We are now approaching the end of the winter ski season with only the high altitude resorts of Val d'Isere and Val Thorens still open. People assume that the Alps are only good for skiing and that lifts, businesses, hotels & chalets close until next December. However there are plenty of ski resorts which keep their doors open and embrace the concept of summer in the Alps. Les Gets in Portes du Soleil is one of them, conveniently based only an hour's drive from the international airport of Geneva
Les Gets opens its' lift system from mid-July through to early September which enables walkers and mountain bikers alike access to the mountains in and around this authentic and quaint mountain village. The lifts are adapted to allow you to hook your bike on the back and the mountain paths are all marked for easy navigation. Enjoy the pure mountain air and stunning scenery with temperatures soaring well over 25C.
There are many other exciting activities available for the entire family from archery and swimming to tennis and golf. real And for the thrill seekers, there is parapenting or canyoning. For animal lovers, Les Gets has a petting farm where you can go horse-riding or alternatively, hike with a donkey who carries your bags for you during your journey through the lush woods and valleys.
The choice of accommodation is wide and varied but there are some simply fabulous luxury chalets available with all the service you would expect from a top hotel. Most have spa facilities for those looking for pampering, with outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and in house masseurs.
To get a flavour of local mountain life and attractions there is a weekly Thursday market where you can sample local cheeses and dishes from the region. If you want to find out more about how they are made you can visit the local fruitiere for a guided tour. However the favourite for both young and old has to be a visit to the chocolate factory where you can create your own recipe and take home your very own made creation!
So if you are looking for an alternative summer holiday over the chaos of the South of France this summer and prefer the clean mountain air over traffic pollution in Cannes and Nice then the Alpine resort of Les Gets is definitely worth considering.