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Local Information

The village of Les Houches

There are shops of all kinds in the friendly village of Les Houches. Right next door is the Ciprien Sports ski shop who will be happy to sort out any rentals you may require, we have an agreement with them to enable you to get a 10% discount.

The nearest supermarket, tourist office, bank and our favourite local bar and restaurant (La Chavanne) are all 2 minutes walk away in the centre of the village.

Transport

Only an hour's drive from Geneva airport and 2 hours from Lyon. Turin airport is only 2½ hours away and can be the cheapest route of the low cost airlines. Although buses run regularly through the village to Chamonix and the ski areas, we do recommend a car. Les Houches is only 560 miles from Calais or Boulogne - about 8 hours drive.

Skiing in the Chamonix valley

Skiing in the Chamonix valley is split into several separate areas.

The Les Houches ski area is easily accessed via the Bellevue cablecar, a 4 minute walk down the road. The ski area hosts the Mens World Cup downhill regularly on the famous Kandahar run. There are plenty of runs here to suit all abilities - not everyone is expected to take on this black run! The tree lined skiing is some of the prettiest in the valley and is often the only area open during heavy snowfall.

A short drive to Chamonix town to the Brevent / Flegere ski area. Here there is plenty of varied ski runs, suitable for all levels, and plenty of off piste for the more adventurous.

A little further up the valley to Argentiere is the famous Grands Montets ski area. The slopes here are on the steep side and the off piste is legendary. Hire a guide to make the most of it all!

Just beyond Argentiere is Le Tour and the Domaine de Balme ski area. Great area for beginners, but plenty to suit all skiers and with its sunny aspect, it is one of our favourite areas.

A ride up to the Aiguille du Midi will take you to one of the most sensational panoramic views. It is also the start of the Vallee Blanche and you do not need to be more than an intermediate level skier to be able to tackle this famous off piste run, skiing on the largest glacier in Europe. Do arrange a guide in order to make the most of the stunning scenery and to avoid the many crevasses.

Ideally situated to explore other resorts in the area: Why not try...

Portes de Soleil, a 30 minute drive to Les Gets. Grand Massif of Flaine 40 minutes away.
Les Contamines, a little known gem with a really good snow record Megeve, easily reached from the lifts from Le Bettex, just outside of St Gervais.
Italian resorts are easily reached via the Mont Blanc tunnel. Courmayeur, one of the chicest Italian resorts or Pila, it's lesser known neighbour, with some of the best groomed pistes around and fantastic rustic mountain restaurants. Cervinia with it's proximity to the Matterhorn, can also be reached within an hour.

Summer in the Chamonix Valley

The summer months provide the opportunity to walk in the mountain pastures and view the snow capped peaks. Walks can be as leisurely or as energetic as you like. Make the most of the lifts - they are open from Mid June to Mid September and the Cable Car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) is open year round except for the odd week in May.

In Les Houches there is plenty to keep you occupied. There are tennis courts and a fishing lake; for children, a tree top adventure course and playground. The Parc Merlet is home to local varieties of wild mountain animals and plants.

Les Houches is also home to a renowned indoor climbing wall. Chamonix has an excellent sports centre with several pools and an adventure park. There are numerous rock climbing areas in the valley and instruction can be arranged. There are plenty of mountain bike trails, bikes can be rented in Les Houches and Chamonix and there is no extra charge to take them on the lifts. A short drive takes you to the lakes of Passy where there is a sandy beach, the view from here looking up to the summit of Mont Blanc is quite incredible! There is an excellent 18 hole golf course in Chamonix.

Further information can be found in the folder in the apartment or at the Tourist Office. Alternatively, we have provided a few links below: