Les Houches

Les Houches, located at the entrance to the Chamonix Valley, is a welcoming and family-friendly ski resort with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Unlike its more extreme neighbour, Chamonix, Les Houches offers a gentler experience with around 55 km of pistes, making it ideal for beginners, families, and intermediates who enjoy tree-lined runs and scenic descents. More advanced skiers and snowboarders can still find challenges here, including the famous Kandahar World Cup downhill run, while the full Chamonix ski area is just a short bus or train ride away. Snowboarders appreciate the resort’s relaxed vibe, fun off-piste opportunities, and terrain parks. Accommodation in Les Houches is varied, with everything from cosy chalets and self-catering apartments to family-run hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses, often at more affordable prices than in central Chamonix. Pros: Quieter and more affordable than central Chamonix Family-friendly with gentle slopes and excellent ski schools Beautiful tree-lined runs and views of Mont Blanc Easy access to the wider Chamonix Valley ski areas Cons: Smaller ski area compared to other resorts in the valley Not ideal for those seeking extreme terrain or a large variety of pistes Après-ski is limited and low-key Snow reliability can be more variable on the lower slopes