The Match between Les Gets Vs Morzine Ski Resorts
Les Gets vs. Morzine: Comparing Two Alpine Neighbours in Les Portes du Soleil Ski Area
Les Gets and Morzine are two neighbouring Alpine resorts in the Haute-Savoie region of France. Both resorts are part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, offering visitors a vast range of winter and summer activities. Despite their proximity (they are both easily linked by free bus shuttles) and shared ski area, Les Gets and Morzine have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
This article will compare these two charming resorts to help you decide which one best suits your next ski property purchase.
Location and Accessibility
Les Gets and Morzine are located in the Haute-Savoie region, with Les Gets situated between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, while Morzine lies further south. The two ski resorts are approximately 10 km apart and can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport. It is easy to connect between both resorts with the buses.
Les Gets is about an hour’s drive from the airport, while Morzine is slightly farther at 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Village Atmosphere
Les Gets has a traditional Savoyard charm with its cosy village atmosphere, wooden chalets, and family-friendly vibe. The resort offers a genuine village life experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed, intimate vacation.
Morzine, on the other hand, is a larger resort with a more vibrant atmosphere, loved by Brits for its apres-ski vibe. The town centre has a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Morzine appeals to visitors looking for a lively atmosphere with more entertainment options.
Check some of our properties in Les Gets and Morzine
Les Gets Top of Ranfoilly
Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
As part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets and Morzine offer access to over 600 km of interconnected slopes. However, their local ski areas differ in terms of terrain and difficulty.
Les Gets is known for its family-friendly slopes, with mostly blue and green runs catering to beginners and intermediate skiers. The resort also has a dedicated children’s ski area, making it an excellent choice for families with young skiers.
Morzine, in contrast, offers a more varied terrain suitable for all skill levels. While it also has beginner and intermediate slopes, Morzine boasts more challenging red and black runs, attracting advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- Ski Lifts and Terrain Access: The Chavannes lift is the heart of Les Gets’ ski area, providing access to a range of beginner and intermediate slopes. The Ranfoilly lift opens up more challenging terrain and panoramic views of Mont Blanc.
- Best Slopes:
- Beginners: The wide, gentle slopes of Les Chavannes are ideal for beginners, with easy access to ski schools and practice areas.
- Intermediates: The area around Ranfoilly and La Rosta offers a variety of blue and red runs, perfect for those looking to improve their skills.
- Family Features: The Grand Cry Territory, themed with an American Indian and wildlife motif, and the Mauve Milka slope, are specifically designed for children and families.
- Strong Points:
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Les Gets is particularly known for its family-oriented approach, with plenty of activities and ski school options for children.
- Scenic Beauty: The resort is renowned for its picturesque village and stunning alpine scenery.
- Quality of Slopes: The well-maintained and diverse slopes cater perfectly to families and intermediate skiers.
Morzine: A Vast and Diverse Ski Paradise
Morzine, part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, stands out with its vast and varied terrain, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
- Ski Lifts and Connectivity: Morzine boasts an impressive network of lifts, including high-speed chairlifts and gondolas, facilitating easy access to its diverse slopes and neighbouring areas like Avoriaz. The Pleney and Super Morzine lifts are central points, linking Morzine to Les Gets and Avoriaz, respectively.
- Best Slopes:
- Beginners: The gentle slopes around Pleney are perfect for novices, offering a safe and controlled learning environment.
- Intermediates: The wide, tree-lined runs of the Nyon and Chamoissiere sectors provide a thrilling experience for intermediate skiers.
- Experts: The challenging black runs of Chamossière and Nyon offer steep and demanding descents for advanced skiers.
- Strong Points:
- Après-Ski and Dining: Morzine is renowned for its lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars and restaurants catering to various tastes.
- Variety of Runs: The resort offers an excellent mix of runs, ensuring that skiers of all abilities have plenty of choices.
- Accessibility to Avoriaz: Easy access to the higher and snow-sure slopes of Avoriaz is a significant advantage, especially during early and late seasons.
Summer activities
Both resorts transform into summer playgrounds, offering hiking, mountain biking, golf, and paragliding activities.
Les Gets is home to a popular 18-hole golf course and a renowned bike park, while Morzine features an extensive network of hiking trails and a large aquatic centre.
Dining and Nightlife
Les Gets has a more intimate dining scene, with around 60 restaurants, bars, and pubs. The resort is known for its traditional Savoyard cuisine and cosy, family-friendly establishments.
