Do you love the heavenly place we call Les Gets, its snow-covered landscapes, its exceptional panoramic views and its warm and friendly atmosphere? But skiing isn’t really your cup of tea?

Perfect, because here it’s possible to enjoy our heavenly surroundings without whizzing down the slopes! For those who prefer to enjoy the magic of winter without skis on their feet, Les Gets offers a whole variety of activities that have been tested and approved by the entire staff! Whether you come with your family or friends, alone or with your partner, whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or cultural discoveries, Les Gets has something for everyone.

Activity no. 1: relaxation and wellbeing

The holidays are here at last and the worries of the daily grind are replaced by a sense of tranquillity. At Les Gets, you’ll have everything you need to unwind, relieve stress and enjoy the slow life. Massage, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, heated swimming pool… Enough to recharge your batteries and go home feeling revitalised!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

  • Nestled on the Mont Chéry mountainside, the Sources du Chéry spa invites you to enjoy 1,000 m² of happiness. Come and unwind in an elegant mountain decor of water and wood. Whirlpool baths, massage pool, experience shower, salt lounge… The stuff of dreams! And for maximum pleasure, don’t hesitate to book a delightful massage. You can’t get enough? Our boutique hotels also welcome you to their superb spa facilities!

Not forgetting the best bonus of all: a yoga session in the wonderful setting of the mountains of Les Gets, to release tension, boost your energy and soothe your mind. Because it’s important to take care of your body and switch off in order to reconnect with your inner self, in Les Gets you’ll find all the facilities you need to relax. So, are you ready for your dose of vitamins and the ultimate relaxation session?

Activity no. 2: a deep breath of fresh air on a walk or snowshoe hike

Just because you don’t ski doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the beautiful scenery of Les Gets! What could be better than a lovely walk in the sun along the snow-covered paths? Feel the warmth of the sun on your face, the crisp snow beneath your feet and the fresh air that fills your lungs!

In Les Gets, you can enjoy a multitude of walks to admire our beautiful mountains. On foot or with snowshoes, explore along the trails into every part of the resort. Take the time to laze in the sun, sit on a seat and gaze at the sumptuous scenery, not forgetting to admire the Mont Blanc in all its splendour. Our tips: from Mont Caly or Mont Chéry, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on a unique and magical view over the Mont Blanc mountain chain!

If you leave before lunch, don’t forget to take a picnic for a delicious experience in the great outdoors. Or you can choose to dine on the terrace of a mountain restaurant. Either way, you’ll be able to treat your tastebuds while admiring a 5-star view #MadeInLesGets.

Activity no. 3: have fun

Time for a little amusement! A host of activities are available within the resort, the promise of maximum fun: ice skating, electric mountain biking in the snow, bowling, dog-hiking, dog-sledding, etc.

And just because you don’t ski doesn’t mean you can’t feel the adrenaline flowing! Do you fancy a bit of fun? Climb aboard the 4-seasons rail luge! 1,100 metres of fun and up to 40 kph, for an amazing sensation! So? Ready to let go of the brakes? Time for fits of laughter, adrenalin thrills and the pleasure of spending quality time with your loved ones. Beware, you’ll soon be addicted!
PS: If you want to slow down and enjoy the ride, that’s possible too. It’s up to you to control the speed of your luge and descend at your own pace.

Activity no. 4: explore the heritage of Les Gets

What better way to spend your holiday than immersing yourself in, and learning about, the local traditions? In Les Gets, plunge into the history and fascinating heritage of Les Gets. Discover the art of traditional pottery, the ancient profession of herder and the tradition of cheesemaking. Awaken your senses with mechanical music and a unique collection of more than 900 instruments still in working order. And don’t forget to admire the oldest wooden merry-go-round in the village centre.

If you want to find out more, you can take part in a variety of heritage tours with our guide, Lucie. From the village church and its magnificent philharmonic organ to the Botanical Garden, not forgetting the Boule de Gomme, France’s very first ski tow, our little resort encyclopaedia will share with you the most incredible stories about Les Gets!

