Learning to ski in Les Gets: beginner areas, passes and lessons

• 12 lifts, 13 runsP'tite Glisse
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• €28.70P'tite Glisse 1-day adult (online)
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• +33 (0)4 50 79 72 22Les Gets ski patrol
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• under 5sFree pass
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A first ski week calls for slightly different planning from a confident skier’s holiday: the right area, the right pass and good lessons matter more than the size of the ski area. Here is how to get started in the Les Gets ski area, based on information from the lift operator and the tourist office for winter 2026-27.

Where to learn: the Chavannes side

Les Chavannes is the beginners’ side. The tourist office describes it as family-friendly, with a very accessible snow front, wide sunny runs and dedicated, protected learning zones. The lift operator particularly recommends the Mappys area, designed specifically for learning.

For children, the Territoire du Grand Cry, right next to the top of the Chavannes gondola, is a themed fun zone from age 3: tipis, treasure hunts and gentle boardercross-style runs with music. Mont Chéry, opposite, is aimed more at confident skiers: save it for later.

Passes for beginners

Passes are free for children under 5, with proof of age. No official source confirms a free beginner area. Details of each option and desk prices are on our lift passes page.

A first week, step by step

1. Days 1 and 2: beginner pass, learning lifts, first turns and stops on very gentle terrain.
2. Days 3 and 4: switch to the P’tite Glisse pass once you can stop and ride a drag lift on your own; green runs, then your first blues.
3. Days 5 and 6: link up the green and blue runs in the sector, and perhaps move to the Les Gets-Morzine pass if you are comfortable on blues.

This pace is only a guide: everyone progresses at their own speed, and your instructor is the best judge of when to move on.

Choosing your week

For a first trip, timing matters too. The ski area’s full opening is announced for 19 December 2026: before that, only part of the runs is due to be open, snow permitting. School holidays (Christmas, February) are when group lessons and childcare fill up fastest, so book early if you are aiming for those weeks.

Taking lessons

Three ski schools are based in Les Gets: the ESF, the École de ski 360° International and New Generation, plus independent instructors. At the ESF, the Club Piou-Piou in the snow garden takes children from age 3 and private lessons are possible from two and a half; adult group lessons have 8 people at most. Our comparison of ski schools covers ages, opening dates and specialities.

For an adult beginner, two or three private lessons early in the week build good foundations before skiing green runs on your own.

The very youngest

For children too young to ski, the Les Fripouilles crèche takes children from 12 months to 4 years in winter, by the half-day or full day, at the Maison des Gets, with compulsory advance booking. Prices and practicalities are on our childcare page.

Safety on the slopes

• Ski patrol numbers (official 2025-26 map): Les Gets +33 (0)4 50 79 72 22, Morzine +33 (0)4 50 79 84 55, European emergency number 112. Save them in your phone before you go up.
• Helmet: strongly recommended, especially for children.
• Stay on marked runs that match your level, and check the tourist office snow report, which also gives the avalanche risk.
• No sledging on the ski area: it is banned day and night; there are four free sledging runs in the village.
• Non-smoking resort: the ski area describes itself as non-smoking, with designated areas and free pocket ashtrays at the ticket desks.

For equipment, our ski hire page explains what to have ready to rent the right sizes.