While retaining its original route on the Chavannes side, the XCO course – an Olympic discipline – will evolve significantly this year with the addition of numerous technical sections as well as modifications to the lines that will make for some great duels.
The objective: to offer a modern XCO circuit for the 2021 World Cup, the 2022 World Championships and for the 2024 Olympic Games for which Les Gets has been selected as preparation centre and labelled « Terre de Jeux ».
David Moreau, XCO race director, presents this new version of the XCO circuit.
David Moreau from CIMES EVENT is in charge of coordinating the XCO course and is also the XCO race director for the 2021 UCI MTB World Cup.
Can you describe the track in a few words?
We started with a good base, i.e. the track created in 2019 for the World Cup in Les Gets and which has already been ridden quite a lot. It’s a very compact and visual track for the crowd but it lacked the technical areas of modern XCO. We had feedback from the riders and teams in 2019 and we knew that we would have to make natural technical changes for the next World Cup rounds, the World Championships in 2022 and also for the 2024 Games because Les Gets holds the “Terre de Jeux” label and is an XCO preparation centre.
What surprises await the riders?
The basics of the 2019 circuit remain the same: 2 loops with 2 almost parallel climbs and descents. But we have added 15 technical features, spread over the whole circuit. Pop-up rock gardens, springboards, jumps, roots and stones… This is what awaits the riders this year. ¾ of the features will be permanent and the pop-up installations will be put back in place for the 2022 World Championships. We also revised a lot of the track markings to have better sequences and more variations on a physical level. For example, we removed the small loop in town on the tarmac which was not necessary because it made the course flow even faster and smoother.
What qualities are needed to perform well on this track?
There are clearly physical demands as there are two excellent climbs with an elevation gain of 140 metres as well as other elevation variations. With the new technical features, you will also need good riding skills on the descents, the slightly delicate sections, the roots… Perhaps this new route will favour the French who are very good technically on the international circuit.
What is your favourite section?
I really like the upper part of the track, right below the Lac des Écoles, because it is a natural technical path, with sections in the roots. It’s really reminiscent of the 2004 World Championships, the World Cups and the French cups that have taken place in Les Gets. This section is part of the changes we have planned to make it even more technical and to give the spectators a real treat!
How did you prepare this track?
We carried out several recognitions, one in the autumn and one in March to determine the sectors to be developed, the materials to be used, the intervals of the technical zones so that there is a good balance in all this.
The phase of the work began in May for 4 weeks of non-stop work. The course has been validated by the mountain bike coach of the French Cycling Federation. Now we are waiting for the riders to come and train on the track.
The teams are busy building the technical sections: natural stairs, rock and root zones, rock gardens, etc.
The work in a few figures
15 technical features
300 tons of materials (rocks and wood for the track, crushed gravel for the start/finish area)
4 weeks of cumulative work
A dozen people involved (Cimes Event, Town Hall, Sagets)
Discover the new XCO track
You can see it everywhere… On the roads, the forest paths and the mountain trails, the electrically-assisted bicycle has really exploded during the past few years. Have you wondered why? The best way to find out would be to try!
As a family or with friends, electric mountain bike is the activity to try this summer! Luckily, Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil have set up routes suitable for the practice of e-biking so that you can ride over the whole area easily thanks to electric assistance, with no worries about the elevation.
Are you ready to power up? We’ll take you on a tour to discover this on-trend discipline.
Try out electric mountain biking in Les Gets
Les Gets resort is an ideal location to discover electric mountain biking thanks to five signposted routes for around 60 km of enjoyment!
Varied and fun routes where each person can go at their own pace: green and blue routes for those who love quiet, contemplative rides along the Mont Caly, the Pléney and Morzine, red routes for more experienced riders wanting to conquer the Col de Ranfoilly or the unspolit nature on the Plateau de Loex.
On your route, recharge your hybrid mountain bike at several electric charging stations: — Chavannes Central Cashier — Lac des Ecoles — Crête des Chavannes, near the golf course — Sherpa supermarket
Tips from pros…
Audran, mountain bike instructor at Bike Academy tells us about electric mountain biking in Les Gets
“The big advantage of Les Gets, is that it is a hilly resort that is not too steep, so it allows everyone to learn and progress in mountain biking. There is a wide choice of “discovery” routes for families and children from 7-8 years old. For example, departing from Les Gets, you can go past Les Mouilles towards the Parc des Dérêches in Morzine and you can return using the 4×4 trail. There is also access to more technical and enduro terrain on the Mont Chéry or Morzine side for more experienced bikers. For experienced cyclists who want to explore the Portes du Soleil, we try to get off the beaten track, we look for old hiking routes that can be done by bike to explore the area in a different way.
Les Gets has the great advantage of offering varied and fun routes for all levels.Another asset of the resort is that it is “mountain bike friendly” with direct access to the trails. ”
Conquer the Portes du Soleil
Is it possible to get up high and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Portes du Soleil in one day? Yes, Captain, but only if you have some mountain biking experience and are in good physical condition!
For keen mountain bikers, we suggest the Portes du Soleil Mountain Bike tour, an 80-km epic across the French and Swiss mountains, which follows the route of the Pass’Portes du Soleil.
Departing from one of 12 Franco-Swiss resorts of the Portes du Soleil area, you can explore the villages in a different way: Les Gets to Morzine via Avoriaz, Champéry, Châtel and Lake Geneva and that of Montriond, you’ll experience a complete change of scenery. You will discover hundred-year-old alpine chalets and enchanting waterfalls, opposite the majestic Dents du Midi!