Activity no. 5: gaze in awe

Would you like to experience a timeless moment filled with magic? Plunge into a unique adventure with Alta Lumina, an enchanted night-time walk beyond the magic of the mountains. In the forest at the Écoles lake in the heart of Les Gets, follow the trail of a music peddler and his hot-air balloon across the snow-covered mountains. Let yourself be carried off in a bewitching and immersive world that creates harmony between the senses. Every step you take will bring you a little closer to this adventure in which music becomes light and light resonates to music. So, ready to embark on an adventure?

Activity no. 6: treat your tastebuds

If you enjoy indulging in the delights of the local gastronomy, you’re in the right place! Because tasting is also part of those holiday pleasures, our restaurants await you. Our culinary delights can be found along the streets of Les Gets which are packed with restaurants serving local specialities. Cheese fondue, tartiflette, raclette and reblochon cheeseburgers are all available! If you prefer a delicious snack, take your pick from the beautiful tearooms of Les Gets where you can enjoy a succulent blueberry tart or the famous Savoie cake… If you’re a fan of traditional products, you’ll love visiting the local bakeries, butcher’s and deli shops, where passionate artisans showcase their mouthwatering expertise. And don’t miss this chance to visit the traditional cheese dairy of Les Perrières, guaranteed to delight your tastebuds! For an authentic experience, head for the local Thursday market, where you can soak up the friendly atmosphere of Les Gets as you discover local, fresh products.

That’s got our mouths watering! Yours too?

Activity no. 7: visit the local shops

Need to digest? Take a walk in the village shopping streets. You can take all the time you need to stroll around the variety of shops in Les Gets. Between regional products, trendy, elegant clothing and chalet-inspired decorations for your home, there’s something to suit every taste. Don’t forget the sports shops where you’ll find your ideal gear, explore the unique concept stores such as Velvette, a tearoom and decoration shop rolled into one, or Têtes de Radis where you’ll find all sorts of wonderful items of every shape and size! Not forgetting the souvenir shops where you’ll find something to spoil the whole family and enjoy yourself doing so!

Activity no. 8: top up your tan

After all these activities, picture yourself seated comfortably on the terrace, soaking up the sun’s rays and sipping at a drink at the side of the ski slopes.
This is also what holidays are for! In a deckchair or at the table, enjoy the passing of time and the sun that gently warms your cheeks. And you know what’s really cool? You can do this all day long!

Just because you don’t ski doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the mountain terraces. You can take the Chavannes or Mont Chery gondola lift to enjoy a 360° view over Mont Blanc from the panoramic terrace!

The pass is like a magical key for skiers and the price covers much more than just access to the ski area, including energy costs, personnel, leasing and purchasing.

Breakdown of the actual costs of a Les Gets ski pass.

Ski pass prices are calculated by adding together the fixed and variable costs borne by the Les Gets ski area for the operation, maintenance and provision of the slopes.
Of the €46 for a Les Gets adult day pass, the biggest share, almost a third of the price, covers the cost of leasing, i.e. the public service delegation contract for operating the ski lifts and the whole ski area. Then come the personnel costs, representing 28% of the total price.
At Sagets, 230 people across 53 different professions work day and night during the peak winter season to keep the ski area running and ensure the wide range of activities can take place. They include groomers, chefs, electricians, gardeners, snow-makers, trackers, ski lift operators, patrollers and many more. The purchasing cost of the actual ski pass itself represents 22% of the price, or €9 of the €46 for a day pass. Added to that are the obligatory additional costs including the increasing energy costs, depreciation and taxes.

So as you can see, hiding behind the cost of a ski pass there’s a ski area and the men and women working there every day to make this experience possible and to offer you the greatest of holidays.

EXCLUSIVE: the wooden ski pass, the first of its kind in France’s ski resorts – and “made in Les Gets” to (ski)boot!

