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Off the beaten track in the French Alps
Want to experience the true rural and authentic Alpine France on your next trip? This blog includes our top 'hidden gem' destinations in the French Alps for those wanting to stay off-the-beaten-track...
Mont Blanc views and peaceful village apartments near Chamonix
Les Houches offers traditional alpine charm at the entrance to the Mont Blanc valley, combining peaceful surroundings with access to one of the most iconic mountain regions in the Alps.
Accommodation ranges from boutique residences such as Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche to centrally located luxury apartments like Elena, offering a mix of quiet settings and convenient access to lifts and resort facilities.
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Les Houches Quick Facts
- Ski area: Mont Blanc Unlimited
- Resort height: 950m
- Resort top height: 3842m
- Km piste: 773
- Distance from Calais: 554 miles (7hrs 45)
- Lift pass: ££££
- No. of slopes: 416
- Green slopes: 65
- Blue slopes: 116
- Red slopes: 168
- Black slopes: 67
-
Beginners:
★ ★ ★
-
Intermediate:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Expert:
★ ★ ★
-
Boarders:
★ ★
Highlights
Stunning Mont Blanc scenery with panoramic views from slopes and accommodation
Quiet village atmosphere with easy access to nearby Chamonix nightlife
High-quality apartments with spa facilities in scenic or central locations
Excellent tree-lined skiing offering shelter and reliable visibility conditions
Good choice for families with beginner areas and childcare facilities
Ideal base to explore the wider Mont Blanc ski region
Travel options
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
More Ski Services
More Ski Services
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation.
Accommodation
Les Houches - LES HOUCHES
Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Reception with open fire
- Located in a quiet location surrounded by fir trees
LES HOUCHES
Elena
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- In the resort centre
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- 200m from Bellevue lift
Peak Retreats has defended its position as champion [Best Ski Operator in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2023]… The winners of this year’s awards showcased stellar commitment to delivery memorable, and valuable, holidays in the mountains…
If you really want to come to the Chamonix valley but you want somewhere more family friendly and more recognisable as a ski resort, Les Houches is your best option.
It's much more accessible than Chamonix. Whereas Chamonix is a lot more bitty, Les Houches is smaller and more family friendly with nice treelined runs. It's a good place for intermediate skiers who are happy to repeat runs in order to make progress.
My favourite run is Mélèzes – on the back side of Les Houches on the St Gervais side. There are some lovely runs around there with wide rolling pistes.
Our experience was first class, the staff at Peak Retreats were extremely helpful. The accommodation was perfect with a view directly over Mont Blanc, the staff were welcoming and organised on our arrival. The facilities at the Spa were superb, altogether the whole experience from booking to check out was perfect. We are re-booking! Why wouldn’t we? Thank you.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Les Houches
What types of accommodation are available in Les Houches?
Accommodation in Les Houches is centred around high-quality self-catered apartments. Options such as Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche and Elena offer a mix of boutique and luxury stays. Apartments are spacious, well-equipped and designed in traditional alpine style, making them ideal for couples, families and groups looking for flexibility and comfort.
Which accommodation in Les Houches is best for luxury stays?
Elena offers a premium experience with modern alpine design, a large wellness area and a central location close to lifts. It combines convenience with high-end facilities, including spa areas, fitness spaces and stylish interiors, making it ideal for guests seeking a more refined and comfortable ski holiday.
Which accommodation in Les Houches is best for a quieter stay?
Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Located in a peaceful setting surrounded by fir trees, it offers a calm environment while still being within reach of the slopes and resort centre. It is particularly suited to guests wanting a relaxing alpine retreat.
Which accommodation in Les Houches is closest to the lifts?
Elena is located around 200m from the Bellevue lift, offering very convenient access to skiing. Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche is also well positioned, just 300m from the Prarion cable car, making both options excellent for easy access to the slopes.
Which accommodation in Les Houches has spa facilities?
Both Elena and Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche offer excellent wellness facilities, including indoor heated pools, saunas, steam rooms and fitness areas. These provide a relaxing space after skiing and enhance the overall stay experience.
Which accommodation in Les Houches is best for families?
Both main residences cater well to families. Elena offers central convenience and family-friendly facilities, while Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche provides a quieter environment with spacious apartments. Family-friendly layouts and proximity to beginner slopes make both ideal choices.
Which accommodation in Les Houches is best for groups?
Apartments across both residences sleep up to 8 guests, making them ideal for groups. Multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas and shared facilities allow for comfortable group stays, while maintaining privacy and flexibility.
Is accommodation in Les Houches ski-in/ski-out?
Accommodation is not ski-in/ski-out, but properties are located close to lifts or connected by short transfers. This provides easy slope access while allowing you to stay in quieter or more scenic parts of the resort.
What makes Les Houches different from other resorts?
Its combination of peaceful village atmosphere and access to the famous Mont Blanc region makes it stand out. It offers a quieter, more traditional alternative to the main Chamonix resort.
Can I explore other ski areas from Les Houches?
Yes, Les Houches is part of the wider Chamonix valley, and additional areas can be accessed via shuttle buses or car, offering more variety during your stay.
Can I book ski hire in Les Houches?
Yes, ski hire can be pre-booked before your holiday. Pre-booking ensures availability, allows you to plan your budget and helps you get onto the slopes quickly. A range of equipment is available for all abilities.
What type of lift pass is available?
You can choose between a local Les Houches pass or the wider Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. The larger pass gives access to multiple areas across the valley. Lift passes can be pre-booked with us, saving time on arrival and helping you organise your holiday in advance.
What ski school do you recommend?
We recommend ESF Les Houches, which offers lessons for children and adults of all levels. Group lessons can be pre-booked with us, and we recommend booking early, particularly during peak dates, to ensure availability and preferred time slots.
Are childcare services available in Les Houches?
Yes, childcare is available for children aged 3 to 11 years through local daycare services near the slopes. These should be arranged directly and booked early, particularly during busy periods.
What should I know about ski essentials in Les Houches?
It is important to arrange ski essentials in advance, especially during school holidays. Availability for lessons and equipment can be limited, and booking early ensures a smoother and more organised holiday experience.
Les Houches on the blog
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