Les Houches Ski Resort, France

Overview of Les Houches

Les Houches is 6km from Chamonix and its ski area extends from an altitude of 990m up to 1,900m. The skiing combines long descents through pretty tree-lined slopes, with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix valley. With a mix of gentle slopes, long descents and tree-lined runs, the Les Houches ski area is a great resort for the whole family.

There area four black runs, including the international world cup slope, 13 red runs, 8 blue runs and two green runs and a snow park. 'Ski Camp' is an area specially designed for young children, found around from the top of the Prarion gondola. The ski-out is generally open throughout the season thanks to the great snow cannon coverage on the sheltered lower runs, so no queuing for the gondola back down to the village. Les Houches is ideal for mixed ability groups, as the slopes at the top of the mountain range from green nursery slopes right through to the famous “Verte” black run.

The area is certainly not the highest in the area, but its great advantage is that most of the skiing is through pine forests. Not only does this make the skiing here more charming than the more exposed areas further up the valley, but the trees offer shelter when the winds are high elsewhere. Another bonus about skiing here is the abundance of mountain restaurants you'll find hidden in the forests at the side of the pistes.

3 Things We Love About Les Houches

1. Views of the majestic and awe-inspiring Mont Blanc
2. Easy and quick journey from Geneva - drive time is approximately 1 hour!
3. Skiing for beginners and intermediates is at the top of the mountain (Prarion), rather than at the bottom.

Skiing and Boarding in Les Houches

Although Les Houches is in the same valley as, and just a ten minute drive to the famous alpine town of Chamonix, it isn't included in the Chamonix's 'Le Pass' full area ski. This is actually a boon for families and novice skiers as it means Les Houches remains largely untouched by the masses. What's more, the local ski passes are more affordable and you still get access to the Tramway du Mont Blanc, which you can ride all the way up to the Bionnassay glacier at 2,372m.

The village of Les Houches sits at just over 1,000m which may seem low, but the north-facing aspect and the presence of an efficient network of snow cannons help keep the pistes snow-covered. There are 4 black pistes (including the World Cup slope; La Verte des Houches), 13 red, 8 blue and 2 green. If your legs are tired at the end of the day, simply down-load on either the Bellevue or Prarion lifts.

Lift Passes in Les Houches

Full Area - The best option to make full use of all the skiing in Les Houches and the surrounding Mont Blanc region is to plump for a Mont Blanc unlimited pass. You will get lift access throughout the 5 ski areas in the Chamonix valley (Les Houches, Saint-Gervais, Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Balme - Le Tour - Vallorcine) plus access to the lifts in Courmayeur and Verbier (4 Valleys) over the border in Italy and Switzerland respectively.

Local Area - If that seems a little too adventurous and you're not sure you'll get the full value, opt for a Les Houches Forfait ski pass, where you get access to the 55km of skiing in Les Houches plus part-access to Megeve or Saint-Gervais (there are conditions to this) plus the Mont Blanc tramway (see above). Scroll down to see the prices for lift passes as well as ski hire.

Activities in Les Houches

As well as skiing there are other activities on offer in and close to the village. Chamonix is only a 10 minute drive by car / 17 min by train / 35 mins by bus from Les Houches:

• The town of Chamonix - packed with arts and culture
• Mont Blanc tramway to the Bionnassay glacier
• Ice climbing
• Sledging tours
• Snowmobiling
• Paragliding
• Ice Hockey (Chamonix)
• Indoor rock climbing centre
• Les Thermes thermal baths (Saint-Gervais)
• Swimming pool and leisure centre (Chamonix)

Après Ski in Les Houches

Les Houches isn't as big on night-life as Chamonix, but if you want a big party you can always hop on a bus in the evening! For a local tipple, head to one of these fine establishments:

• Kitsch Inn - Popular for après as well as dining, the vibe is chilled and there's often live music
• Le Spot - A good option to wet your whistle at the end of a ski day, located opposite the Bellevue lift station.
• Le Solerey - Les Houches' microbrewery, so as you'd expect its nailed on as the place to find the best frosty beers.
• The Wine Factory - If you're feeling a little more refined, choose from an extensive wine list or if you can't decide, try out a wine tasting!
• Le Delice - Where the locals go to party late into the night

Places to eat in Les Houches

Within the village you'll find restaurants to suit a rich variety of palates. Here are a few:

• Kitsch Inn - A popular bar and restaurant, open from breakfast all through the evening, serving a varied menu to suit pretty much all palates.
• La Delice - A vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant serving an array of dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Rocky Pop - An American-themed, diner-style restaurant located in the Rocky Pop Hotel, also serving Savoyard classics
• Gandhi - You may be pleasantly surprised to find not only an Indian restaurant in a ski resort, but one that comes well recommended too.

Family Features Les Houches

• Club Piou Piou - A child-specific area on the snow for first forays on snow.
• ESF Ski School - Children's ski school with the widely recognised ESF, for kids from 3 1/2 years.
• Sledging - Piste de Luge des Chavants is a sledging-only area in Les Houches - perfect for family fun
• Ice Skating - Outdoor ice skating rink in the village