In this article, you will find the weather tendency for the next two weeks for the Department of Haute Savoie, in the French Alps, where the ski resort of Les Gets.
To update this weather scenario, we rely on forecasts from the weather websites Météo France, La Chaîne Météo and Chamonix météo. We will update the weather forecasts on a weekly basis.
Forecast for the next 15 days
The week from 24/07/2023 to 30/07/2023 : Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the beginning and end of the week.
The week from 31/07/2023 to 06/08/2023 : Rain is expected throughout the week.
Forecast for the next 3 days
Snow weather Thursday 16 May
Update: 16/05/2024 07:35, forecasts provided by Météo France
Morning
7°
6km/h
Afternoon
10°
15km/h
Next 3 days
morning
afternoon
Friday 17 May
6 °
12 °
Saturday 18 May
9 °
14 °
Sunday 19 May
10 °
15 °
Note: temperature at the foot of the slopes
La météo en direct
Webcams & infos pistes
Thanks to our “live” webcams installed in several strategic places in the resort, you can see in one click the snow conditions of the area as well as the weather all year round.
You can also check our slope info page for live opening times of ski slopes and lifts.
You can also find the weather and snow forecasts for Morzine-Avoriaz and the other ski resorts in Les Portes du Soleil within the 3 valleys that make up the area:
La vallée d’Aulps : Avoriaz 1800, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine-Avoriaz, St Jean d’Aulps.
La vallée d’Abondance : Abondance, Châtel et la Chapelle d’Abondance.
La vallée d’Illiez (Suisse) : Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val-d’Illiez Les Crosets Champoussin
Are you starting to give serious thought to the first slopes you’re going to tackle this winter ? Us too!
While we await the cheek-numbing cold, the warming-up sun and the thigh-burning descents, how about shaking things up a little and getting in tip top shape this winter ?
Don’t lose a minute of time on the slopes during your next skiing holiday
Below, we’ve shared some of our best practical and fun advice so you’re all set once the ski area is open.
1. Preparing physically for the ski season: good, strong thighs !
Below we share 5 practical exercises that you can do at home, to prepare for your return to the slopes, designed to help improve your pressure distribution and endurance, prevent aching muscles and, above all, injury.
1. Warm up: remember to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before starting your strengthening exercises: joint rotations, jumping jacks, knee raises, heels-to-glutes, static jogging etc.
2. Cardio training: you can opt for the thrilling run round the block, sticking within the 1 km radius of your home. Otherwise the skipping rope is an excellent way of raising your heartbeat in no time at all.
3. Strengthening lower limbs: alternate sets of squats, lunges (front, back and side) or wall sits. These exercises will strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and quads.
4. Core: we recommend that you work on your core to help prevent lower back pain and tension, often linked to weakness in the abdominal and lumbar regions. We have a soft spot for static and dynamic plank exercises.
5. Walking up and down stairs: this is a very good exercise which works the glutes, quads and hamstrings.
There’s no need to embark upon a top-body challenge; the idea is to gradually get you back on track for an incident-free ski season.
Back to basics
2. Revisiting downhill skiing
If Jean-Claude still has problems planting his pole, that’s because he hasn’t take time to revise the basics of downhill skiing: body alignment, weight transfer, flexibility and range of motion etc.
When the time comes to put on your skis and make fresh tracks, you may as well do it with style, control and panache. Which is why we’re offering you a little refresher course on the basics of downhill skiing: alignment and flexing of hips, ankles and knees, body weight forward, tilting of body to execute lovely, uniform turns etc.
Do you want to really impress your friends and family ? Forget about weddling and instead revise your position and angle to execute the perfect carve!
Freeride enthusiasts can take inspiration from the best in the field with videos of iconic skiers such as Candid Thovex, Sébastien Michaud and Marion Haerty.
3. Maintain your equipment: waxing with reblochon
While your flatmate is perfecting his carving technique in his bedroom, why not have a go at waxing your skis before winter, using yesterday’s reblochon! Its creamy paste will lightly lubricate the bottom of your skis!
Joking apart, good ski maintenance starts with optimal storage at the end of the winter season.
Here are a few good habits to adopt:
Never leave your skis in a bag after a day’s skiing as when they are damp their edges can rust.
Brush the base of your skis to get rid of any dust or dirt and then store them in a waterproof bag.
Store your skis in a dry room.
What’s the purpose of waxing and sharpening?
Waxing the base of skis helps provide optimal glide for faster and more exhilarating descents. Sharpening skis is important to ensure they can properly grip the snow so as to prevent uncontrolled sliding.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast at heart, sharpening and waxing kits are available on the internet and in several stores. There are a number of tutorials on the internet to help you.
Otherwise, when you arrive at the resort our professional ski techs will prepare your skis perfectly. Visit this pageto check out the sports shops in Les Gets.
4. Memorise the piste map
Do you, like us, hate wasting time looking at the resort map at every slope intersection? So, make the most of your free time to memorise the Portes du Soleil piste map. There are 12 ski resorts between France and Switzerland, 293 marked trails and 209 ski lifts…. So there’s plenty to keep you busy for a while 😉
Do you want to explore all the valleys and see all the peaks? You can start to plan and memorize some of the ski and snowboarding trails. For example, which is the most direct route to Chatel or Avoriaz from Les Gets ? Or, how do you pop over to Morgins or Champéry in Switzerland ?
Can you also name the peaks in the Haut Chablais and Valais regions? If you want to impress your loved ones, we recommend that you download the PeakFinder or Peaklens app so you can easily identify the surrounding summits.
