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Stunning views
Off-slope activities
Traditional charm
Hidden gemStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemLes Houches is a traditional Savoyard village in France's Chamonix Valley, with real alpine character and a relaxed pace that appeals to skiers looking for a holiday on the quiet side. The setting is spectacular, with views across to Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles peaks framing every run. As a ski destination, it combines accessible terrain with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year, with a season that typically runs from mid-December through early April.
Skiing and snowboarding spreads across 55km of local pistes between 990m and 1,900m, with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass connecting to the wider Chamonix Valley. The mountain is best known for hosting the famous Kandahar downhill course, one of the most challenging on the World Cup circuit. But day-to-day, Les Houches is remarkably friendly territory for intermediate skiers and improving beginners. Tree-lined runs offer shelter on stormy days, while the varied terrain includes everything from gentle nursery slopes to proper blacks that will test confident skiers.
Beyond the pistes, the village centre has welcoming restaurants and bars without the pretension or prices of Chamonix itself. Visitors appreciate the manageable scale, where you can walk to most places, and there's a local feel rather than resort sprawl. For day trips, the Montenvers railway to the Mer de Glace glacier and the Aiguille du Midi cable car are just a short drive away.
Check out Les Houches ski deals to start planning your trip.
Les Houches is a traditional Savoyard village in France's Chamonix Valley, with real alpine character and a relaxed pace that appeals to skiers looking for a holiday on the quiet side. The setting is spectacular, with views across to Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles peaks framing every run. As a ski destination, it combines accessible terrain with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year, with a season that typically runs from mid-December through early April.
Skiing and snowboarding spreads across 55km of local pistes between 990m and 1,900m, with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass connecting to the wider Chamonix Valley. The mountain is best known for hosting the famous Kandahar downhill course, one of the most challenging on the World Cup circuit. But day-to-day, Les Houches is remarkably friendly territory for intermediate skiers and improving beginners. Tree-lined runs offer shelter on stormy days, while the varied terrain includes everything from gentle nursery slopes to proper blacks that will test confident skiers.
Beyond the pistes, the village centre has welcoming restaurants and bars without the pretension or prices of Chamonix itself. Visitors appreciate the manageable scale, where you can walk to most places, and there's a local feel rather than resort sprawl. For day trips, the Montenvers railway to the Mer de Glace glacier and the Aiguille du Midi cable car are just a short drive away.
Check out Les Houches ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding Les Houches feels refreshingly old-school. The mountain is compact enough to learn quickly but varied enough to stay interesting, with runs threading through forests of pine and larch that give the terrain real character. On a clear day, the backdrop of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Aiguilles makes even a simple blue run feel special.
The ski area divides roughly into two sectors accessed by the Bellevue gondola and the Prarion cable car. Bellevue tends to be sunnier and more sheltered, while the Prarion side catches more snow and offers steeper terrain including access to the famous Kandahar run. Both areas connect at altitude, making it easy to explore the whole mountain in a day.
Les Houches is an encouraging place to learn, whether you're on skis or a snowboard. The nursery area at the base of the Bellevue gondola gives beginners a safe, contained space to find their feet, with gentle gradients and magic carpet lifts. Once you've got the basics, progression feels natural. Green runs at Les Houches feed into wide, forgiving blues that let you build confidence without being overwhelming.
The tree-lined pistes are a real advantage here. They provide shelter from wind and flat light, making conditions more consistent than on exposed alpine bowls. For nervous beginners, skiing through forest also feels less intimidating than wide-open mountainsides.
WeSki insider tip: Take the Bellevue gondola up and ski the long green run back to the village. It's one of the most scenic beginner-friendly descents in the valley.
Intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy across Les Houches. The bulk of the terrain includes confident blues and red cruisers, with long runs that let you find a rhythm and build speed. The Prarion sector in particular has some excellent intermediate terrain where you'll find wide pistes with good pitch and beautiful views towards Mont Blanc.
