Resting at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the skiing domain is fantastic and it is the largest single ski area in the valley. Skiing in Les Houches combines long descents through pine and larch forests within view of the spectacular peaks of the "Aiguilles de Chamonix". It is the location of regular international events and serves as the training ground for the French National Ski Team. By yourself or with the local ski schools, you will discover a varied choice of pistes for downhill, cross-country, snowboarding or telemark skiing. To enjoy the different mountain activities such as off-piste skiing, you can hire a mountain or trekking guide. In Servoz you can walk through the mountains on a show-shoeing outing, discover the local heritage, visit the local hamlets or even stroll along the banks of the river Arve.

Skiing and Boarding

Les Houches
The domain of Les Houches extends from an altitude of 950m to 1900m. From the summit there is a spectacular 360° view of the Mont-Blanc massive. With pistes meandering through the forests, you will discover the real pleasures of skiing.

The resort has 67 snow cannons which cover the lowest 900m of the piste which returns you to the resort. The Which 'Good Skiing & Snowboarding Guide' states that "In bad weather the best sheltered skiing in the Chamonix valley can be found here ". The "Tourchet" piste offers floodlit skiing every Thursday night, when snow conditions permit.

The Mont-Blanc Valley and Beyond
If you purchase a Mont-Blanc SKIPASS you have access to a valley containing over 700km of ski runs within several ski areas which cater for all levels of skier and rider. These are all linked by a bus service which comes free with your lift pass. You also have access to the ski stations of Courmayeur, Megève, St.Gervais, Les Contamines, Passy and Vallorcine.

The nearest area to the heart of Chamonix is Le Brévent-La Flégère, consisting mainly of intermediate and advanced runs. Sunny in the morning with breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc, there are lots of long red and blue runs on which to practice your carving. The off-piste powder can also be very good.

Les Grand Montets is the legendary ski area and star of many ski movies. It is a magnificent area for advanced/expert skiers and riders with endless possibilities. On powder mornings the rush for Les Grand Montets is fierce, but the area is so enormous that tracking it out is even beyond the powers of Europe's most dedicated first-track pack. It is hard to beat the descent from the top of the cable car, down the glacier and through the trees to the valley floor, 2000m below.

Le Tour is a gentle rolling ski area with great blue and red runs to cruise down, perfect for beginners and intermediates. The wide open pistes are perfect for beginners to practise those newly gained skills. Off-piste powder in the backcountry and skiing through the trees into Switzerland are events that can make this area very interesting to advanced skiers.

The Aiguille du Midi lift, Europe's highest cablecar, is a fantastic trip to take even if you are not going to decend by the world famous Vallée Blanche. This 22 km descent through glacial terrain can be completed by various routes, some of which are suitable for intermediate skiers.

Non-Skiers and Après Ski

If you prefer walking or snowshoeing to skiing, Chamonix has just what you need to enjoy high mountain scenery: discover the Mer de Glace with the picturesque cog railway of Montenvers, ride on the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, France's highest cog railway, fly over the Mont-Blanc range with Chamonix Mont-Blanc Helicopters, or simply enjoy the 17 km of footpaths which take you deep into the winter landscape. For a change of scenery, the Chamonix Bus Company offers day trips to beautiful nearby cities such as Annecy, Geneva (Switzerland) and Aosta (Italy).

A large sports complex offers sports hall, indoor and outdoor ice rink, speed skating rink, 19 tennis courts (quick and clay) including 4 indoor courts, squash courts and a swimming-pool complex with water-slide & fitness centre (saunas, Turkish baths, solarium). Numerous runways are available for hang and paragliders. The Alpine Museum and a range of exhibitions with varied themes are offered throughout the season. Chamonix is the only ski resort able to offer such a wide selection of entertainment.

Les Houches has lots of restaurants and bars, many of which are walking distance from the apartment. Chamonix hosts a wide selection of typical cafés and tempting pastry shops along with 14 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 discotheques. The world-class casino in the centre of town will tempt the gambler in you with black jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition. The Vox Cinema is a moviegoers delight with all the latest films, frequently in the original language version.