Plastic’s not fantastic. To limit its environmental impact, the Les Gets ski area last winter launched a limited edition eco-friendly ski pass made from beechwood. In credit card format, so that you can easily slip it into your pocket, and with an RFID chip for lift access, the new wooden card is rechargeable, has all the same features of a traditional ski pass and can be used in all Les Portes du Soleil resorts. All conventional ski passes are set to be replaced by the wooden ski pass, which will be 100% developed in Europe and made locally, before going fully digital, thanks to Bluetooth technology and smartphone linkage.

A good skier must take all the right precautions. Let’s take a look at the 10 commandments of skiing in Les Gets!

⛷️​ 1 – Thou shalt wear a helmet

The helmet is a skier’s best friend, it’ll protect your head, keep you warm and give you a stylish look. If you consider that it’ll reduce by 10 your chances of a head injury, it’s a no-brainer, a helmet is a must.

☀️​ ​2 – Thou shalt check the weather reports

Thou shalt pray to the God of good weather. Every day in Les Gets begins with a weather report, hot off the press. Sunny: sunglasses and sun cream. Cold: double layers of warm clothing. Fog: be careful. The weather forecast is to skiers what live road traffic updates are to drivers: essential!

⚠️​ 3 – Thou shalt pay attention to safety

Make sure you are well-equipped, warmed up and prepared. Before setting off, always be careful to control your speed and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t even think about stopping in the middle of the slopes, behind a jump or in a place with low visibility, and make sure you respect the rules of the slopes: skiers ahead of you take priority and you must keep your distance when overtaking.

🎿​ 4 – Thou shalt look after thine own equipment

For a great skiing experience and equipment that stands the test of time, it needs looking after. Before the beginning of the season, make sure you sharpen the edges and wax the underneath of your skis. Not feeling the motivation? Drop your skis off at your favourite Les Gets sports shop.

🫕​ 5 – Thou shalt enjoy a fondue

A winter without cheese fondue is a miserable one. Up on the slopes or in the centre of the resort, as long as there’s cheese on the menu, you’re in for a treat: Le QG in Les Plattets, Les Chevrelles at the top of Mont Caly, La Païka near La Turche drag lift, or the cheese dairy in Les Perrières. There’s a dare for anyone who drops their bread into the cheese.

The restaurants

🪶 6 – Thou shalt stop in the Grand Cry sector

The Grand Cry sector is a heavenly place! This place is a must-see in Les Gets if you’re on a family holiday, with its Indian village and trapper games, tipis and sound slope.

The Indian ski slope

🍷 7 – Thou shalt drink mulled wine

All you need to cure pretty much any ailment are wine, spices and orange. You’re cold: mulled wine. You’re tired: mulled wine. Lack of motivation: mulled wine! Savour this delicious beverage on the slopes or in the bars in the centre of the village. To be consumed with your two trusty friends: caution and moderation.

🏔️ 8 – Thou shalt take a selfie at Le Ranfoilly

With Mont-Blanc as the backdrop, a selfie from Le Ranfoilly platform is a must while you’re staying in Les Gets. Put on your best smile and the view will do the rest!

🚫 9 – Thou shalt refrain from smoking

With Mont-Blanc as the backdrop, a selfie from Le Ranfoilly platform is a must while you’re staying in Les Gets. Put on your best smile and the view will do the rest!

🔥 10 – Thou shalt have a great time

The mountains, skiing, the great outdoors, it’s all about enjoyment. So prepare to treat yourself, chill out, let your hair down – the sky’s the limit! From Les Gets, with Love.

Sébastien Varlet, ambassador of Les Gets, recently travelled to the heart of the Svalbard Mountains in Norway. Together with his crew, he decided to chart his own course across this Arctic archipelago. Following this extraordinary expedition, we seized the opportunity to meet this intrepid explorer and to find out more about his incredible journey.

