector has a dedicated beginners' area with magic carpet lifts and a gentle gradient that lets children build confidence at their own pace. For families weighing Les Gets against other family-focused European resorts, the village's compact layout is a genuine advantage — most accommodation sits within walking distance of both the ski school meeting point and the main lifts.
Where to Stay in Les Gets
In our current collection, Les Gets offers 28 properties — predominantly chalets (20) with a selection of apartments (6) and two hotels. The amenity profile across the portfolio is unusually strong for a village of this size.
| Feature | Count | % of Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Ski-in/ski-out or under 5 min to lifts | 24 | 86% |
| Hot tub | 27 | 96% |
| Sauna | 24 | 86% |
| Swimming pool | 20 | 71% |
| Cinema room | 19 | 68% |
| Chef service available | 6 | 21% |
| Accommodates 10+ guests | 11 | 39% |
That 86% ski-in/ski-out ratio reflects Les Gets' layout — the village sits directly beneath the ski area rather than at a distance from it, so most chalets offer direct slope access or are positioned within a short walk of a lift station.
Catered and Staffed Options
For those who prefer a hosted experience, Chalet Hôtel Blythe accommodates up to 16 guests with a catered service, swimming pool, and cinema room — one of the larger staffed properties in the resort.
Chalet Valambrun offers a more intimate catered option for up to 10 guests, with a hot tub, cinema room, sauna, and swimming pool. Both properties combine the hospitality of a staffed chalet with the privacy of a standalone rental.
Self-Catered Chalets
The majority of the Les Gets collection is self-catered, which suits the village well — the centre has quality grocery shops and a weekly market, and the compact layout means restaurants are always within walking distance.
Ferme de Moudon is a standout among the self-catered options: a converted farmhouse for up to 10 guests with ski-in/ski-out access, a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and cinema room. Its flexible service level means catering can be arranged on request.
For groups seeking a fully equipped property, Urban Corniche sleeps 10 across five bedrooms and comes with a pool, spa, gym, cinema room, and chef service available — the most comprehensively amenitied self-catered chalet in the collection.
You can browse all Les Gets properties or narrow by ski-in/ski-out access and properties with pools.
Getting to Les Gets: Transfers and Timing
Les Gets is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the French Alps, sitting just 60km from Geneva International Airport. Transfer times are consistently among the shortest for any resort of this calibre.
| Route | Distance | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva Airport (GVA) | 60km | 1 hour |
| Lyon Airport (LYS) | 220km | 2.5 hours |
| Chambéry Airport (CMF) | 170km | 2 hours |
| Annecy (town) | 65km | 1 hour |
Geneva is the default arrival point. Shared transfers run regularly during the season, and private transfers can be arranged through most chalet management companies. The drive follows the A40 motorway before turning south through Taninges — straightforward even in winter conditions.
Best Time to Visit
The Les Gets ski season typically runs from mid-December through mid-April. Snow reliability is moderate — the village altitude of 1,172m means the lower runs can be affected during warmer spells, but the north-facing Chavannes slopes and access to higher terrain via Avoriaz (1,800m) and the Hauts Forts (2,466m) provide insurance.
| Period | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Dec to late Dec | Early season, variable coverage | Quiet (except Christmas week) |
| January | Reliable snow, cold temperatures | Moderate |
| February (half-term) | Peak conditions, peak crowds | High — book well ahead |
| March | Longer days, spring conditions begin | Moderate |
| Early–mid April | Late season, lower slopes soften | Quiet |
For the best combination of snow conditions and manageable crowds, January and early March are the considered choices.
Les Gets Ski Pass: Options and Coverage
Les Gets sits within the Portes du Soleil lift pass system, which offers several tiers depending on how much terrain you want to access.
| Pass | Coverage | Adult 6-Day (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Les Gets / Morzine local | 48 lifts, local terrain | ~€230 |
| Portes du Soleil | 196 lifts, full 12-resort domain | ~€310 |
| Portes du Soleil Family | Discounted family rate (2 adults + 2 children) | ~€950 |
For a week-long stay, the full Portes du Soleil pass is the stronger choice — the price difference is modest relative to the enormous terrain it unlocks. Passes can be purchased online in advance, often with early-booking discounts of 5–10%.
