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The French Alps ski specialist
Les Houches Ski Slopes © (Monica Dalmasso)
1 of 4 Les Houches Ski Slopes © (Monica Dalmasso)
Les Houches Ski Slopes
2 of 4 Les Houches Ski Slopes
Skiing in Les Houches
3 of 4 Skiing in Les Houches
Les Houches Ski Slopes ©(Monica Dalmasso)
4 of 4 Les Houches Ski Slopes ©(Monica Dalmasso)

Les Houches

Thinking of skiing in Les Houches? Situated at the entrance of the Chamonix Valley and only 6km from its famous town, the pretty village of Les Houches is right under the impressive Mont Blanc massif.

 Why Les Houches Ski Resort?

  • Unrivalled scenery with splendid views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi and the other Aiguilles de Chamonix
  • Easy access - only 2km from the motorway exit
  • An ideal base to discover the Chamonix valley
  • Ski pass, Mont Blanc Unlimited, offers over 1000km of slopes to try out in the Chamonix area 
  • 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
  • Quieter than main Chamonix

Les Houches Resort Information

The first accessible resort in the Mont-Blanc valley, Les Houches is in the heart of the massif and offers a 360° panorama of Mont Joly, Aravis, the Fiz chain, the Aiguilles Rouges and the mythical Mont Blanc massif.

Les Houches is a typical mountain village with a pretty church encircled by old wooden Savoyard farmhouses.  Nestled in the heart of Mont Blanc, this family ski resort is very much in the traditional image of mountain ski holidays. There are a number of pleasant bars and good restaurants in Les Houches for quiet evenings out, and buses run in and out of Chamonix all evening.

Undeniably quieter than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the village of Les Houches guarantees a relaxing family break in an enchanting natural setting.

The Mont-Blanc tramway is one of the last remaining adhesion railway trains in France and passes through the upper part of Les Houches. In winter, the train ends its journey on the Bellevue plateau at an altitude of 1,800m. It drops off hikers who want to explore on foot or on snowshoes, and skiers keen to enjoy the ski runs, the view and the sunshine. 

The village of Les Houches is overlooked by an impressive statue reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro. Accessible on foot from the station, the effigy of Christ the King stands 25m tall, culminating at an altitude of 1,200m looking down over Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. Built in 1933, it has recently been listed as a historical monument and is one of the highest statues in France.

Les Houches is also the site of a world-famous downhill piste that features on the World Cup circuit, the Kandahar run, known as la Verte des Houches, or the green slope, but it is certainly not for beginners! The adjective ‘green’ dates back to 1946 when the first slope ratings were introduced, when green indicated the most difficult slopes.

Les Houches’ friendly, relaxed atmosphere provides a great base for families and has the French 'Famille Plus' label. Les Houches is also ideal for those wishing to explore the rest of the legendary valley.

Les Houches ski area

Although Les Houches, part of the Chamonix Valley, is the regular venue for the Chamonix World Cup Downhill, it is well suited to families, beginners and intermediates, with plenty of enjoyable and easy skiing.

The 70km of almost entirely wooded slopes form the biggest single area of prepared runs in the Chamonix valley. Les Houches’ ski runs are normally quiet and the views from the attractive mountain restaurants (there are several) are superb. Les Houches (6km from Chamonix) has some of the best tree-lined skiing in the Mont Blanc region. This feature offers shelter when the winds are high elsewhere - and it also means you won’t experience white-out conditions in bad weather, with the trees providing cover.

Les Houches is a great area for mixed-ability groups - the slopes at the top of the mountain range from green nursery slopes right through to the famous “Verte des Houches” black run used in the Kandahar World Cup skiing. Les Houches is the regular home of the Kandahar World Downhill Ski Championships.

Lift system

There are two main lifts taking you to the Les Houches ski area. A gondola (Bellevue) takes you from the centre of the ski village up to the far left of the ski area, at 1800 metres. Once at the top, the immediate area is pretty flat – perfect for beginners, but not so great for snowboarders looking to get to the Snowpark (but Bellevue is still the lift you should take if you want to go straight to the park).

The other gondola is the Prarion gondola – an efficient lift which whisks you up to the centre of the Les Houches ski area where there’s a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains you can enjoy in the plentiful sunshine!