5. Start packing your case two weeks before you go
Now that you’ve memorized every nook and cranny of the ski region, here’s some advice on how to pack well in advance and prepare for every eventuality (especially for the opening of the ski resorts that we hope will be soon)
Before you start stuffing your base layers inside your ski boots, this winter shouldn’t we perhaps draw up an inventory of equipment? Boots, skis or snowboards, goggles, poles, various protective elements, backpacks, pairs of gloves: we figured right now was a good opportunity to sort through this merry mess!
Equipment: check!
Other essentials
You can never be reminded often enough about the 3-layer principle which will keep you warm and dry throughout the day:
Breathable 1st layer : avoid cotton and opt for synthetic fibres or merino wool (a must!)
Thermal 2nd layer, in the form of fleece or down jacket
Waterproof, windproof 3rd layer: jacket and ski trousers
Ski socks – remember to pack several pairs
Gloves or mittens, glove liners for those who feel the cold
Ski goggles or visor
Backpack with hydration pack, water bottle and picnic
Sun cream and protective lip balm
Ski pass
Not to mention your anti-Covid, approved mask or neck warmer for the ski lifts and queues.
As a reminder, here are some examples of approved masks/ neck warmers: – Surgical paper masks – Category 1, non-medical masks for the “general pubic” – Category 2, non-medical masks for the “general pubic”
And as a bonus: a flask of genepi (herbal liqueur) to warm you up, your selfie stick for those Insta poses, your fondue pot… Well, pretty much everything that makes you happy !
For snowboarders
6. Practice stepping into your rear binding as quickly as possible when leaving the chairlift
As good skiers, we can hear you moaning from here about your friend, Michel, who always takes too long to get into his binding at the top of the chairlift 😉
Well things will be different this year! Michel has learnt a simple 2-step technique so he can step quickly into his binding when he leaves the chairlift.
1. While waiting at the bottom of the ski lift, he scrapes the bottom of his binding to remove any snow that has accumulated. Which means he’ll be able to step straight in without any problem.
2. When he gets to the top, he lifts the spoiler, steps into the binding and tightens the straps, while carefully sliding on his board, avoiding potential skiers and toddlers waiting in line.
Tadaaaaam… Everyone is ready to leave in under 20 seconds!
7. Practise cooking an express fondue on the slopes
Even if you’re already on your 2nd raclette or 3rd tartiflette of the season, there’s nothing better than a nice Savoyard fondue to warm your hearts and fill your stomachs during an intense day on the slopes.
Yes but …the clock is ticking and you’ve only planned a 30 minute break for lunch. Here are two possible scenarios, depending on your preference:
Option 1 : the realistic Do you want to make the most of every moment spent outside in the snow?
Why not cook an express fondue on the slopes with the added bonus of a spectacular view? From the logistical angle, nothing could be easier: a stove and gas cylinder, a large saucepan, a cheese fondue mix from a grocery store in the village, some baguettes and that’s it!
Option 2 : the humoristic Do you like to go back to your apartment to warm up a bit at lunch time?
If so, we recommend the Smoothie Tartiflette which is ready in just a few minutes.
In a blender, mix two pre-cooked potatoes, an onion, a handful of diced bacon and half a reblochon. Something to perk you up for the afternoon!
8. Making a competition glove to take endless photos and videos
Filming a friend trying to do a backflip, recording an epic off-piste descent or taking a selfie against a breath-taking backdrop: we all want to capture memories of our unforgettable ski holidays. Yes but…you can waste valuable time getting out your phone, taking off your gloves etc. We have THE solution!
We’ve devised a must-have accessory so you can access your smartphone quickly,and at any time: a glove with easy thumb opening. Another gem to add to your collection of “ugly but practical “objects that everyone will envy.
We did try to make one, and then we told ourselves that we weren’t yet ready to lose an inch frozen by the cold 😉
With its dual nationality and two different cultures, Les Portes du Soleil is a land that knows no borders. Mountain dwellers across these valleys, be they French or Swiss, are united in a common philosophy and a shared way of life.
It is the coming together of 12 resorts in a human adventure that began over half a century ago and resulted in what is now one of the most extensive world- class ski areas on the planet.
Whether you want to enjoy wide open spaces, pine forests and mountains pastures, gaze at exhilarating views and iconic summits, seek out discreet treasures, or just choose your route and ski at your own pace… you’ll love the snow-covered slopes of this outstanding playground between lakes and peaks that attracts winter sports fans year after year.
Ready to leave Les Gets for a ski safari?
Then follow the guide. Your lift pass and a beaming smile will be your passport…
9:00 Top start
The Chavannes Express departs from Les Gets centre-resort for Ranfoilly/Rosta. First selfie of the day, with Mont-Blanc as your backdrop, from the Ranfoilly platform, just one of the picture-postcard spots you’ll find along the way.
9:45
Your adventure continues on a section of the Joux Plane mountain pass road that the Tour de France cyclists often take in summer. That takes you to the Chamossière sector, then via Nyon towards the resort of Morzine.
11:45
After the tourist train and a few ski lifts, you’ll find yourself on the Zore Ridge, from where you’ll easily recognise the distinctive architecture of the resort of Avoriaz.
You’re now just a stone’s throw from Switzerland and very close to the hamlet of Lindarets (in Montriond), which owes its fame to the goats that graze here in summer!
12:00
Follow the slope markers to the Mossettes express chairlift.
