Alpe D Huez: Best For Beginners & Intermediates Skiing

Les Gets is a well-balanced resort ideal for families, mixed-ability groups, and intermediate skiers. It has charm, good variety, and nice piste options in its own right, but also acts as a gateway: with the Portes du Soleil pass you can access a much larger ski area. If you like relaxed skiing mixed with some challenges and a traditional alpine feel.

Les Chavannes

This is the more “friendly / touristy / family-oriented” side.
Good beginner zones, many easy blue runs, tree-lined slopes, lovely scenery.
Links into the larger Portes du Soleil area, so intermediates have plenty to explore beyond just Les Gets.

Mont Chéry

More challenging terrain: reds and blacks dominate; fewer easier runs.
Steeper slopes, more exposed, more suitable for confident skiers.
Offers superb views (e.g. Mont Blanc visible) from its higher elevation.

Les Gets is a good for families & beginners this is because there are easy beginner and nursery slopes, magic carpets and drag lifts are included in Les Gets. Snowparks, boarder-cross, other terrain features with plenty of off-piste & freeride potential: especially around Mont Chéry.

WHY WE LOVE LES GETS?

Stunning Scenery – Nestled in the French Alps, Les Gets offers breathtaking mountain views year-round. In winter, it’s a snowy wonderland; in summer, lush meadows and wildflowers abound.
Skiing & Snowboarding Paradise – Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, it has slopes for all levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging black pistes. The village itself is cozy and ski-in/ski-out friendly.
Charming Village Atmosphere – Unlike some larger resorts, Les Gets keeps that authentic Alpine village vibe with traditional wooden chalets, quaint streets, and local shops.
Activities Beyond Skiing – In summer, it’s a hotspot for mountain biking, hiking, and even golf. In winter, you can also enjoy sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
Family-Friendly – Many love it because it’s perfect for families. Ski schools, gentle slopes, and plenty of activities keep everyone entertained.
Culture & Events – The village hosts seasonal festivals, markets, and cultural events that give it a lively, yet intimate, personality.
Great Food & Après-Ski – Cozy cafés, hearty mountain cuisine, and welcoming bars make it easy to relax after a day on the slopes.

Beginners

Les Gets is a very good choice for a beginner — nice terrain, good ski schools, and plenty of gentle slopes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect + tips to make your first ski trip there smoother. If you tell me when you’re going (date) or who with (kids / adult), I can tailor more.

What makes Les Gets good for beginners

There’s a dedicated beginners’ area called The Mappys/“Mappys area”, close to the arrival of the Chavannes cable car. It has two magic carpets, a snow cable, and a rope tow, with four gentle slopes.
The “Glisse” lift pass gives beginners access to green and blue slopes in the Chavannes area, which are suited to easy learning.
Lots of ski schools (ESF, independent schools) offering group and private lessons, for kids and adults.
Ski area offers a progression: you start with very gentle slopes, then some blue runs as confidence builds.

What to know / prepare

Book lessons in advance: Especially in peak season / school holidays, lessons fill up.
Lift passes: There are different lift pass options. The “P’ tite Glisse” pass is good for beginners since it limits you to easier terrain (green / blue) and helps avoid paying for areas you won’t use.
Gear: Rent well-fitting boots, helmet, and skis. Comfort matters a lot for first days on snow.
Weather/snow conditions: Lower slopes can be icy or have less snow coverage — learning higher up (Chavannes) helps if snow is better.
Pacing: Half-day lessons are often enough in the morning; afternoons are good for practising what you’ve learned or resting. Fatigue + cold = risk of injury / discouragement.
Clothing: Layers, waterproof outerwear, sun protection (even cold days).

