Les Gets - village

Although Les Gets has gradually increased in size, its centre is still fairly compact with most of what you need close to the main gondola stations. It can feel more like a small town than a village, but it maintains a strong community spirit and one quickly feels at home. It is attractive, sunny and full of traditional buildings.

Accommodation

A nice range of family-run hotels forms the core of accommodation, mainly comfortable 3- and 2- star – plus this is chalet-land, and there is a good choice of them. Plenty of British tour firms operate here, including Ski Famille (0845 644 37 64), Peak Retreats (0844 576 01 70), Ski Independence (0845 310 30 30) and Ski Total (01 25 261 83 33). There is also the very high end Ferme de Montagne (08 00 072 30 69), a small luxury chalet hotel with only 8 double bedrooms, which has carved out a big reputation.

Ski and snowboard equipment hire

As you would expect with a resort that is decidedly cosmopolitan in clientele, there's no problem getting top class equipment from rental shops with English-speaking staff.

Time and money can be saved by pre-booking rentals on line through Skiset, which works with shops in Les Gets such as Michaud Sports. Also, Planet Glisse (04 50 75 80 36), Le Chalet du Ski (00 33 45 037 27 63), Ski Fun Shop (00 33 45 075 80 36) and Ski Center (00 33 45 075 10 97) will all be vying for your business – all healthy competition, which keeps prices down and quality up. They are all affiliated to Skimium.com, which means you can pre-book online but still choose your store.

Non-ski activities

As a well-rounded village there is a fair amount to do off the slopes. The ice rink is a main focus, and there are winter walks on cleared paths, snow-shoe tours, dog-sledding, art and craft attractions as well as the famous museum of mechanical music (which really is worth a visit, honest). There's even a cinema, and outings to Geneva or even Lausanne are easily arranged for non-skiing members of a party.

Childcare

A good choice for families with youngsters – and sometimes you will need to look no further than your tour operator, with Ski Famille, Esprit and Ski Hillwood (01923 290700) all specialising in caring for children.