Corentin_Croisonnier

Les Gets: Where did the idea for this expedition come from?
Sébastien
: I was fascinated by the skiing destinations off the beaten track, in the wilderness, that I’d seen on photos and videos on the Internet, and that’s what gave me the idea of skiing in Norway’s Svalbard Mountains. I’d been wanting to explore the Svalbard archipelago for a few years – it’s bigger than Switzerland, with several islands, and most of its mountains have never been skied on. This project became a reality when I met Arthur Garreau, originally from Morzine who works as a meteorologist over there.

Corentin_Croisonnier

Les Gets: Why choose that particular destination?
Sébastien
: The expedition lasted two weeks, from 28th April to 12th May. Our ultimate ambition was to set off to explore unknown regions and mountains in an environment that was as majestic as it was hostile. We were guaranteed to find snow there, but it was the adventure itself that appealed most. In Svalbard, we were facing the unknown, with no real knowledge of the mountains we would ski nor of what to expect. At that time of year, the sun shone day and night, and constantly being on our guard against polar bear attacks added a sense of thrill and uncertainty to our expedition.

Les Gets: What is the aim of the film?
Sébastien
: Our aim was to document this extraordinary experience, to share it with the world. Living in such extreme conditions, camping in temperatures of around -30C, all while knowing there were predators prowling out there, was a challenge in itself. We dreamed about skiing on slopes that no one – or hardly anyone – had ever seen, and about making our own tracks on this remote and rugged landscape.

Les Gets: Who came with you?
Sébastien
: There were nine people in our crew, including three skiers from Europe: one from Austria, one from Sweden and one from France. Corentin Croisonnier was in charge of making the film, while Arthur had contacted three local guides to accompany us on this perilous journey.

Corentin_Croisonnier

Les Gets: What was the best moment during your travels? Can you tell us about it?
Sébastien
: Every day in Svalbard was extraordinary in its own way. Perhaps the most memorable moments were our night watches to keep an eye out for polar bears. Every night, while the rest of the crew slept, we would stay outside for an hour to be on guard, with rifles, against any attacks from polar bears. The animals search for food for winter and could pose a fatal threat to us. We had set up our base camp a safe distance from the ocean, in the hope that, should any bears spot us, the energy needed to reach us would put them off.

Les Gets: Why call your film “Bjørnebo”?
Sébastien
: The name “Bjørnebo” is really apt to describe this adventure. It means “land of the bears”. It was also the name of a refuge that we came across and where we slept during our expedition.

Corentin_Croisonnier
What if your 2023 holiday goal was to plan a summer holiday in the mountains? Guaranteed sun, pleasant temperatures, more sunlight and empty slopes. It’s the perfect getaway to enjoy cooler temperatures and explore new horizons. ☀️

Still not convinced? Here are 6 good reasons to put on your hiking boots and come to the mountains of Les Gets this summer. 🌼

1 – Some fresh mountain air 🌲

Walking in the mountains in summer is the ideal activity for all nature lovers, whether you opt for a sporty or more leisurely outing! Come and get some fresh air, take photos of the scenery, admire the snow-capped peak of Mont-Blanc, set off along the hiking trails at your own pace… 🚶‍♀️⛰️

For those who prefer to cool off in water, the Lac des Ecoles is in the centre of the resort and is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of water sports. Whether you come here for a dip in the water, to relax on the beach or have some fun with the Wibit, this lake provides countless opportunities to enjoy quality time as a family or with friends. The calm waters of the Lac des Ecoles are a great place to be in hot weather. 👙🏊🏼‍♂️

2 – Get pedalling and escape 🚲

DH MTB, Enduro, road bike or E-bike… The resort of Les Gets has been a pioneering destination since 1992 when it comes to cycling activities! Today it is one of the world’s major MTB destinations, with an outstanding Bike Park with 128 km of waymarked trails, including e-bike trails, and facilities for all levels.
So…! What are you waiting for? Get on your bike and explore this spectacular resort! 🚵