Need a little help ? To avoid some difficult climbs, buy a Portes du Soleil pass and take advantage of the lifts!
With almost 300 km of accessible mountain bike trails and 34 marked routes, the Portes du Soleil area offers endless possibilities. In addition, 21 Bosch charging points have been installed so you can charge your battery free of charge.
Damien, mountain bike instructor at MCF, shares his favourite spots
“Gone are the days when you return from cycling the Portes du Soleil on a regular bike exhausted! Thanks to the electric mountain bike, we have access to wonders outside the resort. There are some great rides on the Col de Cou side, where the pastures are vivid green. I also like the Grand Paradis sector, near Champéry, dominated by the imposing Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches. There are incredible views of the glaciers. It’s a real change of scenery without too much effort. Otherwise, closer to home, the whole periphery of Les Gets is very nice to explore on an electric mountain bike: the Col de l’Encrenaz and Graydon near the Roc d’Enfer or the Chamossière side and the Pointe de Nyon. ”
Electric cycling is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil. So more accessible itineraries to reach certain areas that today require a good technical level are being created.
The « Nook-Naah » sisters have settled in well, above the Lassarre road. Anouk, half shepherdess / half potter and Nathalie Bonhomme, half graphic designer / half potter, are already celebrating 12 years of the artisan pottery in Les Gets.
A happy birthday full of « sandstone », sweet and poetic in the image of the pretty pieces in their collections
Suckling lamb, sandstone lamb
Outside, the sheep and lambs are coming out for the first time since the end of a winter that couldn’t last. Green grass and blinding sun, the herd bleats a loud hello. On the doorstep, there’s a brown head and a blonde head, smiling. They work in pairs, have two jobs and four girls, two each.
Young thirty-something, Anouk, the eldest, and Nathalie’ younger by a year, are local, raised on unpasteurised milk, on the farm further up from the workshop. From her farmer father, Anouk has inherited a passion for animals and the desire to make a living. As for pottery, she had to learn that. « As a child, I remember being enthralled by a lady who was operating a lathe at an exhibition on old trades. When I realised you could make a living doing that, I knew. »
After training, she set up on her own, half shepherdess, raising lambs, « ecological lawnmowers », and half potter. Nathalie, she started out first on the banks of Lyon as a graphic designer, before responding to the call of the mountains, and her sister.
Sister power
For five years, the two have been working together. Anouk turns, Nathalie decorates, playful creators of « feel good » pottery with naive and poetic embellishment.
In the workshop, the shelves are filled with bowls, cups and plates and also jam funnels, spoon rests, bird boxes and pencil holders. Chaps, of course, as their surname in French requires, or hipsters, unicorns, cows and pineapples, all drawn individually freehand by Nathalie on the sandstone turned by Anouk. Sisterly cooperation works perfectly, based on a love as obvious as it is modest. « At first we considered a kind of contract: if there’s a problem, we’d go to the bar for a drink and if there was still a problem, we’d get a mediator to help. We have never needed to, but we still go to the bar. »
The creative, poetic and authentic pieces of the two sisters are promoted thanks to the Route Terroir et Savoir-Faire du Haut Chablais.
The Haut Chablais Route of Terroir and Know-How
The Haut Chablais Route of Terroir and Know-How brings together all the farmers and craftsmen who produce and promote the products and know-how of the region.
The landscapes of the Haut-Chablais owe much to the farmers, who are present in the valley bottoms as well as in the mountain pastures. They share their love and passion for their work. They like to showcase their products, all of which come from their farms. Farmers and craftsmen, between authenticity and modernity, are the guardians of mountain know-how.
Did you say cheese ? The emblematic cheese producers of our mountains are the vital link in a whole chain of values. Generations of pastoralism and mountain grazing have shaped Les Gets and helped make this landscape into the recreational treasure trove we know today. Mountain pastures in summer, ski slopes in winter, and always an Opinel knife at the ready to cut you an amazingly tasty piece of raw-milk cheese.
We take you on a walk in the mountains to discover the local farms and their gourmet heritage.
Raclette des Reines, wickedly good
Name: Raclette des Reines. Producer: La Ferme de Caroline, Route de Chavannes, Caroline and Noël Anthonioz. Characteristics: cheese made entirely from the milk of Hérens cows, a mountain breed with horns and a black stocky body. Weight: about 4.5 kg. Rind: orangey and quite thin. Texture: ivory coloured, creamy and dotted with small holes. Aromas: mountain pastures and raw milk. Full of character yet easy on the taste buds. Production period: all year round. Maturing: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 months.
Serving tips
Forget non-stick pans, with raclette cheese you’re supposed to use a “raclette” (scraper). A half-wheel of cheese licked by the flames of a wood fire, boiled potatoes and a few slices of dried Hérens meat. Delicious!
Did you know ?
Hérens, Nature & Progress
The milk from the Hérens cows bred by Caroline and Noël Anthonioz is as rich as can be. In summer, the queen of the herd and her subjects enjoy a grass-and-wildflower banquet on the Mouille Ronde mountain pastures. “There’s always a queen in a herd of Hérens cows” says Noël, who’s totally besotted with this breed that has always grazed in the mountains. For the Hérens is an endemic breed of the Alpine arc, a full-blood mountain-dweller with a 5,000-year history. Although she’s not the greatest dairy cow in terms of volume, her milk reaches the highest summits of nutritional quality!
