Les Gets: Budget-Friendly Alpine Charm in the Heart of the Portes du Soleil
Nestled in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets offers a wonderfully balanced ski holiday that won't break the bank. While not the cheapest French resort, it delivers excellent value compared to its glitzier neighbours. The village maintains authentic Savoyard character with wooden chalets and family-run restaurants serving hearty Alpine cuisine at reasonable prices. Accommodation ranges from modest self-catering apartments to mid-range chalets, with fewer ultra-luxury options than you'll find in nearby Morzine or Avoriaz – perfect for skiers who prioritise slope time over splashing cash.
Diverse Terrain and Reliable Snow Conditions in Les Gets
Les Gets benefits from a snow-sure position, particularly on its north-facing Mont Chery side which holds powder beautifully after fresh falls. The varied terrain caters brilliantly to intermediate skiers, with wide cruising blues and challenging reds dominating the map. Beginners enjoy excellent nursery slopes directly above the village, while advanced skiers can tackle the steep descents of La Chamossière or venture into the Portes du Soleil circuit for more challenging terrain. The tree-lined runs provide both stunning scenery and crucial visibility during snowstorms – a genuine blessing when the weather closes in.
Modern Lift System and Family-Friendly Facilities
The lift system in Les Gets has seen significant investment, with high-speed chairs replacing many older lifts, significantly reducing queues even during peak weeks. The connection to the wider Portes du Soleil network is seamless, though some traverses require a bit of pole-pushing for snowboarders. Families particularly appreciate the thoughtful touches throughout the resort, from dedicated children's ski areas with themed trails to excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors. The compact village layout means most accommodation sits within a short walk of the main lifts – a godsend for parents managing little ones with ski gear.
Laid-Back Après and Authentic Alpine Atmosphere
Unlike the raucous party scenes of Val d'Isère or St Anton, Les Gets offers a more relaxed après ski experience centred around cosy bars rather than table-dancing establishments. L'Aprèski Bar and Bar Bush provide live music and a friendly atmosphere, while the village maintains a pleasantly mixed demographic of families, groups of friends, and couples of all ages. The resort particularly appeals to Brits seeking a quintessential Alpine experience without the attitude or expense of more fashionable destinations. What Les Gets lacks in wild nightlife, it more than compensates for with authentic charm, friendly locals, and a refreshing lack of pretension – it's skiing as it should be.
What do real skiers and snowboarders say about Les Gets
According to reviews from Snomad users, their top 5 favourite things about Les Gets are:
- The seamless connections to neighbouring resorts - particularly the easy access to Morzine and the wider Portes du Soleil area, with many users highlighting the ability to ski into Switzerland
- Family-friendly atmosphere - consistently mentioned across multiple reviews, with users noting they've been returning with their families for decades
- Short transfer time from Geneva (just one hour) - making it perfect for weekend trips
- Excellent variety of slopes for all abilities - with beginners and advanced skiers able to enjoy the resort simultaneously
- The "private mountain feel" of Mont Chéry - offering quieter slopes away from the main ski area, while still being part of the resort
What did our reviews mention as criticisms of Les Gets
Based on reviews from Snomad users, here are the five least favourite aspects of Les Gets:
- Busy slopes and crowded lifts during peak times, with some mentioning bottlenecks forming at slower lifts
- Low altitude resulting in occasional rain rather than snow (particularly noted by a visitor in early January)
- Limited options for advanced skiers within Les Gets itself (though Avoriaz is accessible for more challenging terrain)
- Limited après-ski options compared to other resorts

Reviews
Is Les Gets snow sure?
Les Gets is moderately snow-sure, with reliable conditions typically from mid-December through March. Sitting at 1,172m-2,002m, it benefits from its north-facing slopes and connection to the Portes du Soleil area. Modern snowmaking covers about 35% of the slopes, ensuring skiable conditions even during drier periods. For the most dependable snow, visit January to February when base depths are at their best.
Who are the typical visitors in Les Gets?
Les Gets attracts a diverse crowd, from families with young children drawn to its excellent ski schools and gentle nursery slopes, to intermediate skiers who appreciate the extensive blues and reds across the Portes du Soleil area. British holidaymakers make up a significant portion of visitors due to easy transfers from Geneva Airport. The resort's authentic Savoyard charm also appeals to those seeking a traditional Alpine experience alongside quality skiing.
How long do people spend there?
Most visitors flock to Les Gets during the Christmas/New Year holiday period, February school holidays (particularly French holidays), and weekends throughout the season. The resort is also popular during January for those seeking post-holiday deals and during March for spring skiing conditions.
The quietest periods are typically early December (before the Christmas rush), mid-January (after the New Year crowds have departed), and late March/early April (excluding Easter holidays). Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, with Sundays to Thursdays offering more peaceful slopes and shorter lift queues.
Les Gets typically enjoys optimal snow conditions from mid-January through February when the base is well-established and fresh snowfall is frequent. While early season (December) can be variable, altitude (1,172m-2,002m) helps maintain decent conditions. March often offers excellent skiing with more sunshine and still-reliable snow coverage, especially on north-facing slopes.
Whats the typical cost of a ski trip to Les Gets
A week in Les Gets typically costs between £800-£1,200 per person including accommodation, lift pass and flights - representing good value compared to premium French resorts like Val d'Isère or Courchevel where you might pay 30-40% more. As part of the vast Portes du Soleil domain, Les Gets offers similar terrain to nearby Morzine but with more charm and often slightly lower prices than Swiss alternatives in the same ski area.
Is Les Gets good for beginners?
Les Gets is an excellent choice for beginners. The resort offers numerous gentle green and blue runs, particularly around the Mont Chéry and Chavannes areas. Their dedicated learning zones feature smooth, wide pistes with minimal crowds, making first turns less intimidating. The English-speaking ski school has a stellar reputation for patient instruction, and the village's layout means most accommodation offers convenient slope access - ideal for those new to skiing.
What mountain range is Les Gets part of?
Les Gets Ski Resort is part of the Alps, specifically located in the northern French Alps within the Chablais mountain range. It forms part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area that spans both France and Switzerland. The resort sits between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, offering spectacular alpine scenery whilst connecting to over 650km of pistes across the linked ski domain.
Where should I stay in Les Gets
The best hotel in Les Gets is arguably Hotel La Marmotte, offering a perfect blend of traditional Alpine charm and luxury. Its central location, exceptional spa facilities and renowned restaurant make it a standout choice for discerning skiers seeking comfort after a day on the slopes.
For families, Hotel Bellevue stands out with its dedicated family rooms, kids' club, and child-friendly dining options. Its location near the beginner slopes and ski school meeting points makes the morning routine with children significantly easier, while their attentive staff understand the unique needs of skiing families.