Enjoy some superb skiing and challenging slopes in French resort of Les Gets
AFTER this month’s wicked snowstorms, you may hope you never see any more of the white stuff.
But before you put away all that thermal gear you were sleeping in, you might want to think about a springtime ski trip.
Because while Siberian snowbombs have wreaked havoc over here, they have helped Europe’s mountain resorts enjoy one of their snowiest seasons for a long time.
Some even predict it stretching to May.
“I’ve never even seen snow here before — this season has been unbelievable,” remarked my Ski Transfers driver Andy as we pulled out of Geneva Airport.
I was heading to Les Gets, a 90-minute run from the Swiss terminal and a resort popular with families. Here the snow was 6ft high and it was still coming down.
Les Gets is part of the Portes Du Soleil area, a vast 600km maze of 316 ski runs in 12 resorts in France and Switzerland.
It is the largest international ski area in the world.
A small resort nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, unlike some of the purpose-built resorts in France it retains its traditional Savoyarde charm while still offering direct access to the slopes and some gorgeous runs through snow-capped forests back into town.
There are numerous ski, board and boot-hire shops in Les Gets, most staff speak English and understand you may have no idea what you are talking about.
Most are on the main drag, the Rue Du Ctre, and a snowball’s throw from the lifts.
There are different ski passes depending on how far and wide you want to ski in the Portes Du Soleil.
They start from around €39 (£34) but it pays to check out the website — — before you go for the latest deals.
From Let Gets you can criss-cross all the way into Switzerland in a couple of hours if you are a competent skier.
Even if you are not, there are plenty of easy runs to get you to pretty much all four corners of the 400sq miles, with 119 blue runs and 34 easy greens.
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I made it all the way to the brilliant on-piste Restaurant d’Altitude Chez Crépy in Chatel for lunch — well worth a stop if you are a fan of molten cheese.
Watching a family of six devour half a wheel of Raclette cheese almost brought on a bout of gout.
If riding the parks is more your thing, you are spoilt for choice — with 30 snowparks and ski and border cross zones.
The Stash “eco park” over in Avoriaz is a great way to burn off that fondue.
By the way, don’t worry if you find yourself miles away from where you are staying.
A fairly regular Balad’Aulps Bus runs between the resorts and costs just €1.50 (£1.30) a trip.
Of course, not everyone who comes to the Alps wants to ride the mountains. Many are just here for the famous apres ski.
Les Gets is perfectly set up, with a range of good bars and restaurants.
Wherever you fancy, be sure to book in the evening as they fill up fast.
I had a great (albeit artery-clogging) meal at La Pela, a shrine to local cooking where you can grill your own slab of Reblochon cheese at your table.
And despite being a family resort Les Gets has plenty of noisy bars.
Barbylone Bar on Rue du Ctre is pretty lively, Le Bowling Bar offers... you guessed it.
There is even the Igloo Chalet club, where you can party until 6am.
Or longer if you get snowed in!
GO: Les Gets
STAYING THERE: There is a huge variety of apartment, hotel and chalet accommodation available.
See for options.
For good value self-catering see .
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