Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix and Les Houches are bordered by Switzerland and Italy allowing access to other ski areas such as Courmayeur in Italy and Verbier in Switzerland.

The Chamonix valley is dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4810m) - the highest point in Western Europe.

The local population of Chamonix numbers around 10 000 inhabitants but this figure swells to nearly ten times that with the influx of tourists, climbers, alpinists, backpackers, students and seasonnaires.

Whilst the principal town is of the same name, 'Chamonix' is often used in reference to the whole valley, stretching over 28km from Le Fayet to Switzerland. It is, however, made up of several distinct and charming villages including Servoz, Les Houches, Les Bossons, Les Praz, Les Tines, Argentiere, Montroc, and at the top of the valley: Le Tour.

There are two distinct seasons here: summer and winter, but the area is busy for most of the year with different activities at the forefront of people's minds.

Les Houches

Situated at 1000 metres of altitude and lying at the foot of Mont-Blanc
(4810m), Les Houches offers an exceptional panorama of the peaks
surrounding the legendary valley of Chamonix.

The village is made up of a number of hamlets such as Vaudagne with oratories, chapels, old bread ovens and farms bearing witness to its past and being the objects of particular attention today.

Les Houches is very family friendly with a top ski school, great restaurants like Le Delice and the best supermarkets in the valley. On the slopes you have access to the best piste side restaurants in the area such as Les Vieilles Luge and La Ferme.

Famous for the Kandahar World Cup downhill race the ski area also offers great runs for all abilities and with fresh snow the off-piste trees runs are unique in the valley. Visit the St Gervais side for fabulous views over Les Contamines and Megeve.