Caroline and Noël have about twenty cows as well as goats of rustic breeds. They run their farm with an ecofriendly “Nature & Progress” approach that respects life, the land and the people that live on it.
Chevrotin cheese, the taste of the land
Name: Chevrotin AOP. Producer: Chèvrerie des Félires, Route du Mont Caly, Léa and Emmanuel. Characteristics: a round-shaped, washed-rind pressed raw cheese typical of the Savoie mountains. Weight: 250 to 350g. Rind: pinkish, sometimes almost beige/yellow, covered in a fine white bloom. Texture: soft, creamy texture, ivory colour, with virtually no holes. Aromas: mild as cotton wool, with goaty hints of great finesse. Production period: practically all year round. The goats stop producing milk in October and November. Maturing: Minimum 21 days and up to 1 month on spruce-wood boards in a brick cellar.
Serving tips
On a cheese platter. Remember to remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand. Serve with an autumn loaf containing figs, for example. In cooking, it is the ideal cheese for “tartichèvre”, the goat’s cheese variant of tartiflette. Extremely tasty and easy as pie.
Did you know ?
Alpine goats & Mont Blanc
The 80 Alpine goats of the Félires goat farm live in a picture-postcard setting, against the beautiful backdrop of the roof of Europe. This local breed flourishes on the steep mountainside. Léa and Manu choose not to remove the goats’ horns even if it means they get a few bruises. At 1,490 metres above sea level, the goats graze on a menu of rich grass and pure mountain air. The end result is a selection of beautifully-made farm cheeses – tomme, crottin and sérac – that perpetuate the purest of Savoie traditions.
Both in and of their time, Manu and Léa showcase the land and their expertise at this gorgeous goat farm.
Ash-coated goat cheese, great texture
Name: ash-coated goat cheese log. Producer: La Chèvrerie des Ours, Combe de Magy, Chemin des Grangettes, Véronique Sublet. Characteristics: soft texture and naturally-forming rind covered in wood-ash. Weight: cylinder of about 10 x 3 cm. Rind: soft and creamy, blue-grey colour. Texture: very white, smooth and creamy. Aromas: goaty taste of great finesse. The ash adds salt and subtle flavours. Production period: 8 months of the year, until the goats’ milk dries up Maturing: 3 days for fresh cheese and up to 15 days for the more creamy, runny versions.
Serving tips
Room temperature with walnut bread and in good company. Or heated in the oven on slices of toast that have been lightly rubbed with garlic, to accompany a salad made with plenty of fresh herbs.
Did you know ?
Alpine cuddles from Raiponce, Mulan and Image
Histoire and Image are well-behaved, naturally, but then there’s Heidi and Noiraude who enjoy a spot of boxing in the milking shed. The 70 Alpine goats of the Chèvrerie des Ours goat farm have characters that match their names. “I look after them like chidren”, explains Véronique Sublet, a former teacher’s aide whose passion led her to a different career. From May to September, they graze at the Combe de Magy below Mont Caly. They’re like walking strimmers. They produce large quantities of delicious milk and are amazingly well-suited to the mountains.
Véronique is totally smitten with her herd and they reward her well. A happy goat produces tasty milk and the result is a delicious cheese. Generosity that works both ways.
Le P’tit Gêtois, as local as they come
Name: Le P’tit Gêtois. Producer: Les Pâtres des Reines, Alpage du Lachat, Pauline and Valentin. Characteristics: Soft cheese in a spruce-wood ring, from the milk of Hérens, Valdostana and Abondance cows. Weight: 500g, flat and round. Rind: orangey with a naturally-occurring white bloom. Texture: ivory in colour and creamy as can be. Aromas: milky taste from the raw milk, with woody hints produced by the spruce wood. Production period: winter Maturing: 21 days to 1 month in a naturally cool, underground stone cellar.
Serving tips
With a rye or einkorn bread, or one made with a traditional bread flour. It can also be melted over hot potatoes and washed down with a fine, local craft beer.
Did you know ?
The poetry behind the Valdostana breed
The aptly-named piebald Valdostana cow comes from the Aosta Valley. From a distance it looks much like the Abondance breed except that it has no “glasses” and is shorter and stockier. Valdostanas are really cut out for mountain life. At the farm Les Pâtres des Reines, the Valdostanas live in a 10-strong herd that also includes Hérens and Abondance cows.
Pauline and Valentin, aged 24, run a pleasant farm where the produce is both tasty and healthy. Nature takes care of everything, from the troughs to the treatments. Organic feed, animal wellbeing and responsible farming are the priorities that led them to join the “Agriculture Poétique” network.
And you, what is your superpower ?
On International Women’s Rights Day, 8 March, we would like to highlight the women of the Gets who, each in their own way, have superpowers.
Emblematic figures, medal-winning skiers, guardians of heritage and culture, seasoned mountain women, culinary chefs or working in the background, many women contribute to the development and dynamism of the resort thanks to their activity, their profession and their passion.
Although we have not been able to show all the faces of the heroines of Les Gets, we would like to pay a collective tribute to all the women of Les Gets.
Discover their portraits below
Sylvie BASTARD – Managing Director of the Town Hall Services, Sylvie has been at the service of Les Gets community for 40 years and has been involved in the completion of many of the resort’s facilities. Passionate about skiing and mountaineering, she has a fine record of achievements in high mountain races.
