Les Gets is a fantastic family-friendly destination in the French Alps. Located just an hour south of Geneva, it offers not only skiing but also a wide variety of activities for families to enjoy. From the interactive Grand Cry ski area to carousels, soft play areas, sledding, an alpine coaster, evening light shows like Alta Lumina, ice skating, hiking, spa relaxation, and even fireworks ski shows, there is something for everyone. Our family truly appreciates the balance of fun both on and off the slopes.
Overview of Activities in Les Gets
Family skiing with beginner-friendly slopes, fun themed areas like Grand Cry, and ski lessons.
Sledding hill in Les Gets village, free and fun winter activity for kids near the ski lifts.
Skiing and Ski Lessons
Les Gets, nestled in the French Alps, offers a large ski area that is both family-friendly and reasonably priced. With trails that suit every ability level, it’s a wonderful destination for those introducing children to skiing. One of our favorite parts of the resort is the Grand Cry skiing area for families, which combines playful activities with beginner-friendly slopes. While natural snow has not been as reliable in recent years and sections of the mountain use man-made snow, as beginner skiers we still enjoy the easy trails higher up the mountain where the snow is typically better. Les Gets continues to be one of our favorite spots in the Alps to bring our children skiing and enjoy a relaxed family holiday.
The Slopes
Les Gets is part of the larger Portes du Soleil ski area, which stretches across France and Switzerland with over 600km of slopes. While it is possible to ski across borders, we usually stay within the Les Gets section, which has plenty to offer families. From the center of town, it’s easy to hop on the Chavannes cable car—a convenient option when traveling with young children. At the top, beginners can practice on the short bunny slope equipped with a magic carpet, though it can get busy during peak school holidays. Once our children were ready, we moved on to the Grand Cry Territory, a unique themed ski area with interactive beginner and intermediate trails. Kids can hit objects with their ski poles, weave through tunnels, play instruments, and even dodge fun obstacles. With its Western theme, it’s a highlight of skiing in Les Gets for younger children and keeps them motivated on the slopes.
Skiing Lessons
For families new to the sport, there are plenty of ski schools and private lesson options in Les Gets. Many visitors opt for group ski school, but it typically requires multiple-day bookings, which didn’t suit our family’s schedule. Instead, we arranged lessons with a Ski With Ease private instructor. The patient and fun teaching style was exactly what our children needed to feel comfortable and confident on their skis. Our instructor was knowledgeable about quieter slopes that matched our kids’ abilities, helping them progress without being overwhelmed by crowds. These private lessons made a big difference in building confidence and skills. Make sure to book in advance as space fills up quickly—we typically start booking 2–3 weeks ahead.
Tickets and Rentals
Ski passes for Les Gets can be conveniently purchased online, at the Chavannes station, or at the small hut at the top of the Chavannes Cable Car behind the Yeti restaurant. We’ve found this resort quite reasonably priced. Especially for families, the p’tite Glisse pass (€28 for adults and €21.50 for kids aged 5–15) provides access to 12 lifts and 13 slopes, including the Chavannes Cable Car and Grand Cry family area. The prices mentioned are for the 2025–2026 season, so it’s always good to double-check the resort’s website. Buying online is usually cheaper, but the staff at the counter have always been very helpful when we needed advice. For rentals, we prefer Berthet Sports next to the Chavannes Cable Car. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and they provide a boot room where you can leave your shoes while skiing—perfect for families managing lots of gear.
Final Thoughts on Skiing in Les Gets
Overall, skiing in Les Gets is a fantastic family experience. With beginner-friendly slopes, the playful Grand Cry Territory, and affordable tickets like the p’tite Glisse pass, families have everything needed for a fun ski holiday. The easy access from the village center via the Chavannes cable car makes it especially attractive for those traveling with young children. While snow conditions vary, Les Gets remains one of our favorite Alpine destinations for family skiing.
Alta Lumina
Take an enchanted journey through light, sound, and imagination at Alta Lumina in Les Gets. This unique, family-friendly light show is a walk-through attraction that follows the story of a musician in his hot air balloon. Set along an 800-meter forest trail, the experience takes about an hour and offers families a chance to explore glowing light installations, interactive music displays, and immersive storytelling.
What to Expect
Groups enter Alta Lumina at reserved time slots, where the blending of music, projection, and color brings the story to life. A few benches along the path allow for breaks. Our kids loved the interactive section, where they turned a crank to make an instrument play louder. Families also receive a free digital photo, sent directly to their email. The path is uneven and not suitable for strollers; when our daughter was one, we used a carrier backpack, which worked perfectly. Since the event takes place in the evening, dress warmly as temperatures drop, especially in winter.
