A snowball’s throw away from Chamonix, Les Houches ski resort delivers the same big mountain skiing experience - just with the volume turned down a notch.
Les Houches ski holidays let you access the vast Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski area, with heaps of runs for all levels. Head to the sunny, south-facing pistes of Brévent-Flégère for easy runs and stellar views. Or go to Grand Montets for challenging thrills.
Les Houches' pretty, pint-sized village oozes whimsical alpine charm. It is also one of the closest ski resorts to an airport in the French Alps. You can reach it in just over an hour’s drive from Geneva - ideal for a cheeky ski weekend or short break.
Our score is based on resort data; it reflects current forecasts, not guaranteed snow quality, and applies to the ski area, not specific resorts. Conditions can change quickly.
Updated: 29/01/26
5
/ 5
5
/ 5
Conditions
Past 3 days of snow
22cm
5 day snow forecast
22.61cm
Lifts open
13 / 15
Base
60cm
Powder
Runs Open
Learner
2 / 2
Beginner
10 / 11
Intermediate
14 / 17
Advanced
4 / 4
Things to do in Les Houches
Prarion sledging area - Head up to the Prarion lift for free sledging trails with the kids. Wheeee!
Mont Blanc Tramway - Take a ride on this iconic train for stunning views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc.
Parc Marlet hike - Go for a snowshoe trek and try to spot iconic alpine wildlife, including wild marmots, chamois, and ibex.
Ski Joering – Ever tried skiing behind a horse? Well, now’s your chance to give it a go - an unforgettable experience!
Aiguille du Midi - Head on over to Cham to book yourself onto the highest cable car in France, 3,482m up.
Deep Nature Spa - Soak in a hot tub and enjoy a Finnish sauna with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range.
Restaurants in Les Houches
Le Saint Antoine Pizzeria - Feast on a mountain load of tasty pizza overlooking the epic peaks of Mont Blanc Valley.
The Wine Factory - This spot raises the bar for sophisticated dining in Les Houches. Overflowing charcuterie boards are lovingly prepared by Valentine, paired with silky smooth wines.
Le Refuge - Cosy up in this warm and welcoming cabin to enjoy traditional Savoyard specialities with a modern twist.
Les Vieilles Luges - Indulge in mouth-watering lamb shanks, oh-so-cheesy fondues, and home-made Genepi - only accessible on foot or skis, Thursday to Sunday.
Nightlife & Apres in Les Houches
Le Spot - At the foot of the Bellevue cable car, Le Spot offers a refreshing pint pit-stop after your last run of the day.
Kitsch Inn - This bar is anything you want it to be – stop for coffee, to whet your appetite, or apres beers on the sun terrace.
RockyPop Bar - This retro chalet ain't any ol’ bar. Table football, arcade machines, and live music - it has it all!
Folie Douce (Chamonix) - Fancy letting your hair down? Folie Douce is worth the detour. Ski into town via the Brevent slopes and catch the shuttle home once you're done.
FAQs about Les Houches ski holidays Your questions answered by our Les Houches ski resort expert
Yes, Les Houches is great for skiing - offering a fantastic, varied ski experience for beginners, families, and intermediates in particular.
Famed for its scenic, tree-lined runs and sweeping Mont Blanc views, Les Houches ski holidays are perfect for those who favour charming woodland trails over high-altitude bowls and traditional alpine fare over ultra-modern resorts.
When's the best time to book a ski holiday to Les Houches?
Late January and February are typically Les Houche's "sweet spot" for deep snow and crisp, sunny days, though there's a reason to visit throughout the ski season, depending on your preferences...
The old-world charm of Les Houches makes it an enchanting place to visit inDecember, and the designer stores in neighbouring Chamonix are a Christmas shopping paradise.
If you want to whisk the kids away over the half-term holidays, Les Houches is a great, cheaper alternative to Chamonix that won’t break the bank.
Alternatively, hold out until spring with a ski holiday in March or April to make the most of some of the snowiest weeks and enjoy first tracks sunrise sessions - simply magic.
What are the snow conditions like in Les Houches?
The snow starts falling on the highest terrain in Les Houches as early as September, and by December, the whole area is good to go.
Since Les Houches skiing isn’t as lofty as other parts of the valley, the most snow-sure times tend to be from January through to March, but there will always be pistes to ski in the wider valley until the end of April, sometimes even as late as May.
Are Les Houches ski holidays snow-sure?
Generally, Les Houches ski holidays are excellent for snow. Les Houches ski resort benefits from a local microclimate and an extensive network of snow cannons that keep the pistes in great condition.
In addition, the north-facing slopes and dense tree cover along its runs help shield the snow from the sun and wind, preserving the surface and significantly enhancing visibility as the snow begins to flurry.
Is Les Houches ski resort good for beginner ski trips?
Yes. Les Houches is an excellent ski holiday destination for beginners, thanks to its dedicated nursery slopes at the top of the mountain in Le Tourchet. Being at the top rather than the base helps first-timers achieve better snow totals on their first turns - great for perfecting those ploughs!
New skiers will feel much less intimidated here than in the more extreme sectors of Chamonix, and after you've built up the confidence, you can progress onto the heaps of wider, gentle blue runs across the resort ski area.
Is Les Houches good for family ski holidays?
Yes. Les Houches is widely regarded as the best resort in the Chamonix Valley for family ski holidays due to its gentle terrain, warm, welcoming atmosphere, and easy-to-navigate village layout.
Local ski schools are well-rated, with English-speaking instructors, and many restaurants and hotels are specifically designed for kid-friendly stays, making Les Houches family ski trips as seamless and joyful as possible.
Is Les Houches good for snowboarders?
Yes, snowboarders will love the oodles of rolling terrain and the dedicated "Bellevue" snowpark at Les Houches, which caters to those looking to practice their freestyle moves.
Les Houche's tree runsoffer a natural playground that's perfect for intermediate boarders - especially when the powder is fresh and fluffy. And while there are a few flat sections, as with any resort, the lift system is generally accessible and convenient for snowboarders.
Is Les Houches linked to any other resorts?
Yes. Les Houches is part of the "Mont Blanc Unlimited" pass. With this pass, you can take a short, free bus or train ride (the Mont Blanc Express or local bus) to reach the iconic peaks of Chamonix, Brévent, Flégère, and the Grands Montets. It also includes resorts in the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, such as Saint-Gervais and Megève.
Is Les Houches ski resort easy to get to?
Yes, Les Houches is incredibly easy to access, and among the most convenient ski resorts in the French Alps. It's located right at the entrance to the Chamonix Valley, which means you avoid the winding, steep mountain roads and can reach the resort via transfer from Geneva Airport inas little as 60 - 90 minutes.
These quick transfers combined with the easy village layout make Les Houches ideal for ski weekends and short breaks, as well as for families looking for fuss-free escapes.
Can you ski at night in Les Houches?
Yes, Night skiing in Les Houches is avaliable over on the "Le Tourchet" slopes in the center of the village, which is floodlit on specific nights throughout the ski season. This can make for a great evening activity with little ones, with music and hot chocolate served near the base of the slopes.
Hotels & Apartments in Les Houches
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists
CGH Boutique Residence Le Hameau de Pierre Blanche