You’ll be greeted at the top by a melodic accent as you cross the border. A great excuse to stop for a break and sample the local gastronomy. For example, you can try raclette cheese or dried meat from the canton of Valais and wash it down with a glass of Fendant.
Take note, the duration of your recreational pause depends entirely on your skiing level and will be every bit as enjoyable if it turns out to be a whole picnic. Either way, don’t forget to keep an eye on the time and, if necessary, adjust your skiing pace to make sure you head back before the lifts start closing.
A couple more corners and the emblems of Portes du Soleil, the Dents du Midi peaks, emerge before you, proudly reaching for the sky at an elevation of 3 257 metres. This majestic sight towering above the resorts of Champéry/Les Crosets and Champoussin has inspired many dreams.
You’ll already be making plans to return to see the mouflons of «Grand Paradis» or, you never know, to finally tackle the famous «Swiss Wall» descent. But for now, it’s time to head for the highly symbolic «Col des Portes du Soleil», the pass that gave its name to the ski area.
Matthieu Vitré
13:00
The excursion continues towards the snow- covered forest track of Tovassière. This is the perfect moment to challenge your skiing companions to a race and schuss at full pelt to be the first to arrive in Morgins!
14:00
The other mountainside brings you back to France via the Super Châtel sector which offers natural viewpoints over Lake Geneva and the Abondance Valley, a land of Art and History. Torgon, the Swiss resort of the Portes du Soleil ski area, is close by. You’ll continue to Châtel via a pleasant, rather challenging slope that leads directly to the sectors of Linga, followed by the Plaine Dranse.
15:30
There is still a little way to go before you reach the slopes of Super Morzine and approach your departure point, just a short distance away as the crow flies.
16:45 the end of the day
The day is coming to a close and you’re sitting in the Pléney gondola lift. But your skis still have some sliding to do before you complete your loop with an enjoyable return to Les Gets!
Clearly, you won’t cover the miles of slopes and discover every nook and cranny of Portes du Soleil in just one day, nor even one holiday.
But isn’t that what this timeless journey is all about ? Unending surprises, childlike enthusiasm at every new discovery, and the desire to return again next year for another dose of that feel-good factor ?
Practical information
This itinerary is suitable for experienced skiers only. Lift opening/closure times vary through the season as the number of daylight hours increases.
For guidance on the slopes, don’t hesitate to download the Portes du Soleil app.
Discover the Portes du Soleil ski area on the interactive map and find in a flash the essential information for your skiing days ! The application is free and available on IOS and Androïd.
Our elders never had a weather app. Their snowfall predictions were based on the scrupulous observation of nature – height of the gentians, behaviour of the bees and robins, and so on…
Old mountain wives’ tales or reliable indicators ? Here are ten of nature’s clues to look out for if you want to find out before everyone else if the snow will be good next winter.
1. Tall Gentians 🌷
The yellow Gentian seen in the Alps is a hardy perennial that can live for up to 50 years. So it has seen quite a few winters!
This true barometer has been considered for ages as one of nature’s best indicators of how much snowfall to expect. From a scientific angle, its height allows its flowers to remain above the surface and also helps it to reproduce by facilitating the spreading of its seeds. QED.
So fans of the white powder can now morph into botany experts and spend the summer monitoring the growth of the Gentians and dreaming, as it happens, of the “Gentianes” slope they’ll be hurtling down next winter.
2. Wasps in abundance in summer 🐝
Old scout’s honour, the more wasps you see during the hottest months of the year, the harsher the winter to come! Others rely on the height of the wasps’ nests; the taller the nest, the deeper the snow. Tangible proof? Not so sure. Only queen wasps last that long, the rest die before winter arrives.
All the same, a wasp sting or two during the summer is a small price to pay for a few extra metres of winter powder!
3. Magpies, robins and mice taking refuge in barns 🐀
No doubt about it, snow is on the way! This might make you smile, but never forget that animals are much more sensitive than humans to changes in atmospheric pressure.
4. Onions with more layers of peel 🧅
You cry more when peeling onions ? Don’t you worry, many people think it’s a sign that a harsh winter is on its way. Here again, it’s just nature’s way of preparing for an unusually tough season. In fact, legend has it that each layer of onion peel represents a month of snow. (All the same, don’t panic if you count 12 layers! )
5. Abundant rowan berries, plums, walnuts and hazelnuts 🌰
Perhaps nature’s generous gift to squirrels who will need greater stores to survive a harsh winter ? This is another of our elders’ favourite clues and one which demonstrates once again that animals and vegetation are indeed among the best predictors of bad weather.
6. An August craving for fondue or tartiflette 🧀
A sign that never fails… If by 15th August you’ve had enough of water melon and patio barbecues washed down with rosé, but really fancy a nice greasy tartiflette, charcuterie and all, then have faith in the very clear message sent by your inner radar.
After waxing your stomach with melted cheese, you can pop to the garage and start waxing your skis.
➡️ We take the opportunity to give you some good addresses where you can taste warm and tasty Savoyard dishes!
This has to be the most reliable indicator on our list! When our Parisian friends rush to buy the latest models, look to the heavens and expect to see a whole avalanche of fresh snow (or, failing that, an avalanche of skiers).
8. When the first snows arrive at the end of September ❄️
The Mont Caly with a white coat – 26 September 2020
26 September 2020: While summer is still present everywhere in France, winter has suddenly appeared and covered the Alpine peaks with a white coat. From Austria to France via Switzerland, the cold spell affected a good part of the Alpine arc, with up to 40 cm of snow above 1500 m.
