Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
Les Houches Ski Lifts
A varied ski area linked to the town of Les Houches by two ski lifts
Generally considered to be the most family-friendly of the Chamonix Valley ski areas, Les Houches is easy to access via the Bellevue cable car and the Prarion gondola.
The Prarion gondola is right at the end of the Chamonix valley bus line, with a stop right outside the lift station. During peak season we recommend this as the best way to get there as the car park is often very busy and there are few options for roadside parking nearby. At the top of the Prarion you'll find yourself on a wide plateau from where you can either drop straight on to the Table d'Orientation red run to access a number of chairlifts and draglifts on the front side, or you can scoot across the nursery slopes to cruise the Saint-Gervais side of the mountain.
Les Houches is the only ski area in Chamonix to have a high-altitude cross-country ski circuit up amongst the pistes. Access is easiest from the top of the Prarion gondola; you can either use your regular lift pass or, if you don't have one, you can save a few euros by buying a pedestrian pass. The same applies for snowshoers who want to hike around the beautiful trails signposted from the top of the Prarion and and Bellevue lift stations.
The Bellevue cable car also has a bus stop right outside the lift station and a free car park for those who are driving. The cable car brings you up to the wide expanse of the Col de Voza, where you'll find a couple of draglifts serving a short red run and a long gentle blue run. Continue on along the col towards the Voza Prarion chairlift and you'll be in the heart of the ski area with choices such as the world-famous Kandahar piste and the lovely tree-runs of Abbaye and La Cha.
Les Houches is the only ski area in Chamonix to have its own tram! The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs daily from Saint Gervais up to the Col de Voza and is a fantastic way to see the mountains. If you have non-skiing friends, they can take the tram up to meet you for lunch. It is included in your Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass, or you can buy a ticket at the lift station in Saint Gervais.
Parts of Les Houches are a bit tiresome for snowboarders as you often hit flat sections around the lift stations; fine for skiers who can use their poles to skate along though, and perfect for little ones perfecting their duck walk!
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Directions
You can access Les Houches most easily by one of the local buses or by car. There is a large free car park at the Prarion gondola and although there is a train stop in Les Houches it's a very long walk from there to get to the bottom of the lifts. Buses stop at both the Bellevue cable car and the Prarion gondola.
When to come
Take a look at all the winter lift opening dates and timetables.
How to get passes
You can buy lift passes at the ticket office once you arrive, or buy a pass in advance on line. See all the Winter Lift Prices.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Chamonix
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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
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La Folie Douce Hotel
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
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Lyret Hotel
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
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Le Genepy Aparthotel
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Les Houches
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Teresa Kaufman Discovery Walks & Mini-Photoshoot
An opportunity to get in the picture with Teresa Kaufman as your personal photographer, guide and story teller. This is the perfect activity accessible to everyone; children, adults, grandparents - easy walking, incredible scenery, a moment to share. Non-skiers will love it in the winter. An activity to experience with loved ones or to give as a gift.
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Ski Joering Mont Blanc
This is the original form of back-country sking and is horse drawn, plus great fun!
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Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Indoor Climbing Wall
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year.
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Montagnard museum
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Mont-Blanc Forest
Zip wires, rope bridges and tree top courses in the woods in Les Houches.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Les Houches
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Rocky Pop Restaurant
The Rocky Pop Restaurant in Les Houches, part of the vibrant Rocky Pop Hotel opened in December 2016, reflects the brand’s playful ethos of “joy and togetherness.” The food offering matches the lively atmosphere, with a fun, diverse menu designed to please all ages and tastes. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, colourful presentations, and relaxed dining that encourages sharing and socialising. It’s a welcoming spot where families, groups, and friends can enjoy tasty, unfussy meals in a cheerful setting.
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Kitsch Inn Bar & Restaurant
Quirkily decorated, as the name suggests, this restaurant has different rooms for different moods. Grab a quick coffee and a snack at the breakfast bar, enjoy a casual meal in the retro formica kitchen area, or sit and take your time over dinner at one of the large tables in the dining room. They also have a large sunny terrace where they serve up a nice BBQ in the summer and a kids play area.
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Le Basilic Restaurant
Just across the road from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches, this is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a day on the mountain, or pop in for lunch.
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Gandhi Restaurant
This restaurant serves tasty, good value Indian cuisine for lunch, dinner and to takeaway.
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La Ferme des Agapes
This restaurant is located right in front of the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches.
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Les Vieilles Luges Restaurant
An authentic Alpine farmhouse with a charming ambience and great food. Located right in the middle of Les Houches ski resort, this chalet serves delicious home-cooked local produce.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Les Houches
See all Bars & Clubs in Les Houches-
Kitsch Inn Bar & Restaurant
Quirkily decorated, as the name suggests, this restaurant has different rooms for different moods. Grab a quick coffee and a snack at the breakfast bar, enjoy a casual meal in the retro formica kitchen area, or sit and take your time over dinner at one of the large tables in the dining room. They also have a large sunny terrace where they serve up a nice BBQ in the summer and a kids play area.
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Rocky Pop Bar
Rocky Pop in Les Houches is a vibrant, family-friendly destination that brings fun, flavour, and energy to the heart of the Alps. Combining relaxed casual dining with a lively, upbeat atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to unwind after a day on the slopes or simply enjoy a laid-back meal with friends and family. The menu features crowd-pleasing dishes, playful touches, and generous portions, creating a welcoming experience for guests of all ages throughout the year.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Montagnard museum
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Les Houches summer lifts
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
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Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Tramway du Mont-Blanc
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
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Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
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Maison de l'Alpage museum
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