Jeanne RICHARD – A rising star in biathlon, Jeanne won gold in the relay and silver in the individual event at the Youth Olympic Games in 2020. Most recently, she was crowned U19 World Champion in both the individual and relay events in Austria.
Laetitia ANTHONIOZ – For 25 years, Laetitia has been taking care of the resort with passion and in all seasons: first-aid tracker in winter, maintenance of leisure areas in summer and slope tractor driver in autumn.
Emilie LE ROUX – Emilie, who has a hotel background, decided to change course and turn to the wellness offer. Since 2019, she has been managing the Spa des Sources du Chéry, a natural and refined wellness area of more than 1000 m².
Déborah ANTHONIOZ – With several World Cup podiums and a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Deborah is one of the greatest Snowboardcross athletes the resort has ever seen.
Léa TREMBLET – A goatherd and cheese maker, Léa and her husband have embarked on a beautiful human adventure in the enchanting setting of Mont Caly: La Chèvrerie des Félires.
Anouk et Nathalie BONHOMME – Shepherdess, potter, graphic designer… Anouk and Nathalie merged their talents, their passion and their creativity to create, 12 years ago, the Poterie artisanale des Gets.
Adeline MUGNIER – This pure gêtoise has brought some very nice trophies back to Les Gets. She participated mainly in the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 and PyeongChang in 2018.
Laurence REMY – Art Advisor at the Art’N’Chéry Gallery, Laurence is invested in this place of curiosity where one can see and discover art in all its forms. Coming from the press advertising world, she brings to the gallery her creativity and her constantly renewed staging.
Mireille MARTEL – Elected to the Town Hall for 20 years and administrator at the Tourist Office for 25 years, Mireille is one of the resort’s emblematic figures. She is also very involved in the mountain bike events that have made Les Gets famous.
Claude BARRAULT – President of the Jean-Marie Delavay Association, Claude is keen to pass on the botanical heritage bequeathed to us by Jean-Marie Delavay, a missionary in China in the 19th century.
Chantal DELAVAY – Ambassador of Les Gets and president of the association L’Espérance Gétoise, Chantal likes to gather the Seniors of Les Gets around various activities and good meals!
Florence DELAVAY – It’s a bit like a guardian angel who watches over the ski area… Florence, who has been in charge of the Piste Central for 20 years at Sagets, coordinates the rescue services on the slopes and manages the care of people who have had an accident.
Caroline ANTHONIOZ – At the age of 37, Caroline had the courage and the example of her in-laws to start a new life. Defending common sense in farming with her husband, they welcome at Caroline’s farm to share their production labelled Nature & Progrès.
Sandra BALAGNIA – A pastry chef and child of the country, Sandra trained with several starred chefs before opening her restaurant in the heart of the village and proposing, with her husband, a refined and tasty cuisine.
AMELIE & VALENTINE – Happy couple and mountain dwellers at heart, they invite you to spend a unique night under the stars in their Chéry Dôme, and share with you their little corner of paradise.
Mia CLERC – Originally from Madagascar, Mia started skiing at the age of 5 on the slopes of Les Gets, where she grew up. She quickly reached a high level of alpine skiing, and was lucky enough to represent Madagascar at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Isabelle DUBOIS – With 20 years at the service of La Sagets, Isabelle takes care with dynamism and enthusiasm of the sale of packages and the reception at the cash desks.
Océane AVOCAT GROS – Always higher and further in ski jumping. In the French B Team since 2016, Océane has been in the top 30 in the World Cup and is determined to win her place for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Audrey DEFRASNE – In charge of the Museum of Mechanical Music, where she has been working for 20 years, Audrey enriches the collections of the Museum, a place steeped in history presenting musical instruments and unique pieces.
Jo WATTS – A self-taught English chef with a passion for healthy eating, Jo has gained experience in English pubs and restaurants and on her travels to the 4 corners of the world. She offers a healthy, colourful and multi-vitamin cuisine!
Did you know that when you ski in Les Gets you’re skiing across the bottom of an Alpine ocean? On a 50 km stretch between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc, the Chablais Geopark retraces the amazing story of how the Alps have formed since a time when all the continents formed a single land mass. Once upon a time, a very very long time ago…
A rolling stone gathers no moss. Perhaps. But a rolling stone tells Earth’s story. And what an amazing story it is that lies just beneath our feet. Like a trip in a time machine, the exceptional geology of the Chablais region reveals a lot about the natural landscape around us. The role of the Chablais Geopark is to protect this region, spread the word and support its sustainable development.
A UNESCO label
What is exactly a Geopark ?
The «UNESCO World Geopark» label was created in 2015. It is awarded to regions featuring a rich geological, natural and cultural heritage. This of course means lakes and mountains, springs and caves, but also traditional built heritage, legends and customs, and even cheese and wine. A UNESCO World Geopark endorses the strong rapport that the people have with the land. It is a seal of approval that recognises the quality of the region’s geological features and its rich heritage.
The Chablais Geopark stretches for 900 km2 across 62 towns and villages, from the south bank of Lake Geneva to the Portes du Soleil summits. It features 85 official geosites including 23 that the public can visit (La Mouille des Boittets in Les Gets). Amid water and rock, lakes and mountains, these sites tell the story behind the heritage.
Among these remarkable geological sites, we find the resort of Les Gets and its peat bogs, vectors of a very rich geological identity, playing an important role in our eco-system.
The village of Les Gets is built on ancient marine sediments piled up when the continents came together. Before the birth of the mountains reigned here the alpine ocean, La Téthys, whose sediments gradually formed the rocks of the Chablais.