3 – Practice your swing in the mountains ⛳

The charming resort of Les Gets provides an exceptional golfing experience for fans of this sport. Les Gets is a destination of choice for golfers in summer thanks to the picturesque setting, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and top quality golf courses.
The Les Gets golf course is an 18-hole course that has been designed to provide a challenge for all levels of ability. The golf course is set in the midst of spectacular Alpine scenery and there is a wide range of terrain, from rolling fairways to perfectly maintained greens. Golfers can enjoy the breathtaking views as they play, adding a wonderful bonus to their golfing experience, with an exceptional view of Mont-Blanc from hole 7. 🏌🏼‍♀️

4 – The art of enjoying summer evenings 🍻

One of the great things about Les Gets is the easy-going, friendly and festive atmosphere in front of all the bars at aperitif time. Whether you are here as a family, with friends or with your other half, you can expect a warm welcome from the local establishments. Take the opportunity to relax, chat, laugh and just embrace the easy-going atmosphere in our charming mountain resort. From the terrace areas at these establishments, you can contemplate the mountains as the warm, golden hues bounce off them as the sun sets on the horizon. This is a breathtaking sight which will add a magical touch to your evening aperitif or dinner this summer. 🍸

5 – An eventful summer 🔥

In summer, the resort is transformed into a lively place where there’s always something happening, thanks to the wide range of events and entertainment for people of all ages. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, fan of music, art or just looking to relax in the great outdoors, the summer events in Les Gets are guaranteed to be worthy of your expectations. Check out our events’ calendar and plan ahead for your weekends!

6 – The ideal summer activities destination 🪂

Les Gets is the perfect place for summer activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor sports, something more extreme or just an easy-going getaway surrounded by nature, there are so many activities to choose from in Les Gets, with something for everyone. This is an exceptional destination where you’re sure to find something to see and do: hiking, MTB, e-bike, cycling, Alta Lumina, 18-hole golf course facing Mont-Blanc, paragliding, swimming in a lake, relaxation and wellness, etc. There are so many revitalising, fun and sporty experiences here, with something for everyone.

Cross-country is a demanding sport that combines endurance, technique and mastery of the bike. In France, some talented youngsters are setting an example and inspiring mountain bike fans to discover this increasingly popular Olympic discipline. Among the athletes who stand out in particular is Line Burquier from Haute-Savoie. At just 20 years of age, this French cyclist is considered to be the rising star of her sport. Her talent, determination and results on the world circuit are impressive. Her triumph as U23 world champion in Les Gets in 2022 was a memorable one.

During a session in Les Gets, we meet a promising young competitor… in all simplicity!

Les Gets: Can you introduce yourself?

Line : My name is Line Burquier, I’m 20 years old and I come from Saint Paul en Chablais in Haute-Savoie, a small village above Evian. I’m a cross-country mountain biker and I’m currently studying at the Pôle France mountain bike centre in Besançon.

Les Gets : What made you want to do this sport?

Line : First of all, it was my father who did a lot of cycling with my cousins and all my family. My grandfather founded the “VTT Pays de Gavot” club, of which I’m still a member today. I’ve always been sporty, but I particularly enjoy contact with nature and the outdoors, I really need that.

Les Gets : What is your relationship with Les Gets?

Line : I don’t get the chance to come to Les Gets very often, but I have fond memories of winning the U23 World Champion title at the 2022 World Championships in Les Gets.

Les Gets :Les Gets piste in 3 words ?

Line : Difficult – Uphill – Public (the atmosphere)

Les Gets : You’ve already won a title in Les Gets, are you more confident about the Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets in 2023 ?

Line : At the World Championships, I race in the U23 category (under 23). This was the case at the World Championships in Les Gets in 2022, where I was crowned Espoir World Champion, and it will be the case again in mid-August at the World Championships in Scotland. On the World Cup circuit, it’s a completely different approach because I’m upgraded, meaning that I’m racing in the Elite category with more experienced athletes.