Should we see these first snowfalls as a short-term winter offensive or the forecast of a beautiful snowfall next winter? One thing is certain, we are keeping our fingers and skis crossed with all our might.
➡️ For weather conditions and snow reports in Les Gets, go to our live weather page.
9. When your Instagram feed is packed with images and videos of powder snow 🏂
On Instagram and Facebook, your feed is invaded by images of fresh powder and freestyle skiing videos from the four corners of the earth. You follow the best riders in the world like Candide Thovex and Victor Muffat-Jeandet. The latest equipment from the best ski brands holds no secrets for you. And you’ve signed up for snowfall alerts at the five ski resorts around you.
Do these rituals mean that there will be fresh snow this winter? Nothing is less certain… But it is well known that if you dream very, very loudly of something, it may come true!
Can’t find Coronet Peak on your atlas? Hardly surprising, as this ski resort is located on the other side of the planet, in New Zealand. And when it snows heavily there in July and August (wintertime down under), you have every reason to believe that it’ll do the same here in a few months’ time.
For a short break, it’s easy from Paris, London and other cities to reach this endless ski area offering gourmet restaurants, lively bars, revitalising panoramic scenery and a mixed range of sports activities and more leisurely pursuits… The resort of Les Gets has everything you need for an unforgettable snow holiday.
Follow Max and his friends to Les Gets resort in Haute-Savoie for a unique long weekend #MadeinLesGets!
Friday
3.30 pm – London Heathrow Airport : Start of the trip
A bit of last-minute stress with an urgent task to round off the week’s work but, just this once, I have to leave early. Buzzing like a kid at the start of the summer holidays, I rush to hail a Uber ride to the airport.
6.30 pm – Geneva Airport: Reunion time
Barely time to flick through a magazine and I’m already at the Swiss airport. I feel lighter than air. I’ve left the stress of the daily grind behind me in London. Outside the airport building, I’m reunited with friends who have come from across Europe, amid hugs and laughter, and the pleasant prospect of a weekend.losing track of time. The shuttle bus to Les Gets is already there. Just another hour of travel and our magical weekend getaway can begin.
As usual, Emma has made the accommodation arrangements. As usual, she has got it spot on! A warm and cosy little chalet just for the eight of us, and a view that promises to be absolutely stunning when we discover it tomorrow morning. All in the heart of the resort, at the foot of the slopes.
Saturday
9 am – Excitement and preparations
Croissants, scrambled eggs, coffee and pancakes, great music playing in the background, perfect weather, the mountains that beckon… and above all, my friends. This is happiness defined. The day gets off to a stress-free start. Our lift passes and ski rentals have been pre-booked, we just have to pick them up on our way to the slopes. Our skiing gear isn’t a problem either. Jon suggested we rent that too, with Skichic.com. An original and very practical idea, although it won’t stop us from treating ourselves in the lovely boutiques of Les Gets during our stay! Our packs were delivered to our chalet before we arrived. So here I am, with all the right gear even after travelling light.
1 pm – Heaven on the slopes
What a great morning! My legs are killing me but what a heavenly morning! Picture-postcard snow, ski area slopes groomed to perfection and panoramic views to die for. By lunchtime we’re starving. Our charcoal-grilled lunch out on the terrace in a decor like this should recharge our batteries for the afternoon’s descents.
5 pm – A unique immersive experience
The day ends with a brand new activity in Europe: Alta Lumina, an enchanting nightwalk in the heart of the forest, in the village of Les Gets. Just WAW ! We were transported on a journey beyond the mountains thanks to incredible sound and light effects and scenography.
7 pm – Nocturnal temptations
After a refreshing shower, we discover the buzz of Les Gets by night. The atmosphere is great, but not overdone. Plenty of places we can reach on foot, to enjoy the party atmosphere that’s just as we like it, not over the top. We feel very much at ease in the wine bars and pubs… So much so in fact that we end up at the Igloo, the historic night club of Les Gets. As I climb into my cosy bed, my smartphone tells me it’s 2.18 am.
Sunday
9 am – It’s a beautiful day
You know those days that feel just perfect, as if all the stars are aligned in your favour? Those precious moments that stay in your mind forever and return to boost morale when you’re feeling low. Sunday is one of those days, in one of the world’s biggest ski areas: Les Portes du Soleil.
At the top of the Ranfoilly chairlift is the “Step into the Void”, a wide 27 m² platform offering a bird’s-eye view of Joux Plane lake. Opposite, the panoramic view over the Mont-Blanc mountain range really takes your breath away. It’s awe-inspiring, makes you feel dizzy. The photo machine takes a group selfie and sends it to our smartphones. Greetings from Les Gets!
3 pm – Time for a spot of cardio
We go to change our skis and meet Matt for our first ski touring experience in the safety of the new trail marked out in the Mont-Chéry sector. The 3-kilometre climb with an elevation gain of 665 metres takes us to the top of Mont-Chéry where we find ourselves at sunset, 1,827 metres above sea level. I struggled for breath on the way up but it was worth it just for this feeling of elation at the top! Return via the slopes, working up a hearty appetite for our pre-dinner drinks and nibbles.
8 pm – Montagne chic
Choosing from all the restaurants in Les Gets isn’t easy. In the end we opt for “Montagne Chic” in the centre-resort, a gourmet restaurant which serves original dishes based on fresh, local produce. Bon appétit!
Panoramic view
Ranfoilly platform
A breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc, at the top of Ranfoilly, with a free photo souvenir as a bonus.
