Les Houches Resort Overview
Located at 1,000m altitude, with the highest ski lift reaching 1,900m, Les Houches is a charming French alpine village. It’s located in the Chamonix Valley, offering a gateway to the Mont Blanc ski area, providing 55km of pisted terrain.
The idyllic resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including cosy chalets, modern apartments and luxury hotels. The ski season typically runs from December to April, with consistent snowfall making for excellent ski conditions throughout. Les Houches is a quiet village that retains its traditional Alpine charm and is an affordable base from which to discover the rest of the Chamonix Valley.
Skiing in Les Houches
Les Houches is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, providing 55km of pisted terrain to explore. The resort offers two lift pass options: a Les Houches-only pass, which enables access to the 14 lifts in Les Houches, and a Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, which offers access to the entire Chamonix Valley.
The resort boasts a range of slopes, from gentle greens for beginners to challenging blacks for advanced skiers. The Bellevue and Prarion areas are particularly suitable for beginners, offering wide open slopes with stunning views. Experienced skiers will relish the Kandahar black run, which is used for World Cup downhill races.
Freestyle enthusiasts can enjoy the snowpark located at the top of the Bellevue cable car, while off-piste adventurers can explore the Les Houches forest for a thrilling descent amidst the trees.
Is Les Houches Family-Friendly?
Les Houches is a fantastic resort for families, with a safe, relaxed atmosphere. The resort offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation, many with direct ski-in-ski-out access. There are plenty of amenities catered to families, including children’s play areas, a toboggan run and numerous child-friendly restaurants. Les Houches also offers discounted lift pass rates for children and families.
Après-Ski Scene in Les Houches
Les Houches has a relaxed and friendly après ski scene with a selection of bars and restaurants. The Chavants area is particularly lively, with popular venues like the Kitsch Inn, offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
For a more traditional experience, Le Delice offers an excellent range of local wines and beers. If you’re looking for late-night entertainment, head to the White Hub, which transforms into a lively bar after dark.
Dining in Les Houches
Les Houches boasts a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. In the village, Le Basilic offers delicious local cuisine, while Le Hors Piste is known for its authentic Savoyard dishes. For a meal with a view, La Tanière, located at the top of the Prarion lift, offers panoramic views over the Chamonix Valley.
How to Get to Les Houches
The quickest way to reach Les Houches from the UK is by flying to Geneva Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour drive away. Other nearby airports include Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (2h 20m drive) and Turin Airport (2h 30m drive). If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station is Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains-Le-Fayet, which is a short 15-minute drive from the resort.
Les Houches Insider Tips
- Try local specialities at Le Basilic, tucked away in the heart of the village.
- Explore the resort by dog sled for a truly unique experience.
- Head to the top of the Bellevue cable car for breathtaking views across the Chamonix Valley.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening at the local cinema – they even show films in English!
- Take a break from skiing and visit the local animal park, Parc de Merlet, for a chance to spot chamois, ibex and marmots.
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