Les Gets : Do you still have time to ski ?

Line : A bit, because I don’t have much time given my schedule, but as soon as I can, I get away on ski touring.

Les Gets : A little fun fact about you ?

Line : I always have a bell attached to my bike…

Les Gets : And a little ritual before each race ?

Line : Braiding my hair (laughs)

Line Burquier is undoubtedly a rising star in cross-country. Her talent and determination make her an athlete to watch closely. The future looks bright for this young mountain bike prodigy. We can’t wait to see her on the track at the World Cup in Les Gets in September 2023 with the elite in her sport.

The whole Les Gets team wishes him every success for the rest of his career!

When you’re riding down the MTB trails in Les Gets, you don’t always stop to imagine the significant work behind these renowned tracks and what really goes on behind the scenes.
Have you heard of shapers?
These are the people we’re talking about! These artists work in the shadows to shape the Bike Park with elegance and passion.

The Les Gets shapers are real architects. They plan out every bend, every bump and jump with great precision, to make sure mountain bikers have a thrilling adventure here without ending up crashing into a tree.
We met with one of them and he revealed some of the secrets behind his fascinating profession…



Les Gets: Tell us about yourself in a few words.

Noé: I’m 23 years old and I became a professional shaper in 2019. I’m originally from Alsace and I fell in love with Les Gets when I first came here about ten years ago on a family holiday. I’m lucky to be able to work here today as a shaper, with a great team by my side.

Les Gets: Tell us about your background.

Noé: After my Baccalaureate, I joined the team at Bike Solution (design office specialised in creating Pump Tracks) and I learnt so much during my three seasons there. I felt the need to get back to my original calling though, which was downhill MTB. As I was looking for new opportunities, I ended up in Les Gets in 2022 and I’m so proud to be working in one of the leading resorts in Europe for this sport.

Les Gets: What advice would you give to younger people who would like to enter this profession?

Noé: Shaping bike tracks is above-all a real passion. It is a demanding and technical profession that requires a certain level of devotion and commitment. My advice would be to create your own projects first in the forest, with authorisation from the owner. That’s what I did, between the ages of 14 and 18 as soon as I had some free time, I went into the woods to bring my own creations to life

As for the specific training and studies, the shaper profession has evolved in recent years. Now it’s possible to opt for a Professional Baccalaureate in mountain professions, which includes specialist landscaping modules that are particularly suited to this profession. This training will give you specific, in-depth skills that you will find essential to really excel in this field.

Les Gets: Can you describe a typical day as a shaper in Les Gets?

Noé: The day begins at 8 am and the whole team gets together in our premises at the heart of the tracks. We meet to talk about what needs to be done during the day, taking into consideration any comments from the Bike Patrol (pretty much the equivalent of the Ski Patrol team) who are always out on the tracks and inform us of the condition of the trails. We also discuss the tracks that haven’t been worked on in a while, the next ones that will need some maintenance work. After this morning meeting, we all set off to start our duties for the day, depending on our roles. I am responsible for the work that requires a mini excavator.

Thanks to the instructions given every morning, we know exactly what we need to do. We often work to smooth out the tracks with holes created by the many riders using them, and we modify some of the bends. These are the two most common tasks we are entrusted with. Sometimes, we even need to completely redesign a track. This is a more significant task and it usually takes around three weeks to a month.

After I’ve completed my task with the mini excavator, another shaper takes over with a shovel to go over any imperfections and smooth out the track. Then we all get together again at the end of the day to talk about what we did and exchange views. Communication is key in our profession.

The day usually comes to a close at around 6 pm. We make sure all the machines are ready for the next day and we look after our tools. Teamwork and shared passion for shaping the tracks is what makes this such a rewarding and fascinating job.

Les Gets: What are the advantages of this job?

Noé: Being outdoors all the time is an opportunity in itself. The sunrise, with the mountains in the background, is simply indescribable. It’s a magical feeling that comes over you when you get into action, whether it’s bright sunshine or even rain.

