The best running trails around Les Houches

Les Houches offers a wide selection of over 100 running routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 22 moderate, and 75 challenging trails, all set against the stunning Mont Blanc massif.

The running trails in Les Houches feature incredibly diverse terrain. You can expect to jog through lush alpine meadows, dense forests, and more rocky, high-altitude environments. Some paths also offer views of glaciers like the Bossons and Taconnaz, providing a varied and inspiring experience.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are easier paths suitable for families. The region's diverse network includes routes through forests and alpine pastures that are less strenuous. For a gentle option, consider exploring parts of the trails around Green Lake or the paths leading to Lac Blanc, which offer scenic beauty without extreme difficulty.

Les Houches is renowned for its spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. Many trails offer panoramic vistas of iconic peaks like the Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille du Midi. You can also discover glacial landscapes, serene forests, and alpine pastures. Highlights like Lac Blanc and Green Lake are particularly scenic, reflecting the surrounding mountains.

Absolutely. Many of the running trails in Les Houches are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An excellent moderate option is the Trainline Trail – Chemin de Charousse loop from Les Houches, which takes you through forests and along an old trainline.

The running routes in Les Houches are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Runners often praise the spectacular Mont Blanc massif views, the varied alpine terrain, and the serene forest paths that make each run a unique experience.

Yes, Les Houches is an excellent base for long-distance running. Portions of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) can be incorporated into longer jogs. For a challenging long-distance option, consider the Start: Les Houches – Englishman's Lake and Ruins loop from Viaduc Sainte-Marie, which covers nearly 19 km with varied terrain.

Many routes offer views of natural landmarks. For instance, you can find trails that lead towards the Aiguille du Midi or offer glimpses of the Mont Blanc Summit. The area also features unique natural reserves like Carlaveyron, with its streams and lakes, adding to the scenic interest.

Les Houches offers jogging opportunities year-round, but the best season depends on your preference. Summer provides lush alpine meadows and comfortable temperatures. While some trails are accessible year-round, winter conditions require checking snow and avalanche risks, offering a different, often stunning, snowy landscape for those prepared.

Certainly. Les Houches has 22 moderate running routes that provide a good balance of distance and elevation without being overly strenuous. A popular choice is the Puente Les Houches – Around the Valley loop from Les Houches, which offers a scenic 8 km run with manageable elevation changes.

For advanced runners seeking a significant challenge, