The ski area of Les Houches extends from an altitude of 950m to 1900m. From the summit one has a spectacular 360° view of the Mont-Blanc massive. And with pistes meandering through the forests, you will discover the real pleasure of skiing.
1 international black run
12 red runs
5 blue runs
4 green runs
It is equipped with :
1 cable car
1 bubble lift
4 chair lifts
12 drag lifts
When necessary, artificial snow coverage is assured by 67 snow canons covering 19 hectares.
Check out the weather for the Chamonix valley here meteo.chamonix.com/MetPreE.php
Skiing in Les Houches combines long descents through pine and larch forests within the view of spectacular peaks of the "Aiguilles de Chamonix".
Not surprisingly it is the location of regular international events and serves as the training ground for the French National Ski Team. By yourself or with the local ski schools, you will discover a varied choice of pistes for downhill, cross-country, surf, telemark or ski-jumping. It’s all here !
To enjoy the different mountain activities such as off-piste, don’t hesitate to hire a mountain or trekking guide.
In Servoz and Les Houches you can walk through the mountains on a snow-shoeing outing or discover the local heritage, visit the local hamlets or even stroll along the banks of the river Arve.
Passes
Lift queues are rarely a problem as Les Houches has its own local lift pass. With a pass for 6 days or more you may pay approx. 25 Euros per adult. Or you can go for the "Mont-Blanc Unlimited" pass which allows you access to all the skiable domains of the Chamonix Valley (Les Houches, Brevent-Flegere, Logan Grands Montets, Balme-Vallorcine) Aiguille du Midi the train of Montenvers and Courmayeur and Funvia Monte Bionco in Italy. This pass works out cheaper if you want to ski the valley at around 37.5Euros per day for 6 days
For more information check
the Bellevue lift (opposite the apartment) www.ski-leshouches.com
The Prarion lift (other lift in Les Houches) http://www.leshouches-prarion.fr/
The Mont-Blanc ski pass gives access to one of the largest playgrounds in the Alps . Also covered is the resort of Courmayeur in Italy, located on the other side of the Mont-Blanc tunnel - approximately 30 minutes drive from Les Houches. Courmayeur is a traditional Italian mountaineering village. It is very chic, and one can easily spend more time in the bars on the cobbled streets than on the slopes!
Check out the valley ski pass here www.compagniedumontblanc.fr
The Vallee Blanche
The Chamonix valley offers you the chance to ski one of the most famous descents in the world. The Vallee Blanche, departs from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi (3790 metres) and meanders for a length of 26km back to Chamonix. The surrounding landscape is simply breathtaking as you ski between huge ice walls , crevasses and seracs. This trip is for skiiers of intermediate level and above and it is highly reccommended that you hire a guide - see links
Equipment Hire
There are many ski hire shops in Les Houches one being next door to the apartment and another opposite! The Intersport ski rental shop opposite will give you a 10% discount in school holidays and 20% discount out of school holidays. Both offer a wide range of equipment. see links
Ski School
There are two ski schools in Les Houches, ESF or Evolution 2, both offer lessons for all abilities - ESF have an office in our building - so it couldn't be easier to book your lessons! - see links
Apres Ski
Les Houches has a varied collection of restaurants all a short stroll from the apartment. Generally the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed and family friendly. If a more lively night life is required Chamonix can offer this with the bus stop right outside the apartment to take you there.
Other Activities
In Les Houches alternatives to downhill skiing include hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, husky farm visits, hangliding and helicopter rides. Chamonix also offers a cinema, mountaineering and sports centre, swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, squash courts, bowling and of course lots and lots of shops!
Skiing further afield
There is plently of skiing in the valley to keep skiiers of all abilities very happy
and don't forget Italy is only 30 minutes away via the Mont Blanc Tunnel
Ski areas in the Chamonix valley (via car or bus):
Aiguille de Midi, the world's highest cable car and starting point for the Vallee Blanche: 10 minutes
Brevent and Flegere: 10 minutes
Argentiere and Grands Montets: 15 minutes
Le Tour: 20 minutes
Ski areas outside the Chamonix valley (via car or bus):
Megeve and St Gervais: 20 minutes
Combloux: 20 minutes
Courmayeur, Italy: 30 minutes
Les Contamines: 40 minutes
Praz sur Arly: 40 minutes
Flaine and the Grands Massifs: 45 minutes
Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil: 45 minutes
Chatel and the Portes du Soleil: 1 hour 30 minutes
Morzine and the Portes du Soleil: 60 minutes
Trois Vallee: 1 hour 30 minutes
Verbier, Switzerland: 1 hour 30 minutes