Les Gets: Any drawbacks?

Noé: Being a shaper is an extremely physical job and requires you to be in excellent physical condition. Working as a shaper involves spending many hours outdoors, often in a variety of conditions, and the tasks are physically demanding.

Handling tools such as shovels, rakes and mini-excavators, and carrying out earthworks, levelling and runway construction work requires considerable physical strength. What’s more, you have to be able to put up with repetitive strain over a long period of time. I don’t necessarily see the physical work as a disadvantage, but the job does require a minimum of training.

Les Gets: And to finish off with a fun little anecdote?

Noé: When we’re working on the trails, we close them for the safety of the mountain bikers, but also for our own safety. Despite this, it often happens that bikes go by anyway, which can make us angry, because it represents a real danger. One day, as a bike approached, I got out my shovel and politely expressed my displeasure, explaining that this was unacceptable. To my great surprise, the cyclist took off his helmet and it was in fact my former boss who had come to say hello and check up on me… a misunderstanding that ended in a great burst of laughter!

The resort of Les Gets is well-known for winter sports and all sorts of cycling disciplines. But did you know that there are several writers in Les Gets who play a key part in the fascinating local culture?

1- Maurice Bergoend

Maurice Bergoend is originally from Les Gets and is one of the very first authors to have written about the history of the village.

📚 Les Gets au fil des siècles – 1962: This book details the history of Les Gets from the 12th century. You’ll find information about the etymology of local surnames, hamlets and also about the legends that really add to the charm of the resort.

2 – Philippe Mugnier

Philippe Mugnier was born in Thonon-les-Bains in 1971. He spent his entire childhood in Les Gets and some of his family members still live there today. He went to school in the capital of Chablais and he is particularly fond of this place. Philippe Mugnier is fascinated by history and provides an original but accurate view of the history of Savoie.

📚 Des Gets au Léman une saga entre foi et loi – 2018: This book provides an original account of the local history of the two Savoie departments, focused on a family from Les Gets.

📚 L’homme au balcon – 2020: Discover life in the 19th century through the eyes of Joseph Mugnier, known as ‘Le Lyonnais’.

📚 Les Gets que d’histoires – 2021: Plunge into the history of Les Gets through a dozen postcards and the anecdotes that go with each of them.
There are several versions of this available for other villages.

📚 Les Gets retro – 2022: This book portrays the history of Les Gets from the very beginning, with a selection of 300 images, some of them never-before-seen. This book has been published in French and English.

3 – Daniel Contat

Daniel Contat is a former ski instructor, graduated in 1967 and was President of Les Gets ski club from 1980 à 1988. His publication is about the history of skiing in Les Gets.

📚 L’Ecole de ski des Gets – 2007: In this book, Daniel Contat describes the history of the Les Gets French Ski School from 1937 to 2007. It includes anecdotes, facts and never-before-seen images.

4 – Association of Mechanical Music in Les Gets

The Museum of Mechanical Music displays the most beautiful European collection of mechanical musical instruments. For almost 40 years now, the Association of Mechanical Music has been gathering a unique, irreplaceable and very high quality collection.

📚 Musée de la musique mécanique – 2016: Thanks to a significant collection of photos, come and discover this original museum for yourself. Learn about its creation, its instruments, events (festivals, concerts, etc.), and the history of mechanical music in general. A unique collection in Europe!

📚 L’Orgue philharmonique Aeolian – 2020: Find out about the history and operation of this organ, a listed historic monument, in the church of Les Gets, that can be played either manually or automatically.

5 – Association Jean-Marie Delavay

Claude Barrault-Janny, the Chairman of the association Jean-Marie Delavay, lived in the resort for many years and wrote about the life and work of famous botanist, Father Jean-Marie Delavay.

📚 Jean-Marie Delavay La Transmission – 2020: This book is the biography of Father Jean-Marie Delavay, detailing his preparation to become a priest, how he got into botany, his travels to China and his many discoveries.