Enjoying the end of the day with friends, a drink in hand on a high altitude terrace or in one of the bars in the resort, that’s what a skiing holiday in Les Gets is all about.
After a glance at the mirror I grab my woolly hat. I look healthy and happy with a glint in my eye. It feels as if I left London a fortnight ago. It’s amazing how good you feel in the mountains.
12 noon – Time to breathe
Another of those moments when time stands still… With picnics in our rucksacks and smiles all round, off we go to rent our snowshoes. We have chosen a picnic spot in the great outdoors: from Les Plasses village, a superb nature walk through the pine trees takes us to Mont Caly. We stop for a tea & coffee break on a lovely high-altitude terrace. The view over Mont Blanc is absolutely stunning. You never get tired of it.
4 pm – Wellness haven
I didn’t particularly want to go to the spa. But only a fool never changes his mind! So I follow the crew to the Spa des Sources du Chéry. Whirlpool baths, steam room, sensory shower, foot baths, sauna… The list is endless. A relaxing, energising experience. Very enjoyable!
8 pm – Change of atmosphere
After last night’s mountain theme, tonight we choose a restaurant where the atmosphere is just as warm and friendly but with a more urban feel. The decor is pleasant and the food is delicious. It’s great to have so much choice.
10 pm – The local bar
Our last evening… We all go for a drink in a bar with live music before returning to the chalet, again on foot! Clearly, this is a Monday evening with a difference.
A stress-free morning relaxing on the terrace, seizing the moment and preparing to take all this happiness back home with us. Taking our time. Being grateful for the here and now… even though we’re already trying to find a date when we can come back!
11.30 am – Local supplies
We walk around the centre-resort shops to do some shopping and stock up on local specialities. It’s great not having to use the car. Charcuterie, cheese and other products made in Les Gets will help us fight the blues on our way home.
2 pm – All good things come to an end
Eddie, Isa and I have found a carshare for the return trip, with two friends who have spent the whole week here. It’s a practical and economical solution, and a nice way of finding out the best spots for powder skiing and addresses worth trying on our next visit. And it’s a last chance to enjoy the sound of that irresistible French accent! Once arrived in Paris, we board the Eurostar train to London. End of weekend getaway. After just 4 days away, I arrive back in London after what feels like an eternity.
Border hopping in the heart of the first cross-border area is the stunning advantage of the Portes du Soleil. With twelve resorts in two countries and just one package, the Portes du Soleil offers an exceptional playground for sensations on a large scale.
From Les Gets, THE place to start your border hopping adventure, between France and Switzerland.
Genesis of an XXL ski area
Europe’s largest mountain bike area, 650 km of snow in a natural powdery reserve, and a home of events, Portes du Soleil can definitely win over visitors.
It must be said that since its creation in the 60s, the desire to unite has never gone away, because it was born of a deep friendship between two mountaineers, who were dreamers but, above all, visionaries. On the French side we have the Olympic downhill champion Jean Vuarnet, and on the Swiss side there’s his friend from Valais, Gustave Trombert.
From a crazy seed of an idea to build cross-border ski lifts, this huge Franco-Swiss ski project is growing. Originally called the ‘Haute Route des Familles’ (Family High Road), when it was presented at the Swiss National Exhibition in Lausanne in 1964, it became ‘Les Portes du Soleil’ in 1965.
Through a combination of will and passion, twelve resorts in Haut Chablais and Valais joined together to offer holidaymakers a ski safari paradise: Abondance, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine- Avoriaz, and Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, on the French side, and Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, and Val-d’Illiez-Les-Crosets- Champoussin in Switzerland.
Over 50 years later, the Portes de Soleil continues to shine and adapt its huge playground for new activities. Skiing in winter, mountain biking or walking in summer, why not hop from France to Switzerland for some fun without frontiers? It doesn’t matter which flag is flying, we’re just giddy with… boardsports!
A family resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil
Nestled in the heart of the area, Les Gets displays its Savoyard identity on the façades of its chalets and in the hearts of its residents. The stones and wood, borrowed from the mountains, and the alpine pastures and herds are a reminder of the village’s pastoral roots, long before it became a resort.
Here, under a generous sun, take a deep breath of authenticity. In an exceptional location between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, and with a direct link to the Portes du Soleil, Les Gets combines the delights of a recognised ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ resort with those of a huge Franco-Swiss playground.
With ski departure on foot from the heart of the village, Les Gets goes to infinity and beyond. Les Gets opens up onto the immensity of the Portes du Soleil area. With one single package, the twelve Franco-Swiss resorts are open to skiers’ tips. 286 runs and 196 lifts in Portes du Soleil. If climbing makes you dizzy, push back the borders for unlimited skiing.
Leaving from Les Gets, more than 650 km of white gold are open to those who love skiing or boardsports; because here, all forms are possible. Telemark, snowboard, cross-country skiing, the possibilities are endless and the beauty of the setting gives you the chills. After a nice warm-up on the slopes of Mont-Chéry, with its breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc chain, why not go over the Chavannes slope to reach Morzine, Avoriaz, with a quick jump to the Swiss resort of Champéry. It’s always more fun without borders.
The Indians slope
Ski touring
Nordic skiing
Ski & rock, the winter cocktail of the Portes du Soleil
We’ve got French culture, we’ve got Swiss culture, but in the Portes du Soleil, we’ve also got rock culture!
Concerts on the slopes during the day and later in the resort, the Rock The Pistes festival brings the area together for a wall of sound, live and at altitude. 7 days of rock, 5 giant concerts on the slopes, 50 gigs off piste in the 12 resorts and 28,000 festival-goers, a unique cocktail in Europe.