So there is lava in Les Gets ? That’s right! The Vuargne ridge at Joux-Plane Pass features some extraordinary pillow-lava fragments that were sent skywards from the Tethys bed as the ocean closed and the Alps emerged. Due to the effects of erosion, they can now be seen at the Tête du Vuargne on the very surface you walk across. Amazing no?
The impermeable subsoil of the Lac des Ecoles geosite was also formed by ocean sediments. This peat bog is now home to protected species such as the Alpine newt, the intermediate wintergreen and the marsh trefoil. Used as an ornamental lake in summer and a mountain reservoir in winter, the Lac des Ecoles geosite highlights the major challenges of water management in the mountain environment.
Indeed, there are very few springs in Les Gets. The impermeable rock of the subsoil, constituted by supercharged sediment from the Alpine formation period, prevents water from filtering through. So water remains at the surface and flows downhill.
Left : the Joux-Plane Pass. Right: the Lac des Ecoles
An exploration of our region reveals an extraordinary geological heritage that’s been hidden right under our noses. Let’s drink to our thirst’s content from the fount of knowledge. Welcome to Chablais.
On the occasion of the Olympic and Paralympic Week, held from the 1st to the 6th February in Les Gets, we met up with three Les Gets Ambassadors who told us all about their experience at the Olympic Games and what they think about competitive sports.
Three champions, two different disciplines but one view: sports for women! About Adeline Mugnier, Mia Clerc and Océane Avocat Gros.
AdelineMugnier
Adeline Mugnier, born and bred in Les Gets, has brought some great trophies back. She participated in the Sotchi Winter Olympics in 2014 and in PyeongChang in 2018.
Les Gets was awarded the “Terre de Jeux 2024” label, and was selected to be an Olympic training centre for Cross-Country Mountain Bike Racing (XCO) from 2021 onwards. What do you think of that?
“I think it’s really interesting for the resort. This type of event (Olympics) brings a lot of sporting teams together, and can also be really beneficial for the hotels, apartments and shops of Les Gets. That is even more important, in light of the current situation. As a sports coach, it would be an opportunity to make my gym available for professional athletes coming to train in Les Gets. These athletes might then come back to Les Gets for their holidays or just for pleasure.”
“Terre de Jeux 2024” aims to promote sport more widely. You grew up in a sporty environment yourself, so why is it important to encourage sports?
“I was lucky to be surrounded by sport from a very young age, and I can appreciate the advantages of that today. It’s really important to teach children to enjoy exercise in general, even if it’s just going for a walk. In Les Gets, there’s a wide range of activities on offer, in summer and in winter: skiing, snowshoeing, biathlon, hiking, mountain biking and so much more. We could also go further and try out sports that are not usually on offer in the mountains, such as boxing, judo, dancing, etc.”
Since you first participated in the Olympics in 2014, do you think the world of Olympic sports has changed?
“Not really. Compared to a World Championship, the Olympics involves so much more publicity and is much more complicated to manage. Everything is larger-than-life and more intense. I think it’s all a bit too much just for an event that lasts one day, even if that event is decisive for an athlete’s career.
I found myself in a strange situation in Sotchi for the Giant Slalom event. It was a horrific day with torrential rain, awful snow, and everything was wet. I was on the chairlift with my technician and I found it hard to believe that I was at the Olympics. Because whatever the weather, your event is held on that day, not another and you have to perform well, and that’s it. If not, come back in 4 years’ time!”
What advice can you give young athletes from Les Gets who are preparing for the Olympics or the Paralympics?
“It’s easier said than done, but you have to try and stay focused, concentrate on what you can control and don’t try to go overboard, and don’t let yourself get distracted by everything else. My advice: stay focussed on yourself and your event.”
OcéaneAvocat Gros
After several years of alpine skiing competitions, Oceane discovered ski jumping at 14. From then on, she has been in the top 30 in many World Cup events and is determined to participate in the 2022 Olympics.
What did you do when you found out that Les Gets was to become a Cross-Country Mountain Bike Racing (XCO) training centre for the 2022 Olympics?
“I think that it’s really cool. It will attract a lot of people to Les Gets and there will be a great atmosphere. This is a testament to the diversity of activities on offer in Les Gets. It’s not only a ski resort, Mountain Biking is also really popular here in the summer. It’s an all-year-round resort. Hosting this kind of event in Haute Savoie and in Les Gets will be an opportunity to showcase what our mountain resorts have on offer, and the economic and cultural benefits of this will be astounding.”
How are you preparing for the 2022 Olympics?
“We train all year round, in all seasons, to make sure we perform as well as we can at the various World Cups and World Championships. Because it is based on our World Cup results that we are selected for a place in the Olympics. The World Cup events act as warm-ups for the Olympics.
If I’m selected for the Olympics, I’ll have to really give it my all, and use everything I’ve learnt over the past years. It will be much more stressful than what I’m used to and I’ll need to stay focussed. I will need to stay concentrated on myself and not get distracted by the glitz and glamour of the Olympics, if I want to perform well on my jumps and show the very best I have to offer.”
The women’s ski jumping event only made an appearance in the Olympics in 2014. Do you think this discipline deserved more attention?
“Very few people knew about ski jumping in France, and don’t even get me started on women’s ski jumping! The French media barely show an interest in the women’s events. If young people don’t know about this sport, they won’t even think of trying it. Right now, there are not many women at all who could possibly take over and join the team with us. It’s a shame.