For those ready to push themselves, the upper sections of the Kandahar run offer a taste of world-class terrain without committing to the full race course. The variety keeps things interesting through a week-long stay, and the lift-served terrain connects efficiently so you can cover plenty of ground.
WeSki insider tip: On busy weekends, head to the Prarion side first. It tends to be quieter and holds snow better in the afternoon.
The Kandahar downhill course is a headline attraction for strong skiers. This is genuine World Cup terrain that's steep, technical, and demands proper commitment. Even skiing just the upper sections' gradients will test your technique, edge control, and confidence.
Beyond Les Houches' race course, tree skiing off the marked pistes offers excellent powder days when conditions allow. The forest terrain holds snow well and provides natural features and gullies to explore. For more serious off-piste adventures, the wider Chamonix Valley is right on your doorstep, where with a hired guide, you have access to some of the best backcountry terrain in the Alps.
WeSki insider tip: The itinerary route from the top of Prarion through the trees offers challenging terrain with a backcountry feel. Before you go, check conditions and ideally ski with someone who knows the area.
Les Houches works well for snowboarders, with the tree-lined terrain and varied pitch suiting freeriders in particular. The mountain has few flat sections, so you can maintain momentum across most of the ski area. Natural features through the forest, such as banks, dips, and tree gaps, provide plenty of opportunities for creative riding without needing a dedicated park.
While Les Houches itself has modest off-piste within the ski area boundaries, its position in the Chamonix Valley opens up world-class backcountry access. The Vallée Blanche, accessed via the Aiguille du Midi cable car, is one of the most famous off-piste descents anywhere. Local guides can also take you to quieter itineraries across the valley where you can find serious terrain, though these require experience and proper preparation.
Several ski schools operate in Les Houches, including ESF (the French national ski school) and independent options. Group and private lessons are available for all ages and abilities, and English-speaking instruction is readily available given the resort's international clientele.
Les Houches has a terrain park with features suited to intermediate and improving riders. The park includes rails, boxes, and jumps of varying sizes. For more extensive freestyle facilities, Chamonix's parks are easily accessible with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.
Les Houches is one of the Chamonix Valley's best-kept secrets for families. The village scale means everything is walkable, ski school meeting points are easy to find, and the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed. For parents, the appeal is practical: competitive prices compared to Chamonix itself, accommodation close to the slopes, and a village atmosphere that makes organising everyone each morning straightforward.
Young children can learn on gentle nursery slopes while parents ski nearby, and the village has none of the frantic energy that can make busier resorts stressful with little ones in tow. Teenagers and confident younger skiers have plenty to explore across the ski area. The tree-lined terrain means skiing together as a family is enjoyable, and the Kandahar sections give older children something to aspire to.
Off the slopes, there's an outdoor ice rink, sledging areas, and the Parc de Merlet wildlife park nearby (a genuine highlight where you can see mountain animals in a natural alpine setting). When choosing restaurants, you'll have family-friendly options, and the quieter après-ski scene means you're not competing with party crowds for dinner reservations.
Les Houches and the wider Chamonix Valley have plenty of activities and experiences to make moments off the slopes a truly memorable part of your holiday. The village itself is compact but charming, while the surrounding area offers everything from glacier visits to scenic railways.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the Chamonix Valley offers exceptional winter activities that make full use of its dramatic alpine setting:
For days when you want to give your legs a rest, the Chamonix Valley offers plenty beyond the slopes. The area combines world-class mountain scenery with cultural attractions and excellent facilities:
Dining in Les Houches is refreshingly unpretentious. The village has a good selection of restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine alongside more varied options. Prices tend to be reasonable, and the atmosphere tends towards cosy mountain hospitality rather than see-and-be-seen glamour.
WeSki insider tip: Try tartiflette, the classic Savoyard potato, bacon, and Reblochon cheese bake. It's best enjoyed after a morning on the slopes with a glass of local white wine.
Les Houches après-ski is a low-key scene where you can have a comfortable drink and good conversation into the evening. For those who prefer their evenings relaxed, that's precisely the appeal. That said, the bars have character, and the atmosphere on sunny afternoons is genuinely sociable.
