Les Houches

Les Houches the small family-friendly town, welcomes the world's best downhill ski racers and hopes to host the alpine ski events of the 2018 winter Olympic Games.

Ski with the family  

Since 2009, the resort of Les Houches holds the label «Famille + montagne». More than a dozen establishments in the village have satisfied the criteria «Famille Plus», among them are hotels, apartment blocks, the ESF ski school, the Kids Adventure park, the day-care centre and the lift systems. The full list can be found on the Les Houches/Servoz web site. Providing family skiing among the pine trees over 900m of vertical descent, it is the perfect place to learn how to ski with special areas set aside for beginners (a safe 4-seater chairlift with rolling carpet) can be found at the top of the Prarion lift.

Spotlight on the ski areas on the valley floor: easy skiing for children and beginners

- Les Planards (1062 m - 1242 m)
- Le Savoy (1049 m)
- La Vormaine (1480 m)
- Les Chosalets (1230 m)
- The Balme ski area (1453 m - 2270 m)
- Special Snow Park DC Shoes Area 43

For connoisseurs, there are numerous modules including the container, three 5m long tables, 1 Big Air of 15m, several boxes, rails, etc.

Outstanding skiing 

In partnership with the association "Loisirs ski évasion" the ESF ski school in Les Houches is offering lessons and outings for individual or tandem skiers. A precursor in teaching the physically handicapped, the State qualified ski instructors now specialise in teaching this discipline at all levels. The ski school has specially adapted equipment for varying disabilities.

 

And for non-skiers

Footpaths and snowshoeing trails: the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley has numerous foot- paths and snowshoeing trails for those who wish to discover the mountains in a different way. A snowshoeing outing accompanied by a trekking guide is an excellent way to see the natural fauna of the valley.

Climbing all through winter? At the indoor climbing area in Les Houches: Mont-Blanc Escalade in Les Houches is an indoor climbing arena of 1200m2 of climbing surface, 14m high with 40 couloirs. Almost 100 routes for all levels are available every day up to 10pm.

Nocturnal Snow Fun

Night-time skiing at Le Tourchet : when the sun goes down, the lights go on at Le Tourchet in Les Houches for a spot of nocturnal fun on the snow, every Thursday to 10pm. Entry is free. The Tourist Office welcomes all ski fanatics with a glass of mulled wine.

The outdoor, natural skating rink in Les Houches gives free access to all, every evening from 8-11pm (depending on weather conditions).

Nocturnal sport in Vallorcine: in the hamlet of Le Buet in Vallorcine, the cross-country piste is flood-lit two evenings per week during the school holidays. Free entry.

The Verte ski run in Les Houches 

The Verte ski run (green in name only) in Les Houches is a mythical slope in the Mont-Blanc massif. In reality it is a black run of 870 meters of vertical descent and 3343 m in length. A series of very technical passages and jumps, including La Cassure and Le Goulet, makes this downhill one of the most challenging races in the world. The best ski racers on the planet reach the bottom in only two minutes.

The race starts at the top of the Prarion, a magnificent 360° viewing point over the Mont-Blanc and Fiz massifs. The racers quickly reach the Cassure jump before devouring the Rocher Blanc passage then the famous Goulet jump, a very technical and therefore spectacular section of the race.

Guided visits of the ski slope are provided by Marc Battendier, former member of the French ski team, who explains the most impressive passages of the race.

Après-ski : gastronomy in Les Houches 

The restaurant Le Délice, located in the heart of the village, has been run by Katy for the last six years. Twenty-six year old Chef Louis, known as Lou, arrived here from Manchester in 2006. Originally specializing in pastries, she soon let her imagination run wild and came up with a refined and innovative cuisine which mixes tastes from a number of different countries to deliver a menu of subtle and diverse flavors. The originality comes from mixing different culinary traditions while respecting the combination of flavors which give a dish its reputation.

Once a week, different musicians perform during cocktail hour, with the accent put on quality and conviviality.

Après-ski: well-being

- In winter: an outdoor heated swimming pool on the roof of the Park Hotel Suisse
- The private hamlet of Pierre Blanche in Les Houches
- Opening of a brand new SPA in partnership with CINQ MONDES in the Residence Vallorcine Mont-Blanc

 

Après-ski «culture»

- The Alpine Museum in Chamonix
- Mountain flowers: a photographic exhibition by John Norris. Showing throughout the winter at the Eden Hotel in Les Praz
- The Musée montagnard in Les Houches
- From Vallorcine, visit the Gianadda Foundation by train: From RENOIR to SAM SZAFRAN