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

You can choose to use the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass which covers a huge area across Chamonix Valley, Les Houches, Megève-Evasion Mont-Blanc, Courmayeur & Verbier. The ski areas and sites are not lift-linked, except for Brévent - Flégère areas in Chamonix, so you need to take the valley shuttle buses or take a car if you have one. It also includes 3 excursion sites: Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers - Mer de Glace & Tramway du Mont-Blanc.

You also have the choice of the local Les Houches area as well which is more suited to families and keeps you in one place.

Les Houches local area - 55km, 15 lifts (9 chairlift, 2 gondola, 3 draglift, 2 other), 35 slopes:

Green slopes: 3
Blue slopes: 11
Red slopes: 17
Black slopes: 4

Les Houches skiing info

Beginners
Although it centres around some tough terrain, the ski resort of Les Houches also has ideal slopes for beginners. There are two nursery areas:

  • Le Tourchet nursery area is located not far from main church in the centre of Les Houches. There are 2 drag lifts and 2 pistes here,
  • In the main Les Houches area, there are 2 beginner slopes, one served by chairlift and one by drag lift by the Bellevue and Prarion gondolas.

Intermediates
For intermediates, the descents down the front of the Les Houches area - the Table D’Orientation which leads on to the Maison Neuve, and the Mur des Epines - are long runs back down to the village. These front runs are sheltered by trees. The Col de Voza is a lovely red run for intermediate and advanced riders to start their day. The Fontaines red run takes you around the back and through the trees. There are two other red runs down the back towards Saint Gervais that also take you through the trees.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For the advanced skier, skiing in Les Houches wouldn’t be complete without a ride down the Verte des Houches, or as it’s more famously known the 'Kandahar'. This World Cup black run is accessed from the top of the Voza-Prarion or Kandahar chairlifts and takes you straight back down to the village. The Verte, along with the Oreiller-Killy (OK) run in Val d'Isère, are the two French World Cup downhill runs. The Verte is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the World Cup circuit by the best downhillers.

More daring skiers could try ski jumping at Les Houches’ three ski jumps or complete the famous Vallée Blanche in Chamonix. This legendary off-piste trail (guide essential) offers a vast panorama of lofty crags, spires and needles. After a 20-minute ascent by cable car, you set out from the Aiguille du Midi for a descent of nearly 3,000m, ending in the centre of Chamonix. It’s one of the longest glacier trails in Europe (22km), open until May, (conditions permitting) and accessible to very competent skiers in the company of a guide.

Les Houches Ski Hire

Pre-book your Les Houches ski hire with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6.  Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.

Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire

Ski lockers

There are a number of ski lockers underneath the Prarion lift station in Les Houches.


Les Houches Ski Passes

Pre-book your Les Houches lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

Les Houches ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 17/18:

½ day - €38.50 adults
Day - €43.50 adults

For beginners, Les Houches offers the Tourchet slope, situated at the centre of the village.

There are a number of ski lockers underneath the Prarion lift station in Les Houches.

Les Houches Ski School

Pre-book your Les Houches ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years, in Les Houches, with Peak Retreats. 3-5.5 year olds will go into the Ski Kindergarten lessons.

To book your ski school, download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute - you will be advised. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient.  For peak periods - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter - we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.

Les Houches Individual Tuitions (2018/19 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

For 1 to 2 Pers:
2h30* 112.50 €
2h00* 91 €
1h30* 69.50 €
1h00* 46.50 €

For 3 to 5 Pers:
2h30* 139 €
2h00* 115 €
1h30* 88.50 €

* All lessons taking place between 12h00 and 14h30.

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change

Ski school Les Houches contact numbers:
ESF Les Houches Tel. +33 (0)4 50 54 48 79

Les Houches Child Care

Les Houches has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.

Chavants children's Touristic Club
Allée des Diligences
74310 Les Houches
Tel. +33 (0)6 86 32 56 42 - enfancejeunesse@leshouches.fr

Children from 18 months to 10 years old. Different activities are available such as snow games, luge, creative workshops, entertainment and events.

