Our apartment is close to the Bellevue cable car and local bars and restaurants, but is in a quiet location. Access to the various world-class ski areas in the Chamonix valley is easy by free bus (from the cable car) or by car. Other resorts such as Megeve (20 mins, on the same lift pass), Courmayeur (30 mins) Flaine (45 mins) etc are easy day trips. There is an indoor climbing centre in Les Houches, and an outdoor practice wall in Chamonix (Les Gaillands). Experienced climbers should go to the Compagnie des Guides. Dog sledding, snow shoeing, sledging are all available in winter. In summer the main lifts are open and there is a near-infinity of high and low level hiking on well-signed paths. There is a kids amusement area in Chamonix - try the summer Luge - and also a swimming pool, gym and ice rink. Whitewater rafting is available (the best is actually over on the Italian side). In the valley at Passy the Lacs du Passy is a huge (1 mile long) swimming lake with shade trees, a beach, barbecue pits, ice cream stands and a view of Mont Blanc. Also in this direction there is a big thermal bath complex at Le Fayet. There are two mountain railways, and a valley railway.

I have been skiing for over 30 years. We bought the apartment in 2002, specifically because it can take two families and has plenty of outside space. We have never regretted the decision! The Chamonix valley hits the spot, it is one of the easiest resorts to get to in the Alps, has year-round appeal, and some of the best scenery in the Alps. Northern Italy and Switzerland are close. Geneva airport is 80km / 1 hour by road. There is a huge range of public and private transfer options from the airport - scheduled buses (Ouibus, Easybus), rail (Leman Express) deliver you to Chamonix where there is a local bus service to Les Houches. Search for transfer companies for a door-to-door service in shared vehicles - typically 30-35 Euros each way. There are also private (non-shared) services. TGV rail services run to Geneva and Bellegarde. The A40 autoroute passes Geneva and runs (as the N205, still dual carriageway) within 1/2km of our apartment - but because is it sunk into the valley, there is no traffic disturbance. We live in the UK, but the apartment is managed by a local English lady who handles cleaning and minor emergencies. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Chamonix and Les Houches are the antithesis of the purpose built ski resort. They are real communities, with a hugely mixed population (English stand-up comedy in one pub!). Businesses are individually owned and know they are competing for your custom, so it's friendly and dynamic. Skiing is not even the biggest sport - that's climbing. But the skiing is world-class. However, don't be put off by the Chamonix reputation for tough stuff: there's something for everyone! There is a supermarket and more bars and restaurants an easy ten minute walk away. Chamonix town has a wealth of facilities and is only 6km, by free bus or car - there is plentiful cheap parking. Other Activities: Climbing, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, walking, forest adventure parks, good shopping. There is an Alpine museum in Chamonix, and world-class art galleries in Martigny (an hour's pleasant drive, or take the mountain railway). Golf: Chamonix golf course, approx. 6 miles away. Chamonix is always buzzing. Les Houches is quieter, but has all facilities, and presents itself as a family-friendly. There are good bars and restaurants within a couple of minutes walk. Try the Kitsch Inn, ask for Digby.