Which slopes / lift areas to start on

Here are some specific runs / lifts good for beginners in Les Gets:

Mappys area (as above) – ideal “first ski” zone.
Green & easy blue slopes off Chavannes. For example: Gentiane, Bruyère are good blue runs to progress.
Using Chavannes Express might help access those easier runs without having to do too steep or busy ones.

intermediates

Lots of blue & red terrain: Les Gets (together with Morzine) has a wide variety of runs that are well-suited to intermediates — both easier blues for building confidence and more demanding reds when you want a challenge.
Tree-lined slopes & varied scenery: Many of the intermediate runs wind through woods or past pasture slopes, which gives variety in terrain and visibility, and makes skiing more interesting.
Good lift access: You can access many of the intermediate runs directly from mid-stations, meaning less slog, more skiing. The Chavannes side, Ranfoilly Bowl, and “Bowl” under La Rosta are particularly friendly in this way.
Quiet & forgiving on many reds: Some red runs aren’t super steep, allowing lower-intermediates to test themselves. The reds on Mont Chéry are quieter and great options.

Good runs / sectors to try

Here are some runs and areas that are particularly good for intermediates:

Area Run / Sector What to Expect Ranfoilly / Chavannes Bowl Blue runs off Ranfoilly and the “Bowl” under La Rosta Gentle to moderate slopes, very enjoyable “cruise-downs”, good for linking turns, often not too busy. Mont Chéry Various reds (e.g. Chamois, Epervier)More challenging terrain, steeper pitches but nothing extreme; good for pushing beyond blues. Less crowded. La Turche side Varosses run, woods some drag lifts, forested slopes. More technical in parts, good for skiers wanting to work on edge control. Linking to Morzine from Les Gets via various red/blue runs into Morzine area More mileage, changing scenery, more lift-rides. Useful if you want longer runs and to explore.

Advanced

Chavannes bowl (Les Gets main side)Black runs Yeti and Myrtilles, accessed by La Rosta and Grains d’Or lifts. These are steep, often mogulled later in the day. Mont Chéry Quieter, often less crowded. Some very good reds and blacks, shaded north-facing slopes, plus off-piste areas down the side of pistes. Chamossière / Nyon (Morzine side)More challenging terrain, freeride zones, steep sections, moguls.

Variety: from steep groomed blacks, moguls, tree runs, off-piste, quiet reds.

Good local access: parts like Mont Chéry are less packed, more serene.

Scenic: views from high up (Mont Blanc, surrounding Alps), a nice mix of open bowls and wooded terrain.

Family Skiing

What’s Great for Families in Les Gets

Kid-friendly terrain & ski schooling

There are lots of gentle, wide slopes and nursery/beginner areas, ideal for first turns and early ski lessons.
Specific areas like the Jardin des Neiges (Snow Garden) for ages ~3-5, and the Mappys Area, a free beginners’ zone with very gentle slopes, cable lifts or magic carpets.
Plenty of ski schools (ESF and others), often offering childcare/kids’ club that pairs with lessons/lunchtime etc. Good for parents wanting some slope-time while kids are supervised.

Fun zones and extras

Toboggan runs / sledding, snowmobiles (electric snowmobiles), dog sledding, etc.
Ice rink in the centre of the village; skating is floodlit in the evenings.

Village life & ambiance

Les Gets is picturesque: a traditional Savoyard village, cosy chalets, friendly après-ski vibe. It avoids big resort sprawl.
The centre is quite pedestrian-friendly; streets, shops, restaurants are accessible without needing cars once you're there.

Practicalities & logistics

The resort has the Famille Plus Montagne label, which means there are quality standards for family services (childcare, beginner lifts, etc.).
Accessible from Geneva airport / other big hubs, reasonable drive times for many visitors.

Events, deals and touches that matter

Discount offers: e.g. “Pass Free Kids” deals where child ski passes are free under certain conditions.
Weekly event programming, often with something kid-friendly (torchlight descents, sometimes chocolate making, etc.) to keep non-ski days or evenings interesting.

