Les Houches
Charming alpine village, gateway to the Tour du Mont Blanc and a family-friendly ski resort with stunning Mont Blanc vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for TMB hiking
Les Houches
Best Time
Ideal for TMB hiking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming alpine village, gateway to the Tour du Mont Blanc and a family-friendly ski resort with stunning Mont Blanc vistas.
"Les Houches offers breathtaking Mont Blanc views and is a perfect start for the TMB trek."
🎒 Pack for TMB
Essential gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc includes sturdy boots, layers, and rain protection.
🐾 Animal Encounters
Visit Parc de Merlet for close-up views of alpine animals with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tour du Mont Blanc Start
Les Houches Village
The iconic starting point for the TMB trek, offering stunning Mont Blanc views.

Parc de Merlet
Above Les Houches
An animal park with diverse wildlife and breathtaking panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif.

Les Houches Ski Resort
Les Houches
A family-friendly ski area perfect for beginners and intermediates with beautiful mountain vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
TMB Trailhead & Early Stages
Skiing & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for TMB
Essential gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc includes sturdy boots, layers, and rain protection.
🐾 Animal Encounters
Visit Parc de Merlet for close-up views of alpine animals with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
⛷️ Ski Lessons
Book ski instructor Les Houches in advance for lessons at the family-friendly resort.
🥾 TMB Day 1 Options
Many start TMB from Les Houches, heading towards Refuge Miage or Col de Tricot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for TMB
Essential gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc includes sturdy boots, layers, and rain protection.
🐾 Animal Encounters
Visit Parc de Merlet for close-up views of alpine animals with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
⛷️ Ski Lessons
Book ski instructor Les Houches in advance for lessons at the family-friendly resort.
🥾 TMB Day 1 Options
Many start TMB from Les Houches, heading towards Refuge Miage or Col de Tricot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Les Houches is praised for its stunning Mont Blanc views and its role as a gateway to the Tour du Mont Blanc. Visitors enjoy the family-friendly ski resort and the unique experience at Parc de Merlet. Some find it quieter than Chamonix, which can be a pro or con depending on preference.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is a bus transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. From Chamonix, local buses or taxis can take you to Les Houches.
Yes, Les Houches is well-connected by local bus services from Chamonix, making it easy to reach for TMB hikers and skiers.
Regular bus services run between Les Houches and Chamonix, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two areas.
Yes, Les Houches is accessible by car. Parking is available, but can be limited during peak ski season or TMB trekking periods.
While direct shuttles to Les Houches might be less common, many services go to Chamonix, from where you can easily connect to Les Houches.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is recommended to book your tickets for Parc de Merlet online in advance, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours for Parc de Merlet vary by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, a ski pass is required to access the slopes at the Les Houches ski resort. Prices vary depending on the duration and type of pass.
Information on family discounts for Parc de Merlet is usually available on their website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
You can typically buy ski passes on the day at the Les Houches ski resort ticket offices, but booking online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially money.
🎫 🥾 Hiking & Trekking
Absolutely! Les Houches is a very popular starting point for the TMB, offering direct access to the trails and stunning views from day one.
Day one often involves hiking from Les Houches towards destinations like Refuge Miage, Col de Tricot, or Refuge de la Balme, covering significant elevation gain.
The initial stages from Les Houches can be challenging with considerable elevation gain, but offer rewarding scenery. It's a good test of your fitness.
Yes, there are mountain refuges and gîtes available along the TMB route, such as Refuge de la Balme and Refuge Miage, which are popular stops after starting in Les Houches.
While most start counter-clockwise, you can hike the TMB in reverse from Les Houches. Be aware that trail markings might be more geared towards the standard direction.
🎫 ⛷️ Skiing & Snowboarding
Yes, Les Houches is highly recommended for beginner and intermediate skiers due to its gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas.
Several ski hire shops are available in Les Houches, including Balmat Sports, Battendier Sports, and Bellevue Sports, offering ski hire Les Houches France.
Les Houches itself is a ski resort, but it's also a good base for accessing other areas in the Chamonix valley like Grand Montets and Brévent.
Many families choose Les Houches for its charming atmosphere and beginner-friendly slopes, offering a slightly quieter alternative to Chamonix center.
Les Houches generally receives good snow cover during the winter season, making it a reliable destination for skiing.
🍽️ 🏨 Accommodation & Dining
Les Houches offers a range of Les Houches accommodation, including hotels (like Hotel Elena Les Houches, Hotel Beau Site Les Houches), apartments, and chalets. Airbnb Les Houches France is also an option.
Yes, Les Houches has options like hostels (Hostel Les Houches) and more affordable guesthouses, though booking in advance is advised.
While specific restaurant recommendations vary, exploring local eateries in the village center will offer traditional Savoyard cuisine.
Les Houches is often preferred by families and beginner skiers for its charm and gentler slopes, while Chamonix offers more nightlife and dining options.
Some Les Houches ski in ski out properties are available, offering direct access to the slopes, which is ideal for skiers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🥾 Tour du Mont Blanc Trekkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tour du Mont Blanc: A Hiker's Dream
Planning is crucial for TMB trekkers starting in Les Houches. Booking accommodation in mountain refuges or gîtes well in advance is essential, especially during the summer months. Consider the weather, which can change rapidly in the mountains, and pack accordingly with layers, waterproofs, and sturdy hiking boots. The TMB is more than just a hike; it's an immersive journey through diverse landscapes and cultures, with Les Houches providing the perfect launchpad for this unforgettable adventure.
Les Houches for Skiers and Families
Families will appreciate the accessibility and the range of services available, including ski hire Les Houches France and ski schools. While it might not offer the extreme terrain for expert skiers, Les Houches provides a solid foundation for enjoying the winter wonderland of the Chamonix Valley. The stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc enhances the skiing experience, making it a picturesque destination for a winter getaway.
Discovering Wildlife at Parc de Merlet
It's advisable to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry. The park is accessible via a scenic drive or hike from Les Houches, and the combination of wildlife and spectacular mountain vistas makes it a memorable excursion. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there is walking involved within the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit