Skiing at Les Houches and Chamonix

Geneva is the closest major city to the Mont Blanc ski areas, and day trips to Les Houches and the Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie, France, are a popular winter activity. Les Houches, reached from Gare des Houches in the valley, is known for its family-friendly slopes, tree-lined runs and the Kandahar World Cup downhill piste, making it a good choice for beginners and intermediate skiers. The Chamonix valley offers more demanding terrain at Brévent-Flégère and Grands Montets, with steep pistes and off-piste routes that need guides and avalanche equipment. A day lift pass costs about EUR 50 to 65, and ski and snowboard kit can be hired in the valley. Shuttle buses run from Geneva Airport to the valley in about one hour 15 minutes, and the distance is roughly 85 km. All levels are catered for, with ski schools offering lessons for children and adults, and the activity suits anyone with basic fitness, although off-piste skiing is for experienced skiers only. Equipment is not included in the lift pass, so skis, boots, poles and a helmet are hired or brought, and warm layers, goggles, gloves and sun cream are essential. Operators include the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc for the Chamonix lifts and the Les Houches ski area for its own network. Pistes are patrolled by ski patrol teams, who mark hazards, close runs in unsafe conditions and provide first aid and evacuation by sledge or helicopter, so travel insurance with winter-sports and rescue cover is strongly advised. Avalanche risk is published daily by Météo-France, and visitors should never leave marked pistes without a guide and proper equipment. The season runs from December to April, with the best snow usually from January to March, and Chamonix's high Grands Montets area holds snow longer. Mist, storms and strong wind can close upper lifts, and low snow at the start and end of the season limits terrain. Because the resorts are in France, a passport or identity card is required at the border.