Baby Equipment Rental

You can rent a number of baby products locally in ChamonixBaby Cham is a Chamonix based company that has a whole host of baby items available for rent.  Pushchairs, high chairs, cots, bedding, warm clothing.....

Prices start from €10 per day for a pushchair or car seat (€50 for the week).

All-terrain pushchairs also available to rent at Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche.

Baby Change

At the Crèche, Les Chavants day nursery, ski lift ticket points and public toilets at the ice rink.

Les Houches Resort Activities

Non-skiers can try out the many other activities Les Houches has to offer such as dog sleigh rides, ice-skating, Abre Adventure, climbing, snow shoeing, ice climbing, tree-tops adventure, ski jumping, paragliding, and air excursions. Places to visit include Les Houches local markets, the ‘Musée Montagnard’ and the Saint-Bernard breeding kennels.

Step into the Void (Pas dans le vide)

The latest addition to the ongoing improvements being made to the Aiguille du Midi, the Chamonix Skywalk is making steady progress and is open to the public. The new feature on the Aiguille du Midi, which already attracts millions of visits every year, is set to be a huge sensation at 3,842 metres. The Chamonix Skywalk is a glazed structure perched on the Aiguille du Midi, with a 1000 metre drop below, allowing visitors to truly step into the void. The structure is made entirely of glass to allow for maximum transparency, three glass plates of 12 mm each are binded with a transparent film of the five faces, all held together by mechanical fasteners. The unit is then fixed to a vertical support structure over the void. The bespoke design has taken years of planning, development and testing by French engineers and German laboratories. 

Les Houches Paragliding

On 7 October 1990, Alain Desez reached the highest point on earth: Everest, 8,848 metres high. The next day, he took off on a paraglider from the South Col at a height of 8,000 metres. On returning to Chamonix, he founded "haut vol" with friends who were paragliding instructors and mountain guides. Open every day, all year round. You can book by telephone or in customer area in Intersport shop in Les Houches.

Magasin Intersport 
Place du téléphérique de Bellevue
74310 Les Houches 
Tel. +33 (0)6 80 03 24 74 or +33(0)4 50 55 52 75 - alain.desez@orange.fr 
www.hautvol.fr

Les Houches Climbing

The indoor climbing walls in Les Houches have been spruced up and two mountain guides, previous members of the prestigious Chamonix PGHM (high mountain military police group), Frédéric Boidin and Cyrille Gravier, have taken over management of the indoor climbing gym. Some modifications have been made to the installation, such as repairs to the block climbing area.

The gym offers 1250m2 entirely dedicated to climbing, with climbing route levels from 4 to 9a, the most difficult route designed by Romain Desgranges, a climber of renown, one of the world’s top 5. 
www.montblancescalade.com

Sightseeing by Helicopter

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Hélicoptères. Flights of 10-30 minutes to admire the most beautiful peaks in the alps. Inter-resort flights from Geneva and Chambéry Airports also available.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 54 13 82

Les Houches Tree adventure

Two routes in the trees - Indiana’ventures

285 rte de coupeau - 74310 Les Houches

‘La Forêt du Mont-Blanc’ - Coupeau

70 activities taking you from tree to tree in a new layout of this three hectare park facing the Mont-Blanc massif.

Technical equipment provided.

Kid Adventure - Les Chavants

For 4-9 year olds. Children are attached by rope and harness on a continuous safety line making it 100% safe.

Les Houches Sleigh dogs

Initiation into sledge driving, half or full day outings, trapper evening, seminars, activities for the handicapped, and tours available. 
HuskyDalen: Tel. +33 (0)6 94 99 34 67

Les Houches Saint Bernard Dog Breeding Centre

In a guided tour one hour tour, Jean Pierre and Renée Dumont will tell you about this breed of dogs, which were first bred as guard dogs and then trained to find lost travellers by the monks of Grand St Bernard. Kennels can also mind your dogs during your leisure activities. 
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 47 23 60

Les Houches Walking with Donkeys

Donkeys love children, and with their pace they can easily discover the nature around them. Different walks are available throughout the year depending on snow. Reservation only.