Morzine, with its larger town centre, offers a more extensive selection of dining options and a livelier nightlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of international cuisines and numerous bars and clubs catering to different tastes and preferences.
Top 5 Restaurants and Bars in Les Gets
Restaurants:
- La Pela – A traditional Savoyard restaurant, known for its fondue, raclette, and tartiflette.
- Le Boomerang – A trendy eatery offering a fusion of French and Australian cuisine, with options ranging from burgers to local specialities.
- L’As des Neiges – An upscale dining experience featuring French and international cuisine and an extensive wine list.
- La Païka – A mountainside restaurant with stunning views specialising in grilled meats cooked over an open fire.
- Le Vieux Chêne – Set in a beautifully renovated farmhouse, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary French cuisine.
Bars:
- L’Aprèski Bar – A lively après-ski bar with live music and a wide selection of drinks.
- Bar Bush – A popular sports bar, perfect for watching games and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
- Le Pub Irlandais – A traditional Irish pub with a warm ambience and live music events.
- Black Bear – A cosy, Canadian-inspired bar with a laid-back atmosphere and a selection of craft beers.
- Barbylone – A lively bar with themed nights, DJ sets, and a large terrace.
Top 5 Restaurants and Bars in Morzine
Restaurants:
- La Chamade – A fine dining establishment offering gourmet French cuisine and an extensive wine list.
- L’Etale is a popular restaurant serving traditional Savoyard dishes, pizzas, and various other options.
- La Grange – A cosy, rustic restaurant specializing in local cuisine and known for its warm atmosphere.
- Le Clin d’Oeil is a Tex-Mex and French fusion restaurant offering a unique dining experience in Morzine.
- Bec Jaune Brewery – A craft brewery and restaurant offering a variety of homemade beers and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Bars:
- Le Tibetan Café – A lively bar with a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and themed nights.
- Dixie Bar – A popular sports bar with large screens for watching games and a relaxed vibe.
- Le Coup de Coeur – A wine bar with a cosy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.
- L’Aubergade Bar – A laid-back bar with a large terrace offering live music and a variety of drinks.
- Beanies Bar & Café – A coffee shop by day and a lively night bar offering cocktails, craft beers, and live music events.
Morzine Le Pleney
What do people say about Les Gets and Morzine on forums?
(Now, everyone’s concept is personal, but it is interesting to read people’s opinions, at least to disagree…)
- Family-Oriented and Compact: Les Gets is frequently described as more compact and family-oriented, making it a preferred choice for those with young children.
- Ski Schools and Beginner-Friendly Terrain: The resort is praised for its good ski schools (like Ecole ski 360) and has a beginner-friendly skiing area, ideal for families with young or first-time skiers.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Many users highlight the convenience factor in Les Gets, with easy access to slopes and ski schools. Some accommodations offer ski-in/ski-out options, and rental shops are conveniently located.
- Activities for Kids: Les Gets offers unique activities for children, such as a sledging run and a ski-through Indian/Cowboy setting, which can be enjoyable for younger family members.
- Dining and Nightlife: The resort has good restaurants (like Le Tyrol) and bars that cater to both families and adults. It offers a balance of lively and family-friendly environments.
- Scenery and Atmosphere: Users describe Les Gets as having a traditional Savoyard setting with beautiful tree-lined landscapes, adding to its charm.
- Larger and More Vibrant: Morzine is larger and more spread out than Les Gets, offering a more vibrant “après ski” atmosphere. This may appeal to those seeking a more energetic holiday experience.
- Diverse Ski Terrain: While Morzine also caters to beginners, it offers a more varied terrain, suitable for different skill levels.
- Greater Dining Choices: Morzine is noted for having a broader and more sophisticated selection of restaurants compared to Les Gets.
- Ice Skating Facilities: Morzine is mentioned as a good location for ice skating, an activity that might be of interest to families.
- Accommodation and Convenience: Some forum users note that accommodations in Morzine might require using a ski bus, which may be less convenient for families compared to the more central options in Les Gets.
General Observations:
- Busy Periods: Both resorts are expected to be very busy during the half term in February.
- Interconnectivity: Experienced skiers can easily navigate between Les Gets and Morzine, offering a larger area to explore.
- Cost Considerations: One user suggests travelling outside school holidays can significantly reduce costs.
From these discussions, Les Gets appears to be the favoured option for a family with young children, primarily due to its compact nature, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient access to skiing facilities and activities for children. Morzine, with its larger size and more vibrant après-ski scene, might be better suited for families with older children or those seeking a more diverse and energetic holiday experience.
