The valley in winter

Les Houches lies 6 km down the valley from Chamonix and its’ ski domain extends from an altitude of 950 metres up to 1900 metres. The skiing combines long descents through pretty tree-lined slopes, with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix valley. The area is certainly not the highest in the valley, but its’ great advantage is that most of the skiing is through pine and larch forests. Not only does this make the skiing here more charming than the more exposed areas further up the valley, but the trees offer shelter when the winds are high elsewhere, and definition when the snow is coming down or during white-out conditions.

The terrain is extremely varied, providing enjoyment for all abilities with 12 red runs, 5 blue runs and 4 green runs. Plus the black run La Verte on which the Kandahar World Cup downhill race is run.

The lift system comprises of the Bellevue cable car, the Prarion gondola lift, 4 chair lifts (including the chair lift Coupe du Monde), 12 drag lifts and the Tramway du Mont-Blanc train. From the resort summit there is a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Mont-Blanc range. When necessary, artificial snow coverage is provided by 100 snow canons covering 900m of vertical drop. With the ski bus from Les Houches you can also access the other 157km of on piste (and limitless off piste) in the three other ski areas of the Chamonix Valley, with the bus stop right outside your door.

The ski area is the largest linked area in the Chamonix Valley. The varied gradient of runs make it particularly family friendly and is ideal for beginners to advanced skiers. Les Houches is just one hour from Geneva and 6km from Chamonix town, ideally located to explore all that the valley has to offer.

The Chamonix Valley is one of the world's most famous ski areas, having hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are well-served in a variety of differing areas around Chamonix, including Brevent, Flegere, the famous Grands Montets and le Tour as well as les Houches itself. There are also a number of nearby areas including St Gervais, Megeve, Courmayeur and Les Contamines, all within an easy drive. Despite its reputation as an area for experts only, there are plenty of green, blue and red runs to satisfy beginners and intermediates alike. For the more experienced, Chamonix has miles and miles of adventurous off-piste, including the famous Vallee Blanche, an 18km experience from the Aiguille du Midi, just 5km from Les Houches, down to the town.

For non-skiers in winter

Never fear, there is plenty for non-skiers to do in the valley; whether you fancy an action packed weekend or a relaxing few days of pampering and shopping - Chamonix has it, see "Chamonix for the Non-Skier" for more.