Some Considerations (Things to Be Aware Of)

Altitude & snow reliability: Les Gets sits at ~1,200m at the base, with lifts up to ~2,000-2,300m for some areas. Because of the lower base altitude, snow can sometimes be less reliable early or late season compared to higher resorts.
Crowds during peak times: School holidays bring more people, which means ski school slots fill fast, more lift queues etc. Booking lessons, childcare & equipment ahead is wise.
Slope variety for more advanced skiers: While there are red and black runs and access to more challenging terrain (especially via Portes du Soleil area), much of what’s immediately around Les Gets is geared toward beginners and intermediates. If you have someone in the family wanting extreme or very steep stuff, might need to plan which lifts/areas to access.

Accommodation

Hotels

Les Gets boasts a selection of hotels ranging from boutique establishments to larger resorts. Notable options include:

Hotel Macchi: A family-run hotel offering a warm alpine ambiance.
Hotel La Marmotte: Features a spa, indoor pool, and is conveniently located near ski lifts.
Hotel Belalp: Known for its comfortable rooms and proximity to the slopes.
Le Crychar: A boutique hotel with just 16 chic alpine rooms, all boasting mountain views. It offers a spa, pool, and kids’ playroom, making it suitable for couples and families alike.

These hotels provide various amenities such as wellness facilities, ski storage, and easy access to the slopes.

Chalets & Apartments

For a more private and flexible stay, consider renting a chalet or apartment. Options include:

Mountain & Tradition: Offers a selection of catered and self-catered chalets and apartments, some just steps away from ski lifts.
Emerald Stay: Provides luxury chalets and apartments with amenities like hot tubs, ski rooms, and modern interiors.
All Chalets: Features a variety of self-catering accommodations, including options with jacuzzis and close proximity to ski lifts.

These properties cater to groups of various sizes and offer the flexibility to cook your own meals or enjoy local dining options.

Ski Schools

ESF Les Gets (École du Ski Français)

As the largest ski school in the region, ESF Les Gets provides a comprehensive range of lessons for both children and adults. For children aged 3–12, they offer the "Piou Piou" and "P'tits Montagnys" programs, which include ski lessons along with childcare services. These programs are designed to ensure a seamless experience for families, with options for morning lessons, lunch, and afternoon kids' club. ESF also offers private lessons, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and telemarking for all ages.

BASS Les Gets (British Alpine Ski School)

BASS Les Gets is renowned for its English-speaking instructors and personalized approach. They offer small group sizes (typically 4–6 participants) to ensure focused instruction. Their offerings include children's ski lessons, off-piste guiding, and adult clinics, all tailored to individual needs. BASS is also a licensed training center for the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI), emphasizing high-quality instruction.

Ski School 360° International

Ski School 360° International provides a diverse range of lessons, including skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, ski touring, and off-piste. They cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, and offer both group and private lessons. Their team of state-qualified instructors focuses on personalized instruction to enhance the skiing experience.

Ski New Generation

Ski New Generation is a top-rated ski school in the Portes du Soleil region, known for its expert instructors and fun learning environment. They offer private and group lessons for all ages and abilities, with a focus on making learning enjoyable and effective. Their local knowledge ensures that clients experience the best of the Les Gets slopes.

Evolution 2 Les Gets

Evolution 2 Les Gets is an adventure school that blends skiing with other outdoor activities. They offer private ski and snowboard lessons tailored to individual needs, as well as other activities like mountain biking and snowshoeing. Their approach emphasizes progress and fun in an exceptional alpine setting.

LGS Ski School

LGS Ski School is a small team of highly qualified British instructors offering personalized ski and snowboard lessons. They pride themselves on their 5-star customer service and provide an easy online booking system. LGS specializes in children's lessons, private ski sessions, and snowboard tuition.

The Snow Institute (TSI Snowsports)

The Snow Institute (TSI Snowsports) is a British-run ski school with over 15 years of experience in the Portes du Soleil area. They offer adult and children's ski lessons in English, focusing on personalized instruction and local expertise to help clients make the most of their time on the slopes