Chalet Houches

In the Chamonix valley, Chalet Houches (887m in altitude) is in a neighbourhood between Les Houches and the forest, only 12km from Chamonix itself. Whether skiing in the winter or hiking, cycling and mountain biking in the summer months, this is an ideal base in the foothills of Mont Blanc.

Car hire is necessary and the chalet is located only 400m from the route nationale towards Chamonix – do note that the road up to the chalet is gravel (in the summer) and snow tyres are needed in the winter. There is one parking space at the chalet (and two more 50m away) but in the case of heavy snow and ice, it will be necessary to park around 50m from the chalet at the bottom of the drive and walk up.

There is a free bus service that runs throughout the year between Les Houches and Le Tour near the Swiss border whilst the nearest train station is less than a 5-minute drive away. The nearest ski and public bus stop is 800m away.

Make the most of a small handful of bars and restaurants in Les Houches (6km) alongside a winter ice-skating rink with gorgeous views towards Mont Blanc and an indoor climbing centre. On the other side of the valley, Parc de Merlet (11km) is a wonderful place to spend the day (May to September) with its animals and stunning scenery. In the snowy period, snowshoe hikes through the animal park are possible by reservation.  

Close to Les Houches’ village centre, Prarion Ski Lift/Cable Car (5.5km) and Télécabine de Bellevue (5km) offer beginners slopes at the very top (less steep than some other resorts) alongside tree runs ideal for poor weather. There are ample skiing and snowboarding opportunities across the Chamonix valley from freeriding to glacier skiing and more.

In the summer months, Le Prarion is especially loved by keen walkers, hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers. Furthermore, admire the idyllic summer landscapes as you ride the Mont Blanc tramway from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (12km) and take advantage of the magnificent walking and cycling trails through the mountains.

The cosmopolitan town of Chamonix (12km) is loved for its après-ski with lively bars as well as atmospheric terrace cafes during warmer weather. Of course, the winter skiing and summer hiking opportunities are endless whilst the natural beauty of the glaciers will take your breath away. Look out for the little red train to visit the glaciers (Mer de Glace) and the incredible cable car up to Aiguille du Midi.

Read more about Les Houches

Chamonix is often preceded by its own reputation. As one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, it has visitors travelling from all corners of the world to experience the epic runs year after year. The Chamonix town centre, also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, is an endlessly inviting little city with enough going on to entertain skiers and non-skiers alike for weeks on end. For those travelling from the UK, it is fabulously easy to reach. You can drive straight from Calais by motorway and be set up in a gorgeous chalet in less than half a day.

The Chamonix Valley encompasses five main ski areas on four different mountains (with easy transfers in between). You can get yourself a single-resort lift pass or one that encompasses the whole valley. If you go with the latter option you’ll even have access to the Italian side of the valley in Courmayeur. The wider area encompasses 106 pistes at up to 3842m altitude and unparalleled off-piste runs. 

Most of Chamonix’s ski areas are best suited to those who already feel at home on a pair of skis. Beginners definitely won’t get as much out of this valley as those who are comfortable tackling a black run. But that’s not saying Chamonix is unromantic by any means. There is incredible scenery for everyone to enjoy, from non-skiers to experts, and nature lovers will fall in love with the Chamonix in summer too. Ski season, however, often lasts until mid-March.

Once the skiing is over at the end of the day you’ll still find plenty to keep you occupied in town. There is an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from, ranging from Michelin starred fine dining to street food that will line your stomach for the après-ski (and rest assured there are dozens of great bars and clubs to choose from!)