It would be a good idea to provide ski jumping introductory sessions, available to everyone. A few years ago, a small jump was set up just below the village of Les Gets. It was a great idea!”
Are there any significant differences in what is on offer for men and women in this sport?
“We fought tooth and nail to be considered on the same footing as men, to be included in World Cup events, to participate in the same competitions such as the Four Hills Tournament. We are starting to make a place for ourselves, the level is getting really high, but there are still some inequalities. The prize money for World Cup events isn’t the same for men or for women. As a female athlete, it’s not easy to make a career out of your sport and it’s complicated to find sponsors. The whole system means that we are still left in the shadows far too much.”
Mia Clerc
Originally from Madagascar, Mia had her first skiing experience at the age of 5. A few years later, she was selected for the 2018 Winter Olympics and was the first ever woman to compete for Madagascar.
At the beginning of January, you had a serious fall during an event in Flaine, causing an open tibia-fibula fracture, which unfortunately meant that the season was over for you. How do you feel?
“At first, it was difficult for me to accept but I have to keep my spirits up. I already feel better. I immediately started physiotherapy and in 1 week I’ll be able to start walking again. At the end of February, I’m going to stay at a recovery centre. I’m going to work the weaker parts of my body and I’ll get stronger.”
Where did your passion for Alpine skiing come from?
“At the age of 1, I was adopted by my parents who lived in Les Gets. They taught me how to ski. I started competing when I was 8, to discover a new activity and it very quickly became a passion. Sports at a professional level are quite a different ball game. I love the atmosphere at events. We are always learning something new about our body, our mind… What’s my favourite discipline? The Giant Slalom. That’s where I feel most at ease and I really progress.”
What can you say about your first experience of the Olympics in 2018?
“It was a fantastic experience. I was very young so I didn’t go there with performance in mind. My goal was just to arrive at the bottom of the slope. I was also the 1st ever woman from Madagascar to represent the country at the Winter Olympics, so I was really proud to represent my homeland. I was also proud to promote the development of women in sport, as well as female sports in Madagascar.”
As you know, Les Gets was awarded the “Terre de Jeux 2024” label and will have a role to play in the 2024 Olympics. What do you think of that?
“I am proud to be going back to my favourite resort where I grew up and where I learnt so much. There’s so much to do there, in summer and in winter. For example, when I was younger, as well as skiing, I also enjoyed skating. The resort also provides professional athletes with great facilities, for downhill skiing and mountain biking.”
What are your goals for the future?
“My season is over for this year, but I wanted to improve myself in every discipline, to be able to participate in the Junior World Championships in Italy. I’d like to finish in the top 30 in giant slalom or slalom or top 10 in the disciplines with less women on the starting lines, such as the speed trials. But the competition is very tough, so it won’t be easy.”
Stay connected to our mountains…
There are as many ski instructors as there are ways to make a living from this profession. Discover the portraits of Ryan, Luc and Cédric, three ski instructors from the ESI 360 school in Les Gets. Experienced, young graduates or still in training, they have very different backgrounds and universes but they all share the same passion: skiing and snowboarding.
Zoom in on these instructors in flash blue suits who will help you discover the pleasures of skiing and snowboarding in all its facets.
Ryan – your perfect guide to Les Gets
Recently graduated as a professional instructor, Ryan is an avid sports enthusiast. Of French-Australian origin, he perfects his skills in both ski and snowboard teaching. A mountain lover, he shares his passion with young and old alike. On the slopes, with him, it’s educational and fun!
At the age of 25, Ryan is passionate about music. As a DJ in his spare time, he sets the atmosphere of the resort in certain bars here in Les Gets. After lessons, he goes on to work at a bar-restaurant in the heart of the village. Meet Ryan on the slopes, in the restaurant and in the bars : the perfect instructor to get to know the resort at your fingertips !
“When I give ski or snowboard lessons and the contact is established, it’s always interesting and pleasant to meet the same people out and about. In our profession, you can really make some great connections”.
His dual nationality allows Ryan to welcome people from all over the world. Moreover, his experience in freestyle and free ride will be able to help those who would like to push their limits.
Luc – Born to ski
Born in Les Gets, Luc grew up with skis on his feet. After a number of years in the Les Gets Ski Club, Luc switched to the blue ski suit and started his ski instructor’s training as a matter of course for him! He’s French-Welsh and the youngest member of the 360 team, Les Gets. Luc started preparing his ski instructors training during 2016 juggling the Winter season and his studies at the Sports University in Lyon for 2 years.
With a DEUST APN degree, this future instructor is now concentrating on completing his instructors training.
It’s with enthusiasm, he explains, that being an instructor brings him heaps of satisfaction each day: « Having a profession that you are passionate about has many advantages and gives me the chance to meet, share and exchange with people who come from all over the world. It’s really something very enriching on a personal level ! “
At ease with children, he always loves to share his passion with them being bi-lingual helps too !
When the pastures turns green, Luc likes to spend his days on the golf courses. An accomplished sportsman he can confirm that Summer is a completely different way of life but just as sporty.
Cédric – the all-road instructor
With his 25 years of experience in the field, Cédric is a passionate instructor who knows how to put forward his sporting skills as much as his pleasure of sharing. A lover of wide open spaces and nature, he will be the specialist for ski and splitboard touring as well as off-piste. He will share his technique and his many anecdotes about the natural heritage of our mountains with his customers.