Arrival and Tickets
Tickets for Alta Lumina Les Gets can be purchased online, with special family pricing available. Children 4 and under enter free. Each ticket secures a timed entry slot; guests are advised to arrive 15–20 minutes early. Parking is limited at the site, so we recommend taking the free and convenient shuttle bus from Les Gets town center.
Conclusion
Les Gets is a favorite Alpine destination thanks to its diverse range of family-friendly activities. Alta Lumina adds something truly magical—a forest trail filled with music, imagination, and fun. If you’re planning a family trip to the French Alps, don’t miss this unforgettable nighttime adventure.
Manège de Chevaux de bois (Carousel)
Our children’s favorite activity in Les Gets is undoubtedly the Manège de Chevaux de Bois (Carousel). This restored wooden carousel from 1871 is one of the oldest known French models still in operation. Our kids especially love the boat that tilts back and forth as the carousel spins. Tickets can be purchased with cash, and discounts are available when buying multiple rides (1, 6, or 24 rides, or even a weekly pass). This ride is always a highlight of our trips to Les Gets.
Luge 4 Saisons (Alpine Coaster)
Another highlight in Les Gets is the Luge 4 Saisons, an alpine coaster that runs year-round. The 1,100-meter track winds down the mountain at thrilling speeds of up to 40 km/h and is a family favorite. Each sled holds two people, so adults can ride with younger children. Kids ages 3–7 must ride with an adult, while children 8 and older (at least 1.35 m tall) can ride on their own. Afterward, don’t miss the souvenir photo—available as both a print and a digital copy—which our kids love. Next to the coaster is a family-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the track. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, crêpes, and a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken nuggets. Free parking is also available at the Perrières car park.
Les Sources du Chéry Spa
In the center of Les Gets, Les Sources du Chéry Spa is the perfect place to unwind after days on the slopes. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, and booking at least an hour-long treatment includes complimentary access to the full spa area. On our visit, my husband and I enjoyed relaxing massages followed by time in the spa’s facilities: steam rooms, saunas, a salt scrub, hot tubs, and a large pool with bubble jets and lounge chairs. I especially loved the outdoor hot tub and sauna with mountain views.
Guests receive slippers, towels, and robes, and the spa is equipped with lockers, changing rooms, showers, and hair dryers. Children are not allowed, making the space calm and quiet. Reservations are highly recommended, as the spa is popular. If you’re seeking rest and recharge in Les Gets, this is a wonderful spot for an afternoon or evening.
Soft Play
In the town at the base of the mountain, there is an outdoor Arctic-themed soft playground, free for families with children ages 2–6. Our kids enjoy climbing, crawling, and exploring here during a break from skiing or other activities.
Sledding
Near the cable car entrance and in the town center, there is a sledding hill (Des Perrières) perfect for kids. We usually bring a sled on vacation, but many shops in town offer rentals. There is no magic carpet, so sleds must be carried up, but the hill isn’t long and the kids always have fun. If there isn’t enough natural snow, the hill is covered with man-made snow. Sledding here is free, and while there are more dedicated areas on the mountain, this one is easy to access and lots of fun.
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Les Gets has several hiking and snowshoeing trails ranging in length and difficulty. When my daughter was too little to ski, we would go for a winter hike. Pulling her on a sled was much easier than trying to push a stroller, which parents sometimes struggled with on snowy paths. Sleds can be easily rented from many sports shops in the village. We enjoyed the groomed Le Belvédère Des Nauchets trail, a scenic route that takes about an hour round trip. It’s a wonderful way to take in the mountain views, and my daughter loved the sled ride—a fun alternative to skiing.
Ice Skating
A lovely outdoor ice skating rink sits in the middle of town next to the carousel. Tickets are required, and skates are available for rent, with plastic skating aids provided for beginners. I enjoyed taking my son skating for the first time—it’s great for beginners or anyone just wanting to have fun.
Red Ski Show
On select Monday evenings in winter, Les Gets hosts the Red Ski Show. ESF ski instructors descend the slopes in unison, each carrying a glowing torch that lights up the night. Piste groomers and ski patrol join in, adding a behind-the-scenes glimpse to the spectacle. The show concludes with fireworks over the village. Best of all, it’s completely free—so if you’re in Les Gets on a Monday, don’t miss it!
Final Thoughts on Les Gets
Les Gets stands out as one of the best family ski destinations in the French Alps. With beginner-friendly slopes, playful areas like Grand Cry, fun extras such as Alta Lumina and the alpine coaster, and relaxing options like the spa, families can strike the right balance between activity and rest. Easy access from Geneva makes it even more appealing for a family ski holiday. Whether you’re skiing, sledding, skating, hiking, or enjoying light shows and fireworks, Les Gets has something for everyone in winter. For our recommendations on family dinning in Les Gets, click here to learn more.