Where is the apartment?
The apartment is located in Les Houches, just outside Chamonix, at the foot of
Mont Blanc in the heart of the French Alps (see map).
The apartment is ski-in/out and just 3mins from the main cablecar in Les Houches.
How many people
will the apartment hold?
The apartment will sleep six comfortably in three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The apartment has
a substantial open-plan living area with balcony and is fully equipped for self
catering. A locker for ski storage is included at the main entrance (see accom
info).
How do I get there?
Do I need to hire a car?
Geneva airport is the best access point, from there it is under one hour's drive
to Les Houches by motorway. This makes the area very accessible for weekend
visits. A hired car will provide most flexibility between resorts. An underground secure parking space is included in the
rental charge. In addition,
buses run direct from the airport and a local bus links all the ski areas in
the Chamonix valley. Taxi transfers are also available (see transport).
Where are the best
ski areas? Is it suitable for beginners & children?
Les Houches is ideal for all levels, an extensive beginners area complements
a wide variety of more advanced red runs and the famous ‘piste verte’,
where the World Cup downhill race is staged early each year. The friendly village
atmosphere is ideal for children and ski lessons are easily available in Les
Houches. Ski equipment can be rented in a shop next door to the apartment.
Intermediates may wish to spend the first few days in Les Houches, before trying
Brevent/Flegere in Chamonix, Le Tour/Vallorcine, Courmayeur and Les Contamines
for example (all within 30mins drive). Skiing a different resort every day is
very feasible.
More advanced skiers will find Argentiere particularly appealing, in addition,
Verbier is one hour drive away (see ski page).
What can I do if
the snow conditions are poor?
Take the Aguille du Midi cablecar to 3842m to see fine views of the Chamonix
valley.
Day trip to St Gervais, Megeve, Annecy or Evian in France, Martigny in Switzerland
(thermal baths) or Turin in Italy (all within 1-1.5hrs drive). Many other alternatives are listed on this page; winter
activities
What if I don’t
want to cook? Where can I eat and drink?
Although the apartment is fully equipped for self-catering, there are a wide variety
of reasonably-priced restaurants in Les Houches and Chamonix (see restaurants).
In addition we can arrange for breakfast delivered to your door or an eat-in
evening meal service. Furthermore, basic food & drink provisions can be
delivered direct to the door just after you arrive. Visit chaletfood.com
for details. Local food shops & supermarkets are also walking distance from the apartment.
What is new for
2008?
Increased artificial snow equipment in les Houches (rarely required!).
Expanded lift system in Vallorcine.
New Prarion cablecar in Les Houches.
Eat-in service available (breakfast and dinner delivered to the door)
Heated ski boot rack in the apartment (room for four pairs)
How do I book?
Just email or call the owners directly;
info@chaletmac.com
or call +44 77111 89272 for availability and rates.
Why choose Chamonix/Les
Houches?
Fast transfer from Geneva airport allows weekend breaks.
The ability to ski a completely different resort every day, all of which are very accessible.
The friendly village atmosphere in Les Houches is set in stunning surroundings
at the foot of Mont Blanc. This contrasts with some of the much larger purpose-built
resorts.
Easy access to Chamonix with all its facilities year-round.
What can I do in
the summer?
The Chamonix Valley is a hive of activity during the summer months. Walking,
mountaineering and mountain biking are the most popular activities. All of the
resorts re-open their lifts in the summer. Alternatively, touring the
alpine lakes and villages is very worthwhile (see summer
activities).
What is the weather
like?
The winter ski season starts from mid-December and runs through to late April.
The Chamonix Valley has seen very good skiing conditions with plenty of sun
over the past few years.
The summer season starts mid-June, running until the end of September. During
the day, temperatures can reach the high 20’s centigrade, but much cooler
during the evening. Late spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant times
to visit the area (see weather).