Vaudagne
74310 Les Houches 
Tel. +33 (0) 4 50 47 26 18

Les Houches Artificial Ice Rink

The artificial ice-skating rink in Les Houches has undergone a 180° rotation in order to free space for the creation of an outdoor multiactivities venue open to all (Basket-ball, hand-ball, volley-ball, etc.). Entry is free of charge and ice-skate are available for rental at a charge.

25 Avenue des Alpages
74310 Les Houches 
Tel: +33(0)4 50 54 52 99

Les Houches Sledging

Special sledging runs which you can ride on a disc sledge, toboggan or traditional 'paret' sledge. Three sledging areas specially equipped, maintained and made safe, suitable for all ages – kids will love them! There's something for everyone, with slower runs for the 'tortoises' and faster ones for the 'hares'. We've built a new 80-metre sledging run at the top of the Prarion gondola lift, in the area next to the magic carpet.

Prarion sledging area 
From this winter, children and adults can devote to the pleasures of the sled on a completely secured track! Access at the top of the Prarion cablecar, near the novice sector of the chairlift.

The Tourchet sled descent
The practice of the sled is possible at the Tourchet: blank area between the Big Lift of Tourchet and the Ice rink, under the responsibility of the practicians or the parents concerning the children.

Les Chavants sledging area
A fitted out, secured and maintained area in Les chavants: one track for 2/6 the years (small turttle) and another one for more than 6 years (small hare).

Servoz sledging run
Natural crowned slope "La Tour": a playful space is installed. Possible equipment rental rent at the Tourist office of Servoz. Come for a ride, avoid bumping into others, and don't forget your helmet!

Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.

Les Houches Tourist Office

BP9 74310 - Les Houches
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 55 50 62 - www.leshouches.com

 

Les Houches Ski Activities

Les Houches Mountain restaurants

There are 7 mountain restaurants.

Les Houches Cross-country

The cross-country and snowshoeing itineraries in Les Houches are divided into 3 sectors:

Les Chavants offers 2 tracks, 2800m in length, edging around the Chavant Lake and descending the summer fitness trail and then there are tracks to be found at the summit of Prarion and of the Bellevue cable car, offering a spectacular 360° panorama.

There is also a circuit groomed but not traced that is accessible for pedestrians, with or without snowshoes, and crosscountry skiers.

There are 2 itineraries combining passages through forests and across snowfields. A link with Col de Voza is possible when snow cover permits. Approximately 6 km.

Access to cross-country and snowshoeing tracks is free of charge. Access to the Prarion itineraries is via the gondola lift with the purchase of a pedestrian pass. 

Les Houches Snowshoeing

A way-marked route follows the cross-country ski trail from the top of Prarion gondola lift. In the village, above Les Houches railway station, you can explore the Route des Crêts – also known as the “deer path”.

Walks – there is a footpath at high altitude leads from the Bellevue cable car along the Mont Blanc tramway line and back to the Col de Voza.

Les Houches Ski Jumping

The resort possesses 3 ski jumps:

15, 30 et 50 m. 
Ski jumping was the first sport practised by the Ski Club of Les Houches when it was founded in 1930. 
Introduction, examinations and competitions...

Les Houches Slalom

At the top of the 3 chairlifts in the Col de Voza sector, take position at the starting gate of the legendary Kandahar ski run. Zoom down a 500m giant slalom taking off from the famous World Cup starting cabin, facing a most extraordinary panorama. Your run is timed and filmed…
At the summit of the Prarion gondola lift:
PHOTOPOINT: Take a photo of yourself solo or with friends

PANOCAM: HD panoramic Webcam facing the Mont Blanc range.

From the departure point of the Prarion gondola lift – ALTIMETRE SERVICE: at the end of your day’s skiing insert your ski pass into the terminal to visualize and print out in an instant the vertical distances you have covered on the ski runs during the day.

All of these video and photo souvenirs are free of charge and are also available via the Internet at www.ski-leshouches.com.

Les Houches Snowparks

There is a snow park in the Chamois sector on the Prarion plateau. 

Les Houches Night Skiing

Free night ski on the Tourchet slope, with hot wine and hot chocolate...