If you want bigger nights out, Chamonix's famous bars and clubs are just ten minutes down the road, giving you the best of both worlds: village quiet for sleep, and valley buzz when you want it.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Les Houches spans traditional hotels, self-catering apartments, and chalets, with options across different budgets. Its village is compact, so most properties are within walking distance of the Bellevue gondola and village centre. The areas are connected by a ski bus running regular circuits throughout the day.
Staying near the gondola puts you closest to the slopes, while the village centre offers better access to restaurants and shops. For families groups, self-catering apartments here offer good value and flexibility, and several hotels provide comfortable half-board options.
The Les Houches ski pass covers all 15 lifts and 55km of pistes within the resort. For those wanting to explore further, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass includes Les Houches plus Chamonix, Brévent-Flégère, and lifts across the valley (excellent value if you plan to ski multiple areas).
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Les Houches ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Several equipment rental shops operate in Les Houches, with outlets near the main lift stations and in the village centre. Most shops offer standard and performance equipment tiers, plus options for children and beginners. Booking in advance is recommended during peak weeks.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Les Houches, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Les Houches ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Les Houches is compact and walkable, with the village centre, main lift stations, and most accommodation within reasonable walking distance of each other. A ski bus connects different parts of the village throughout the day, running regular circuits between accommodation areas and the gondola stations.
The valley bus connects Les Houches to Chamonix and other resorts in the area, useful for day trips or accessing the wider ski domain. For evening transport, taxis are available and reasonably priced for the short journeys within the village.
Les Houches is well-connected for travel from the UK. Geneva Airport is the closest major hub, approximately 90km away, with regular flights from UK airports throughout the winter season. Lyon Airport offers an alternative at around 220km, and Grenoble and Chambery are options, too.
The resort is also accessible by train via the Mont Blanc Express from Saint-Gervais, connecting to the French TGV network. For drivers, the journey from Calais takes around eight hours via the French motorway network.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Les Houches. Add them to your Les Houches ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Les Houches is excellent for beginners. The nursery area at the base of the Bellevue gondola provides a safe, contained space to learn, and the progression to green and gentle blue runs is natural and confidence-building. The tree-lined pistes offer shelter from wind and flat light, making conditions more consistent. The relaxed village atmosphere and manageable scale add to the appeal for those new to skiing.
Les Houches offers a quieter, more family-friendly alternative to Chamonix while remaining part of the same valley. The skiing is more sheltered and beginner-friendly, the village has genuine Savoyard character rather than resort bustle, and prices tend to be lower. Chamonix is just ten minutes away, so you get the best of both worlds - village tranquillity, with easy access to the valley's famous terrain, restaurants, and nightlife.
Les Houches is one of the best family choices in the Chamonix Valley. The compact village is easy to navigate, ski school meeting points are straightforward to find, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The skiing suits all abilities, from complete beginners to confident teens, and off-slope activities like the Parc de Merlet wildlife park keep non-skiing hours interesting. Accommodation and dining prices are notably friendlier than Chamonix itself.
Les Houches benefits from its position in the Chamonix Valley, which receives reliable snowfall throughout the season. The ski area sits between 990m and 1,900m, with tree-lined runs that hold snow well. The season typically runs from mid-December through early April. The north-facing Prarion sector tends to retain snow best, while the Bellevue side catches more sun.
Yes, with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, access includes Les Houches plus all the Chamonix Valley ski areas - Brévent-Flégère, Les Grands Montets, and more. These areas are connected by valley bus rather than ski-in, ski-out, but exploring different terrain throughout your stay is straightforward. The pass also includes the Aiguille du Midi cable car for the famous Vallée Blanche descent.
The Kandahar is one of the most famous downhill courses in World Cup skiing, regularly hosting men's and women's races on the circuit. Named after the Roberts of Kandahar Challenge Cup first held in 1911, the run is genuinely challenging - steep, technical, and demanding proper commitment. Recreational skiers can ski sections of the course, though the full race line requires advanced ability and confidence.
Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies
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