📚 Jardin Botanique – 2021: This book was published for the event Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2021, and details the plants that can be seen in Les Gets botanical garden.

The association has published many other works which are available at Les Gets Tourist Office.

6 – Sagets

SAGETS stands for ‘Société d’Aménagements Gêtoise d’Équipements Touristiques et Sportifs’. Sagets is responsible for the management of activities and leisure for the resort of Les Gets, mainly the ski area (slopes and ski lifts), but also MTB, Golf, the Alta Lumina magical evening trail, the children’s daycare centre and the swimming lake.

📚 Un domaine de caractère – 2020: To mark the 30th anniversary of Sagets, this publication portrays the history of the ski area, the ski lifts, and also highlights some important figures who have worked for this local business.

All these publications are on sale at the Les Gets Tourist Office.

Proper maintenance of your skis is key if you want your skis to last and give you their best performance on the slopes. Here are a few tips for maintaining them.

⛷ Step 1: Removing the sidewall

The sidewall is the plastic or Zicral part lining the sides of your skis. If the sidewall isn’t planed, it’s hard to sharpen the skis because the file will first work the sidewall rather than the edge itself. This should be done regularly during the season. Place your equipment on the workbench and secure it with a vice. Place the tool on the edge. If necessary, adjust the angle and depth of the blade so that it touches the sidewall. Pull the tool towards you, applying light pressure. Slide the tool along the entire length two or three times. Your sidewalls are ready!

⛷ Step 2: Sharpening

To give you good grip on the snow, the edges of your skis must be well sharpened. For this step, you’ll need a sharpener to easily sharpen your edges at a very precise angle. Set your skis flat, base up. Place your sharpener on the edge and pull the tool towards you, applying a slight pressure. Slide it along the entire length four times. Your edges are sharpened!

⛷️ Step 3: Polishing and finishing off with a rubber

For this step, you’ll need a specific stone to polish the edge to remove leftover particles and thread after sharpening. The goal is to smooth the edge’s imperfections, or “burrs”, to improve skiing performance. Place your stone on the edge on the base side then pull towards you, applying a slight pressure. Slide it along the whole length a few times. For a good finish, pass the ski edge rubber over the ridge of the edge. Your edges are ready!

⛷️ Step 4: Waxing

There is a special kind of wax that is applied to bases to help the skis glide across the snow. Before applying your wax, dry and clean your base with a bronze brush, from the tip to tail. Melt the wax onto the base with an iron and spread it all over. For a proper finish, move the iron up and down a couple of times without stopping. Wait 2 hours for the wax to cool and impregnate the base.

⛷️ Step 5: Scraping

Press the scraper firmly against the edge, from tip to tail. You must always scrape following the direction of the skis. Scrape until there is no more visible wax.

⛷️ Step 6: Brushing

Once your base is scraped, it must be brushed to bring out the structure. As for scraping, always brush tip to tail and never in the opposite direction. First, use a nylon brush to polish the base and then a horsehair brush to make it smooth and shiny.
Your equipment is ready!
If your skis have deep scratches, bumps or holes, take them to a professional for repair.

If you follow these care tips, your skis will remain in good condition for many seasons to come. Remember that maintaining your skis regularly can also improve your skiing experience by providing better grip, stability, and speed.

Les Gets, our charming ski resort in the French Alps, attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of mountain adventures. In recent years, the resort has also attracted a new category of visitor: content creators.

Content creators, also known as “bloggers” or “influencers”, are people who create online content to entertain, inform or inspire their community. They can produce videos, photos, blog posts and even podcasts, and often have hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers on social networks.

In Les Gets, offers a true paradise for content creators. The resort offers a multitude of outdoor activities, from skiing to snowboarding in winter and from hiking to mountain biking in summer. The breathtaking scenery also provides great backdrops for photo and video shoots.

Meet the content creators who came to Les Gets this winter season