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Les Houches Ski Passes
If you've ever found yourself squinting up at the Mont Blanc massif while the wind howls and the high-altitude lifts grind to a halt, you'll understand exactly why Les Houches holds such a special place in the hearts of Chamonix Valley regulars.
Tucked at the entrance to the valley, this is the family favourite - a resort that trades vertiginous couloirs for beautifully sheltered, tree-lined slopes that come into their own precisely when everywhere else is being battered by an Alpine storm. While the big names higher up the valley grab the headlines, Les Houches quietly gets on with the business of providing genuinely brilliant skiing for families, intermediates, and anyone who appreciates a well-groomed piste through the pines.
The numbers tell a satisfying story: around 55km of groomed runs spread across a mountain that feels both manageable and genuinely impressive. But the headline act is undoubtedly the Kandahar - La Verte to the locals - a legendary World Cup downhill course that gives confident skiers a proper taste of what this mountain is capable of. And wherever you are on the slopes, those 360° views of the Mont Blanc massif have a way of stopping you mid-traverse. It's also worth noting that Les Houches sits at the valley entrance, making it the most accessible area for those arriving from Geneva - often the first resort you'll reach, and frequently the best one to start with.
Types of ski passes in Les Houches
One of the great things about skiing in this part of the Alps is the flexibility on offer when it comes to lift passes. You're not locked into a one-size-fits-all ticket; instead, you can tailor your pass to your ability level, your budget, and how far afield you fancy venturing. A committed expert who wants to ski from Les Houches all the way across to Courmayeur in Italy will need something very different from a family whose youngest is getting to grips with snowploughs on the nursery slopes. Helpfully, the lift pass system here caters for all of them.
Broadly speaking, there are three categories to wrap your head around: the local pass covering Les Houches and its neighbouring sector; the valley-wide pass that opens up the whole Chamonix area and beyond; and a handful of more specialised options for beginners or those after a shorter day on the snow. Here's a closer look at each.
FAQs
Do kids ski for free in Les Houches?
Children under 5 can ski for free in Les Houches, though you will need to show ID and pick up a hands-free card, which costs around €3. A small price for what is, in effect, free skiing - well worth sorting before you head to the slopes.
Can I use the Chamonix Le Pass in Les Houches?
This is probably the most common mistake visitors make, so it's worth being very clear: no, you cannot. The Chamonix Le Pass covers only the three main ski areas in the centre and upper part of the valley - Les Houches is not included. If you want to ski Les Houches, you'll need either the dedicated local Les Houches–Saint-Gervais pass or the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.
Is there a family discount on Les Houches ski passes?
Yes, and it's a good one! Family and ‘Tribe’ packs are available - typically structured around two adults and two children - with the second child receiving a discount and any further children skiing for free. It's well worth asking about these when booking your Les Houches ski passes, as they can make a meaningful difference to the overall cost of a family ski holiday.
Can I buy my Les Houches ski pass online?
Absolutely, and we'd strongly recommend it. Booking your Les Houches pass online at least three days before you plan to ski can save you around 10% compared to buying at the ticket window. Given how straightforward the process is, there's really no reason not to - and it means one less queue to deal with when you're keen to get on the mountain. Just add it to your booking on the ‘Extras’ page.
PRE-BOOK YOUR SKI PASSES
Pre-booking your ski passes with Erna Low is easy - either choose the option online while you're booking your accommodation, or if you've already booked your accommodation, call us on 0203 011 1222 we'll gladly add it to your ski holiday package.