Holidays in Les Houches at Chalet Pic Rouge:
The chalet is perfect for families and small groups of friends who want to be independent and enjoy the benefits of private parking, veranda and garden, as well as proximity to ski slopes, shops and other local amenities. The property is compact but well-equipped and having two bathrooms is a real bonus. A car is useful but not essential as all guests have free use of the Chamonix Valley buses and trains and door to door transfers from Geneva Airport are easily arranged. Les Houches is an attractive town with some characterful traditional architecture and has two well-stocked supermarkets (10 minutes walk away) bakeries, bank, post office, tourist office (offering cheap internet access), newsagent, chemist, cycle shop and launderette and there are numerous ski and snowboard shops and rental outlets - the nearest is 150 m from the chalet. There are bars and restaurants but for more variety you can head for Chamonix's night life - an evening bus runs in high season.
The Skiing:
The Chamonix Valley offers a phenomenal amount of skiing and snowboarding for all levels from beginner to advanced. Les Houches is an expanding ski domain of 60 km of pistes rising to 1969 m, and is especially appreciated for its long tree-lined runs and new snowpark. The Le Tourchet beginners' slopes are 3 minutes walk from the chalet, while the Bellevue cable car is 1.2 km, but easily accessed on the free ski bus, which stops at the bottom of the Le Tourchet lift. The Prairon gondola is a little further on, while the Brevent and Aiguille du Midi cable cars are a 5-10 minute drive or bus ride away. Beyond Chamonix, the Flegere and La Balme domains offer fabulously scenic above the tree-line runs, while the Grands Montets is a high-altitude snow-haven where off-piste legends are made. But there again you could always head for Les Contamines, Megeve and the Grand Massif and even through the tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy. The ski hire shop is a 5 minute walk from the chalet.
Summer stays for Hikers, Bikers & Families:
Strategically sited by Europe's highest mountain massif and on the Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 hiking trails, Les Houches is a magnet for alpinists and walkers. Many trails start from the village itself but by hopping on the free bus or train, you have access to all the amazing hiking terrain of the Chamonix Valley and beyond. With its panoramic views of Mt. Blanc, the Grand Balcon Sud is a favourite. From June to September, (the Aiguille du Midi cable car and Montenvers train run most of the year) the ski lifts can whisk you up to 2000 metres in a matter of minutes, from where you can contour around the flank of the mountains to get the best of the views with minimum effort! Mountain bikers have plenty of choice of route and the chalet offers the convenience of a large veranda for parking bikes undercover. With its sunny garden, great views and veranda with hammock and easy chairs, Chalet Pic Rouge is perfect for relaxing but there are plenty of family activities on offer too.
Other Activities:
Husky sledging, Alpine wildlife park, donkey trekking, river rafting, scenic train rides, glacier views, golf, high ropes, climbing wall