“In my philosophy, the most important thing is to share my passion and moments of authenticity with those present. I try to create a connection. Despite everything, my job is also about keeping people safe, and I think it’s important to put all my experience at the service of both expectations and safety. »
A true lover of snow sports, he perfects his skiing and snowboarding skills in the winter, and then the summer you’ll find Cedric instructing mountain biking and also rafting, kayaking and hydrospeeding.
Living through the seasons and the activities that the mountain areas offers him, Cédric is a versatile instructor. A veritable escape filled with a “return to the roots” awaits you.
Are you tempted by a snowshoeing outing #MadeinLesGets during your stay in Les Gets ? In this article, you’ll find a selection of half-day or full-day outings, of varying durations and across varied landscapes.
As long as you stay on the marked and especially prepared tracks (see our trails guide), you can use them freely and without a guide. If you would like to explore the wilder parts of the ski area, we strongly recommend you go with a ski instructor or a mountain guide. To avoid any unfortunate incidents !
8 am – Wake-up call and hearty breakfast
Every adventure begins with a good breakfast. So make sure you recharge your batteries in the morning with a large baguette, a bowl of muesli or a stack of pancakes before heading out into the wilderness.
Walking in powder snow certainly builds up an appetite! Before setting off, make sure you’ve got some refreshments: 1L of water per person, a snack and your lunch if you’ve planned to have a picnic in the great outdoors.
9 am – Equipment hire
You don’t need complex or expensive equipment for a snowshoeing hike. You can easily hire the snowshoes and poles from one of the many equipment hire shops in Les Gets.
Before putting on your snowshoes, make sure you check one last time that you’ve got everything you need: waterproof shoes and good socks, warm and wind-proof coat, gloves, hat, scarf, backpack with food and water, poles, the trails guide and of course a camera or smartphone to capture these memorable moments.
9:15 am – Meet up with your mountain guide
There are plenty of mountain guides in Les Gets to choose from, some are avid birdwatchers, passionate about botany or history, they know everything there is to know about the local wildlife, some are young and feisty, others are older and wiser, all of them can take you on an exploration of the ski area and beyond…
They are passionate and will expertly pass on their knowledge of nature, the environment and the history of Les Gets. they’ll take you to unique places that can only be accessed on foot and with a professional, and they will show you some breath-taking views that only a select few have been lucky enough to see.
Snowshoeing is in fact a mountain activity in its own right which requires extensive knowledge of the mountains: to prevent risks by choosing the right itinerary, awareness of the weather conditions and terrain, etc.
Here you’ll find a list of all the professionals at the resort who can take you on a snowshoeing outing:
Here is a small selection of half-day hikes along marked trails that you can do without a guide according to your desires, your shape and the time you have.
Chavannes sector
Option 1 : Head towards Le Ranfoilly for some exceptional views
Trail N°4: Pleasant walk along a wide, groomed track, with benches and a superb view. To be combined with a picnic at the Trappeurs shelter (Grand Cry territory) or at the Nauchets Viewpoint (trail n°3). Some great views over the La Rosta ridges, the Pointe de la Turche, the Pic du Marcelly, Mont Caly, the Uble Mountains and Mont Chéry. Take the trail that passes through the Mappys beginners’ area and the Grand Cry territory. Go back along the same route.
Duration: 2.5 hours – 3 hours there and back Length: 2.7 km Change in altitude: 150 m positive inclination and 150 m negative inclination Departure point: Chavannes cable car
If you want to go straight down to the village, you can go along trail n°5, via La Mouille Ronde. Duration: 2 hours downhill Length: 4.4 km Change in altitude: 350 m negative inclination
Option 2 : Head to Le Pleney for a family-friendly walk through the forest
Trail N°1: Superb walk through the forests and forest clearings, with a great view of the village of Les Gets, Morzine and La Manche valleys, Nyon plateau and the resort of Avoriaz. The trail is mostly flat making it suitable for families with young children. If you are feeling sporty, and if you set off with a guide or instructor, we recommend carrying on until you reach the pretty Nabor Alpine pastures, the perfect spot for a lunch break.
Duration: 2.5 hours – 3 hours there and back Length: 2.8 km Change in altitude: 100 m positive inclination and 100 m negative inclination Departure point: Chavannes cable car
Mont Chéry sector
Option 3 : Head to Lassare for an adventure in the wilderness
Along trail N°4, you will discover some wooden sculptures and stop off at the Sheep Farm/Artisanal Pottery in Les Gets. You will be following the same trail there and back, with a superb panoramic view of the Roc d’Enfer, Côte d’Arbroz and Nantaux. From Lassare, follow the marked trail towards ‘Plan Bôdit’, until you reach Mont Chéry cable car, your arrival point. On the way back, you can either go left along a groomed track, or along the snowshoeing trail to Lassare.
Duration: 3.5 hours Difference in altitude: 190 m positive inclination and 190 m negative inclination Departure point: Lassare
Option 4 : Head to Mont Caly for a nature and heritage outing
This hike begins at the hamlet of Les Places. Go along the snow-covered track that leads to the Mont Caly Alpine pastures (trail n°2), and you’ll be impressed by this charming and peaceful place. Then follow the trail to Mont Chéry cable car (trail n°1), through forests and across snow-covered fields. During this walk, you’ll be surrounded by a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc mountains. Come back along the same track.
