Les Houches

Location

Haute-Savoie
France
45° 53' 24.36" N, 6° 47' 53.52" E
FR
General info: 

The ski resort of Les Houches is located in Haute-Savoie area of the French Alps. It is only 6 km down the valley from Chamonix, unquestionably the ski and mountaineering capital of the world. With its exceptional backdrop of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, the breath-taking panoramas of Les Houches ski area truly set it apart. This family resort, made up of a string of traditional mountain hamlets and a beautiful ski area offers everything a traditional mountain holiday should. At the foot of Mont Blanc, the Les Houches ski area stretches over 55 km of marked ski runs, from 950 to 1900 metres in altitude. The groomed ski runs descend over high alpine mountain pastures and through the ancient mountain forests. Beginners can safely learn to ski in two different areas, either at the base of the mountain in ‘Le Tourchet' or take the Prarion gondola to the top where they will also find a special beginners area. Freestylers can enjoy the Bellevue Airpark and the DC shoes Area 43. Ski racers can amuse themselves on the Les Houches world cup ski descent, ‘La Verte des Houches'. Skiing in Les Houches is not only limited to that of downhill, but also cross country skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, freestyle and speed-riding. - Cross country skiing in Les Houches: 10 Km of marked trails, free and open to all. It is situated in the ‘Chavants' area. - Try out Speed-riding in Les Houches under the guidance of Absolute Chamonix, the ESF (French ski school' or ‘Ailes de Chamonix (Wings of Chamonix)' If winter sports are the flagship activity of the valley, Les Houches also has a many other activities on offer in order to make your holiday a truly magnificent one: - Snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice-skating rink, an adventure park and a climbing wall for those feeling a bit more energetic. - Farm visits in Saint Bernard and trips to a goat farm for animal lovers. - Paragliding or a flight in a helicopter around Mont Blanc for those who want to really discover this amazing region of the Alps. - Relax in the local Spa or relaxation area if you wish to get away from it all. Accommodation wise Les Houches ski resort has a varied array of hotels, bed and breakfasts and furnished apartments for singles, couples, amongst friends or with the family. To find a place for the kids to spend their holiday is a key factor in ensuring the success of any mountain ski holiday with the family. The team in Les Houches offers child care and kids clubs for children of all ages. All the available programs pack the kid's days full of activities making sure that parents can make the most of their stay. - The Kids Club ‘ Les Chavants' is for children aged 18 months up to 10 years. - The Crèche in Les Houches is for children aged 3 months to 3 years old. The highlight in Les Houches; a run down the legendary private://Verte des Houchesprivate://! Along with the ‘Oreiller-Killy' ski run in Val d'Isère, the Verte des Houches is one of only two men's world cup downhill's in France. Amongst racers it is regarded as one of the most beautiful yet most highly challenging, what with its mythical sections including “La Cassure (The Break)private://, the private://Rocher Blanc (White Rock)private://, the private://Gouletprivate://, and the private://Schuss Battendierprivate://. No visit to Les Houches would be complete for any budding intermediate to expert skier without trying it out!

BASE: 3280ft
SUMMIT: 6233ft
VERTICAL DROP: 2952ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 18
Gondolas: 2
Chairs: 7
Surface: 9

Costs: 

DAY PASS ADULTS weekday: €36.50
6 DAYS ADULTS: €185.00

We recommend to confirm the latest prices from the resorts website as the prices might have changed after last update.

Interesting places nearby

The ski area Damüls is popular with families. The broad slopes range from easy to difficult and almost all of the pistes can be prepared with artificial snowmaking equipment.

Nestling in a unique mountain scenery, Davos is the highest town in Europe and also one of its largest winter sports areas. The ski resort offers varied slopes ranging from an altitude of 1,560 to 2,844 m.

Skidome De Uithof is very close to the beach near Kijkduin situated. Snowfun is possible 365 days a year on a 211 meter long slope. The Skidome offers 4 lifts (2 drag lifts and 2 magic carpets), so waiting time is limited.

The ski area Diedamskopf in the Bregenzerwald offers well-groomed slopes for all levels of difficulty. The Diedamskopf with an altitude of 2090 m is Schoppernau’s local mountain and located in Vorarlberg.

BASE: 1230ft
SUMMIT: 1830ft
VERTICAL DROP: 0ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 3
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 1
Surface: 2

The Simmental - Diemtigtal valley contains several ski areas. The first and largest at Wiriehorn has 15 KM of trails and a five kilometre (just over three mile) sledge run.