For music lovers, this is a unique opportunity to discover the area, from resort to resort in pursuit of a great sound. The atmosphere melts the snow each year as there’s dancing in ski boots. Before a slide down the slopes to enjoy this amazing scene right to the end. In the centre of the village in the evening, the fervour continues with vibrant concerts by young talent.
Always more tips & tricks…
“We are in the year 2020 after Jesus Christ. The whole planet of mountain biking is being turned upside down by a pandemic that is disrupting many sporting competitions. All of them? No! A village of indomitable Gétois is still resisting the invader.”
Driven by a passion for mountain biking and the desire to offer the public a life-size show, the P2V association has decided to organize a DH race in Les Gets from 18 to 20 September 2020 with the world’s best riders… behind closed doors.
A high-flying challenge brilliantly taken up by the P2V team, with the support of Les Gets resort !
SuperBruni ready to race – SuperManon ready to whistle
Genesis of an unexpected event
From 18 to 20 September 2020, the world’s best riders were once again to compete on the slopes of Les Gets and offer the public an exceptional spectacle on the occasion of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
For obvious health safety reasons, Les Gets resort, in agreement with the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the French Cycling Federation (FFC), was forced to cancel the event. This was a huge disappointment for the resort.
So the P2V association, made up of local mountain bike enthusiasts, embarked on the rather crazy project of inviting the 30 best world riders to a race on the Mont Chéry, behind closed doors in order to comply with government directives.
A competitive line-up for a fast-paced descent
Around thirty pilots competed on a downhill (DH) track shaped in only 3 weeks and especially for the event. Both complete and demanding, the P2V Invitational track is a mix of difficult jumps, technical parts in the undergrowth in the roots, steep slopes, overhangs and bike park type turns.
« It’s rare to have tracks where the level, speed and technique are the same as in the World Cup (…) Thank you for that, the track is crazy ».
Loic Bruni (Number 1 UCI ranking 2019)
The event brought together a top-notch line-up, including four-time World Champion Loïc Bruni, three-time South African World Champion Greg Minnaar, and French rider Marine Cabirou, 2019 World Championship medallist, not to mention Loris Vergier, Benoît Coulanges, Troy Brosnan, Steve Peat, Fabien Barel, Tracey Hannah, etc.
On this amazing new track, Loris Vergier did well and set the best time in 3’20”35 followed by Benoit Coulanges 3’22”59 and Loïc Bruni 3’23’’21. Among the girls, Marine Cabirou won the race in 3’58’’96 in front of Tracey Hannah 4’01’’00. A thought for Mélanie Chappaz who unfortunately injured herself during the training sessions.
Men podium 1. Loris Vergier 2. Benoit Coulanges 3. Loic Bruni Women podium 1. Marine Cabirou 2. Tracey Hannah
« It’s quite crazy to get such a long track in three weeks of shaping. I would like to thank all the organization and staff for this incredible event and track»
Troy Brosnan (Number 3 UCI ranking 2019)
« We hope that we will be able to use this track in 2021 »
Hugo Frixtalon
The first big jump, only 30m from the start – Benoit Coulanges in great shape this year – Fabien Barel who surprises us with his 2004 jersey for the final run!
An original live show on social networks
The competition was broadcasted during all-new show commented by Florian Letondeur, Loïc Bruni and McFly on Sunday 20th September at 6.30 pm on Les Gets Officiel Facebook page.
« The only event where we thank the public for not coming »
A follower on Facebook
If the public was not allowed on the edge of the pistes, they were certainly there for the live show on Facebook. Nearly 70,000 people watched the programme in 48 hours.
At a time when more and more sporting events are being cancelled for sanitary reasons, this event shows us that, even from a distance, the passion for sport continues to gather and that video is an incredible way to share strong emotions.
To watch and re-watch the highlights of the show :
➡️ Track preview : 3’15 ➡️ Training clip : 7’35 ➡️ Interviews : 9’35 ➡️ Live race : 12’55
Once upon a time…
A story of passionate friends
The staff and volunteers of P2V spared no effort to organize this weekend of high-level competition. Around one hundred volunteers were mobilized before and during the event to carefully prepare the new track (sometimes at night by headlamp), manage the logistics, carry out the titanic work of producing and broadcasting the programme, welcome the athletes in optimal sanitary conditions, etc.
“One day, you have a crazy project. Almost too big… But thanks to a team of locals, enthusiasts, friends who believe in it and give absolutely everything, the dream comes true! What a great reward and what an inspiration to see a group of friends and its resort go to the end of an incredible and unprecedented adventure“, thanks Florian Letondeur, organiser and founding member of P2V.
We would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their commitment and professionalism. Thank you to the event’s partners and sponsors (Les Gets Tourisme, Oakley, Michelin and Jean Lain Automobiles), and thank you to the public for respecting the closed door.
That juicy, slightly acidic burst in the mouth, your purple-stained fingers (and T-shirt), and a tongue so blue you could join the Smurfs… We all have memories of summer afternoons spent picking and eating wild blueberries along the mountain paths.
The blueberry is an excellent wild fruit of the mountains. It is found between June and September, at altitudes that differ from one mountain to another.
As the summer holidays come to a close, you can continue enjoying those sun-filled flavours at home with this recipe for one of Savoie’s greatest culinary specialities, blueberry tart.