Duration: 3 hours – 3.5 hours there and back Length: +/- 5km Change in altitude: 220 m positive inclination and 220 m negative inclination Departure point: Les Places hamlet
Are you itching to get off the beaten track? Do you want to find out more about Les Gets’ history and heritage? Maybe see some animal footprints? Call upon a professional.
We met up with four guides (Pascal, Dominique, Laurent and Julien) who shared with us their passion for their job and their expert knowledge of the area.
“When we go out on snowshoeing expeditions, we try to venture off the marked trails as much as possible, to really explore the wilderness. We adapt the itineraries according to the needs and physical ability of the participants. For experienced walkers, we suggest exploring the Ranfoilly and La Rosta sectors, for some beautiful views of Mont Blanc, Samoens, Morillon and the Pointe Percée. I also like going to La Turche, Mont Chéry or outside of Les Gets for an even more thrilling adventure. I’d like to remind you that these itineraries are not marked, some passages can be quite technical and you shouldn’t go there without a guide”.
“What I love about my job is taking people on a journey, telling them stories, showing them the exceptional heritage and environment of Les Gets. For example, I tell them about how the different hamlets got their names, the history of the farms and pastures we see along the way, traditions of Les Gets, etc.”
“I particularly like the Lassare sector due to its wild nature. We walk across wide-open spaces covered in snow, and through dense forests with some great views of Avoriaz, the Roc d’Enfer and Mont Chéry. This place is perfect for observing animal footprints: deer, doe, roe deer, squirrels, etc. For a bit of added fun, I sometimes suggest sliding down through the powder snow in safe spots.”
“Mont Caly is a preserved mountain hamlet, full of charm, and with traditional architecture and well-preserved or restored buildings. With the added bonus of superb views of Mont Blanc and the Roc d’Enfer on the other side. I must insist that if you venture away from the marked trails, snowshoeing is a mountain activity that requires good knowledge of the terrain, the environment and the potential dangers.”
There are so many ways you could fill your afternoon, and why not vary the pleasures: a ride on a snowmobile, some well-deserved pampering, a tour of a local farm or the Art’N’Chéry gallery, a stroll around the old village for a bit of shopping, sledging at the foot of the ski slopes, a ride on the merry-go-round or the children’s play areas, etc.
While the opening of the ski lifts is long overdue by alpine skiing fans, another mountain sport is on the rise this winter: Nordic skiing.
Cross-country skiing is the oldest discipline of skiing. Historically, it originated in Norway, where skis were indispensable for hunting and firewood collection in winter. It became a sport at the end of the 19th century.
In Les Gets, the Nordic area opens to the public from 19 December.
So don’t wait any longer to discover this sport, both recreational and physical, and which combines hiking and the pleasure of skiing.
A sport accessible to all
The ideal place to start cross-country skiing
The resort of Les Gets offers several slopes without great difficulty in an idyllic setting between snowy clearings and undergrowth. However there are also sportive routes for the more athletic of you.
Mostly located in the forest, the slopes invite you to reconnect with the very essence of Nordic skiing, a return to nature and calm.
The itineraries have been laid out on slightly hilly ground, the effort is progressive, making cross-country skiing accessible to all ages and all desires. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are several trails to choose from: the small green loop is ideal for learning the basics of sliding, the blue trail will take you a little more into the effort and the red route will be perfect for getting your cardio up !
A gentler mountain practice to give a boost to body and mind!
Nordic skiing is an endurance sport which exercises all muscles in a regular and progressive way. The use of the poles works your shoulders, triceps and abdominal muscles while the gliding movements tone your leg muscles. Cross-country skiing also improves your cardiovascular health and endurance.
Not forgetting that outdoor exercise, and even more so in the mountains, has a positive effect on stress management, mental health, brain activity and contributes to your general well-being.
Cross-country skiing is an ideal form of exercise to stay healthy, while minimising the risk of injury.
To each his own style
Skating
Classic
In cross-country skiing, there are two techniques of sliding:
Classic or alternative step: you ski in the 2 rails with the skis parallel, like a sliding walk. This is the traditional technique of the discipline which is also the most suitable for beginners for a first approach to Nordic skiing.
Skating: also called “skating step”, the movements are quite similar to ice or roller skating. The skis are spread out in a V-shape and pressure is applied to the sides of the skis to move forward, while pushing with the poles. This practice is more technical but also faster and more elegant.
Whether you opt for classic cross-country skiing or skating, the resort’s sports shops will advise you on renting (or buying) the right equipment for your winter sliding outings.
Indeed, skis are a little different in classic Nordic skiing or skating: classic skis are equipped with an anti-recoil system, which makes it easier to go up without hindering the descents.
You have never done cross-country skiing before and would like to try it ? In Les Gets, the mountain guides and ski instructors will be delighted to accompany you on your outings and teach you the basics of this beautiful discipline.
2 or 3 reminders for a successful Nordic ski outing :
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. But not too much either, because you will be warm once you’re on the move. As for all outdoor sports in winter, the 3-layer rule is the best way to avoid cold snaps. Don’t forget the hat and gloves.
Take some food and drink. Although cross-country skiing is a gentler mountain sport, it is still a full sport. Sport means energy expenditure and hydration. So don’t play Rambo and think about taking water and a snack for your outing.
A bit of theory before practice: before you start sliding on Nordic trails, and to avoid unfortunate falls, find out about the right techniques, positions and movements to adopt. Professionals from the resort are there to answer all your questions.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of cross-country skiing, and practical information on how to do in Les Gets, we can’t wait to see you in our Nordic area this winter!