Les Houches Skijoring

Chemin des eaux rousses
74310 Les Houches

Tel. +33 (0)6 13 08 33 58 or +33 (0)4 50 54 54 22
christophe.and@hotmail.fr - www.centreequestredumontblanc.com

Drawn by good-natural horses, this original form of back-country skiing is respectful of the environment and tremendous fun. Activity adapted to both adults and children (from 7 years old), provided they can use a drag lift. They also propose winter pony trekking in the snow on the forest roads.

Les Houches Resort News and Events 2022/23

Resort news:

  • Flégère cable car - the cable car has been replaced by a new Dopelmayer last generation gondola. New panoramic lift with 10 seater cabins, new departure station modern, design and digital! The entrance hall of the station will be totally dedicated to the clientele. The project involves a layout of 300m2 offering a shopping centre, an experiential space (large screen display of images from our various sites), a waiting area (cozy corner with coffee truck).

Events:

  • The Christmas Village in Chamonix 14th December 2022 - 3rd January 2023 Over the Christmas holiday period 25 craftspeople and producers will set up their Christmas stalls in the heart of Chamonix. Fairytale decorations and magical street performances will enchant the public.
  • Kandahar Junior 6th - 8th January 2023 International downhill ski competition – U14 organised by Les Houches.
  • Kandahar Ski World Cup 4th February 2023 The Kandahar is an alpine ski race that takes place on la Verte in Les Houches. The best skiers in the world will compete in the slalom events. 
  • La Trace des Grands 4th - 5th March 2023 Launched in 2021, La Trace des Grands is a ski mountaineering race in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley. It takes place on the Grands-Montets site. A choice of three races allows the expression of all forms of ski touring
  • Chamonix Unlimited Festival 5th - 9th April 2023 The Unlimited Festival brings together skiing and music on mountain tops! The DNA of the event: a lineup of artists from the electro scene in small-scale open-air venues, on the most beautiful sites of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley!

Further information can be found on the tourist office website: www.chamonix.com

Les Houches après-ski, restaurants & bars

Bars-restaurants in the village and others in the mountains.

The lively town of Chamonix is only 4km from Les Houches, offering a wide range of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. 

'Les Vieilles Luges' - originally from Finland and having spent 40 years in Switzerland, Serge Sozonoff took over the reins of this magnificent mountain farmhouse in 2022. It was transformed into a mountain restaurant several years ago and is located on the slopes of the Houches ski area (easily accessible by skiing on the blue slope ‘Aillouds’). For those who prefer to hike up, Les Vieilles Luges can be reached on snowshoes (a 20-minute easy ascent) from the Maison Neuve parking lot. The restaurant welcomes guests from Thursday to Sunday. 


Les Houches amenities

Les Houches is served by a range of amenities including doctors, chemist, dentist, post pffice, sports equipment shops, tabac and a cash point. 

Getting to Les Houches, France

Les Houches by Road:

Driving distance from Calais to Les Houches: 552 miles or 7hrs30. Arrival directly from the A40

Les Houches by Rail: 

The TGV station at St Gervais/Le Fayet is 17km from Les Houches

Train station of Les Houches +33 450 55 50 07

Airports neat to Les Houches:

Getting to Les Houches, France

Geneva Airport is 93km from Les Houches (1 hour)
www.gva.ch 

Chambery Airport is 125km from Les Houches (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com 

Turin Airport is 176km from Les Houches (2 hours)
www.aeroportoditorino.it

Grenoble Airport is 212km from Les Houches (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com 

Lyon Saint-Exupery is 213km from Les Houches (2 hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com

Public shuttle bus transfers from airport

Geneva Airport - Les Houches (www.coach-station.com). 

Getting around the Chamonix Valley area

(Le Tour, Chamonix, Les Houches, Vallorcine etc)

The Chamonix Valley has very good shuttle bus links throughout all its resorts so it’s easy to hop on the resort shuttle to whatever ski area you desire. Link up to Chamonix town, Les Houches, Vallorcine; buses run from early in the morning to late afternoon and the night bus runs between 10pm-12pm, returning latest 12.30am.Les Houches – see lines 1, 15 & 15s.

The Mont Blanc Express train also provides access between the Chamonix Valley resorts.  

Les Houches Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here


Les Houches Opening Dates

Les Houches opens from 17/12/22 - 16/4/23

 

Accommodation in Les Houches

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