A souvenir dessert, like the Proust’s madeleine
There are of course as many versions of this recipe as there are cooks in our kitchens. This one is from Sandra, pastry chef in one of Les Gets’ restaurants, who unveils her secrets for a blueberry tart that’ll fire your tastebuds as well as those childhood memories.
“For me, blueberry tart brings back memories of afternoons at my grandmother’s house. I love this simple, authentic dessert because the crispy shortcrust pastry and the naturally sweet, acidic fruit go so well together”, Sandra tells us as she places the mouthwatering round berries on the pastry.
Notebooks ready…
Here’s some precious advice from the restaurant-owner from Les Gets :
It all starts with the harvest:
“Picking blueberries by hand requires a little effort!”,warns Sandra. But above all it’s great fun and… tasty too. One blueberry in the basket = five blueberries in the mouth. “To gather the berries without damaging them, I use a plastic bucket that’s fairly wide and not too deep, to avoid crushing the small fruit.”
Then you sort them:
💡 This tip from Sandra makes sorting the berries much easier: “Place the blueberries at the higher end of a slightly-tipped tray. Gently shake the tray from side to side so that the berries roll to the bottom, leaving the leaves and twigs at the top, as if by magic.”
Then wash the wild blueberries thoroughly. Ideally, bake them for 5 minutes directly on the tart base. Blueberries can be eaten up to 3 days after harvesting. Otherwise, they keep well in the freezer.
For those who enjoy raw blueberries, Sandra suggests an alternative, which is none other than her grandmother’s recipe.
“If you don’t want to use crème pâtissière or chantilly cream, you can brush the tart base with a beaten egg and flash bake it for 5 minutes at 180°C.” This will create a protective coat to ensure the base stays nice and crispy.
Another suggestion to stop the pastry going “soggy” is to brush it with a thin layer of melted white chocolate and leave it to cool in the fridge for 3-4 minutes.
RECIPE – serves 8 to 10 people
Sweet Pastry:
150g butter (unsalted)
1 egg
90g icing sugar
270g flour
30g ground almonds
Pinch of salt
In a bowl, first cream together the butter and icing sugar. Mix in the egg, then the flour, followed by the ground almonds and, finally, the salt.
Place the pastry in a tart tin and bake at 180°C (gas mark 6) for about 15 minutes (keep an eye on its colour).
Crème pâtissière:
1 litre vanilla-infused milk
180g eggs
150g sugar
80g cornflour
Bring the vanilla-infused milk to the boil. Remove from the heat and pour it over the mixed eggs, sugar and cornflour. Return to the heat, bring back to the boil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly over the entire surface of the pan. Remove from the heat, place the mixture in a gratin dish and cover with plastic film, ensuring the film touches the cream in order to prevent a skin forming. Place in the fridge. Once the cream has cooled down, pour it into a mixing bowl and whisk again until perfectly smooth.
Neutral coating:
As an extra touch, you can glaze the fruit to give it a colourful, appetizing shine. You may already be used to making your own glaze with water and sugar or honey.
If not, here’s a great tip: use red-fruit jelly diluted in a little warm water to coat your blueberries and give them a shine.
To finish your tart, just spread or pipe the crème pâtissière over the cooked pastry base, then carefully place your blueberries on top.
Bon appétit !
Enjoying the simple pleasures of walking across the great outdoors, discovering exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains… this is what hiking in Les Gets is all about.
What should you pack in your rucksack? Where are the best spots to watch the sunset, enjoy a picnic or pitch your tent?
This article reveals all our best ideas to ensure you get the most out of your future hikes.
Your rucksack essentials
Preparing your bag before a day’s hiking couldn’t be simpler! We know your priorities are wine, cheese and saucisson. OK, so you have the basics, but there’s a little more to it. Here’s our checklist of essential items to take with you for a perfect day-long hike.
Walking shoes: if your hike is intended as a sporting challenge, opt for lightweight, low-cut shoes with a good grip. Trail-running shoes are ideal. If you need good ankle support, choose stiff, high-cut shoes instead.
Rucksack: For a half-day or full-day hike, a 20-30 litre bag is ideal as it’ll be light and not too big. No point in being weighed down to skip across the pastures or scramble up mountain paths.
Technical hiking socks: Comfort gets you everywhere! Of course, when hiking, it is vital to look after your feet if you want to walk further and higher. Start with a good pair of socks. They should be reasonably thick and stop at the ankle, to avoid overheating or getting blisters.
Appropriate clothing: Remember to take adequate gear for the time of year and weather conditions. Winter or summer, always take a wind-proof jacket, one of the classics that has saved many a hiker from hypothermia! When it’s hot and sunny, don’t forget to take a sun hat or cap as well as sunglasses and sun cream. In cold weather, a technical sports garment, a winter jacket, a warm hat and a pair of gloves will be much appreciated at high altitudes. A buff is also an essential item for keeping your neck or head warm.
A pair of hiking poles: Hiking poles are often forgotten or used in the wrong way, yet they make precious allies when you’re walking all day. Don’t hesitate to seek advice for purchasing the right poles for your hiking needs. Both uphill and on the way down, using poles can relieve the pressure on your joints by 30%. Your knees will thank you for it!
And if your walking companion isn’t moving fast enough, you’ll know what to do to pick up the pace 😉
Sufficient water: No, you’re not (yet) capable of walking for miles like a camel without drinking a drop of water! To avoid fatigue, cramp and headaches, it is important to stay hydrated. For a day of hiking we recommend you take at least 1.5 litres of water per person and check beforehand if there’s anywhere along your itinerary where you can refill your bottle.
