Les Houches
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.