The Les Gets/Morzine local pass makes sense for shorter stays, beginner skiers who will stay on the local slopes, or families with young children in ski school. Children under 5 ski free across the entire Portes du Soleil domain.
How Les Gets Compares
Les Gets occupies a distinctive position within the Portes du Soleil and the broader French Alps. It is smaller and quieter than Morzine, more traditional than Avoriaz, and considerably more affordable than Courchevel or Megève while still offering access to a comparable volume of terrain through the linked ski area.
| Factor | Les Gets | Morzine | Avoriaz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village altitude | 1,172m | 1,000m | 1,800m |
| Character | Traditional Savoyard | Bustling market town | Modernist, car-free |
| Local runs | 48 | 36 (+ link to Les Gets) | 49 |
| Après scene | Relaxed, family-oriented | Lively, varied | Moderate |
| Geneva transfer | ~1 hour | ~1 hour | ~1.5 hours |
| Best for | Families, couples, village feel | Mixed groups, nightlife seekers | Snow reliability, park skiing |
The resort works particularly well for families, couples, and groups who want a considered base that stays quiet while still connecting to one of Europe's largest ski domains. If the priority is nightlife and a wider dining scene, Morzine may be the stronger choice. If guaranteed snow cover matters more than village character, Avoriaz has the altitude advantage.
Powder Edition brings together a curated selection of chalets and apartments across the Portes du Soleil. Explore our collection in Les Gets, Morzine, or browse all destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What altitude is Les Gets?
Les Gets village sits at 1,172m, with skiing reaching 1,995m on the Chavannes side and 1,826m on Mont Chéry. Access to the wider Portes du Soleil extends the skiable altitude to 2,466m via the Hauts Forts above Avoriaz. North-facing slopes and significant tree coverage help compensate for the moderate village elevation.
Is Les Gets good for beginners?
Les Gets is one of the stronger beginner resorts in the French Alps. The Chavannes sector includes a dedicated learners' area with magic carpet lifts and gentle gradients, and the ESF ski school runs group and private lessons from age 3. The village holds the Famille Plus accreditation for its family and beginner facilities. Wide blue runs on the Chavannes side provide natural progression terrain once the basics are established.
How far is Les Gets from Geneva Airport?
Les Gets sits approximately 60km from Geneva International Airport, with a transfer time of around one hour by road. This makes it one of the most accessible resorts in the French Alps — shorter than the transfer to Verbier (2 hours), Courchevel (3 hours), or Val d'Isère (3.5 hours). Shared and private transfers operate regularly throughout the ski season.
What is the best time to ski Les Gets?
January and early March offer the strongest balance of reliable snow conditions and moderate crowds. February half-term (typically mid-to-late February) brings peak season pricing and larger crowds. Early season from mid-December can be variable at village altitude, while late March and April bring longer days and spring snow conditions on the lower slopes.
Can you ski to Morzine from Les Gets?
Yes. Les Gets and Morzine share a linked ski area across the Pleney and Chavannes sectors. From the top of Chavannes at 1,995m, a single chairlift takes you into the Morzine ski domain. The two villages are approximately 6km apart by road, and a free shuttle bus runs between them throughout the season for non-skiing access.
Is the Portes du Soleil pass worth it for a week in Les Gets?
For most skiers staying a week, the full Portes du Soleil pass offers considerably better value than the local Les Gets/Morzine pass. The price difference of roughly €80 unlocks access to 196 lifts across 12 resorts and two countries, compared to 48 lifts on the local pass. Even intermediate skiers will find enough variety in the wider domain to justify the upgrade — particularly the high-altitude terrain above Avoriaz and the scenic Swiss sectors around Champéry and Morgins.