Food: We all agree that on any hike the picnic is sacred ! Besides your sandwich, remember to pack some nutritional snacks to stave off those moments of weakness during the climb. Our favourites are fruit compote, fruit jellies, cereal bars and fresh fruit*.
*We must insist that you refrain from littering nature with organic waste (fruit peel etc.), as this can attract rats and other predators that endanger the region’s protected species.
First-aid kit: Carry disinfectant and plasters to treat minor cuts, scratches and grazes. For more serious injuries (sprains) make sure you have a support bandage with you. And don’t forget the sun cream! For longer distances, it’s a good idea to take a survival blanket as well.
Map: there’s nothing to stop Mike Horn fans taking a topographic map, a compass and a GPS. But the truth is, you don’t need an ordnance survey map to discover the little treasures of Les Gets! Simply download this guide to the footpaths of Les Gets. It includes the detailed descriptions and itineraries of all the region’s hiking routes.
Head torch: just in case you get delayed and are still hiking when the sun sets. And say thanks to dear uncle Johnny whose brilliant sense of direction made you walk an extra 10 km.
Not quite so vital, perhaps a bit heavy or cumbersome, but great to have all the same
Binoculars, to scan the landscape for wildlife hiding in the trees or out on the pastures. You’ll be able to tell your friends you spotted a chamois on the opposite slope.
A camera, to capture the low light of the declining sun with your new 400mm lens that weighs at least 3 kilos.
The fondue pot, to enjoy a delicious meal, Savoie-style, facing the Mont Blanc.
If you prefer professional supervision, a number of mountain guides are on hand to accompany you.
Ranfolly ridgeJacquicourt ChapelBivouac at Mont Caly
Sunrise at the top of Mont Chéry
Sunset on the Ranfolly ridge
Picnic at Jacquicourt Chapel, a remote site concealed in a superb setti
For the wildest of panoramic experiences, follow the ridge path between Mont Chéry and Mont Caly
Get a little high on the Ranfoilly platform
2 ways to bivouac*: (1) “Roots” in the beautiful unspoilt setting of the Mont Chéry, facing Mont Blanc (2) “Chill” at the top of Mont Caly with after an easy approach by car
* Bivouacking rules to remember: allowed for one night only, with or without a tent, between dusk and dawn, generally between 7 pm and 9 am. The bivouac site must be left in an impeccable state.
At Les Gets, hiking fans can make the most of the summer season to tranquilly enjoy the spectacle of nature. Mountain hiking is the perfect way to discover the local animal and plant life.
So who do you think you might meet along the way?
Marmots: stars of the moutain pastures
These pleasant, cute little creatures can be spotted with the help of their melodic whistle call. You may well see marmots appear while walking between the Belvédère du Mont Chéry and Mont Caly on La Boucle des Clarines.
At this time of year, the rodents enjoy the warmth of the sun as they feast on wild flowers. The best time to look out for them is when they feed, early in the morning and at the end of the day. They’re fairly timid so you’ll have to be particularly discreet if you want to get a close look without scaring them away.
It’s impossible to explore the mountain paths without seeing herds of goats and cows grazing peacefully on the lush green, flowery pastures. The stuff of picture postcards!
At Les Gets, goats and cows are part of the decor too and they’ll make your hiking experience even more enjoyable.
To meet them, walk near the mountain farms of our slopes, such as the Ferme des Félires (Les Places), the Chèvrerie des Ours (Magy) or the Ferme de Caroline (La Mouille Ronde) which you’ll find on the Tour des Mouilles hiking trail.
At Col de Lachat, a pass on the Mont Chéry balcony trail, you’re sure to come across (and hear!) the cows from the Ferme Les Pâtres des Reines, home to 3 rustic breeds, Herens, Valdostana and Abondance.
The farmers and herdsmen of Les Gets will be happy to welcome you for a unique discovery of their Alpine pastures, a demonstration of their milking ritual and a sampling of their farm products. You’ll also be able to purchase products from the farm shop. Advance booking required.
At the bend of a path, if you are lucky, you may be able to see a Tétras-Lyre.
The black grouse, a protected species, is an emblem of the Alps. It is mostly seen in the Ranfolly and Mont Chéry sectors, where measures to protect them have been implemented. Indeed, the development of tourism, leisure facilities and off-piste activities causes significant disturbance in the winter season and this has made the birds more vulnerable.
Please remember that weather conditions, the time of year and the state of the pastures all have an influence on the presence of such wildlife… as does your discreetness.
Plants or mushrooms: to each his own picking
As for plant life, Les Gets is festooned with a beautiful array of edible and medicinal plants that you can taste on the spot or enjoy later back in your kitchen.
If you can’t wait that long, we suggest you try the raspberries and blueberries that you’ll find in abundance along the paths… who cares if you end up with a blue tongue !
Fine gourmets will be surprised by the wide array of edible fungi that can be harvested in the woods from August to October : porcini, girolles, boletes, chanterelles and horn of plenty. You can even find morels in spring. There’s a mushroom for every taste ! To optimise your harvest, hunt for mushrooms near conifers, beech and spruce trees. There’s nothing like an assortment of mushrooms fried up with local wild garlic or Alpine spinach.
Beware : if in doubt as to whether or not the fungi you’ve harvested is edible, ask at a pharmacy.
If you fancy yourself as a herbalist, you can seek out arnica, caraway or valerian in the company of Michel Rostalski, Les Gets’ very own wild flora specialist.
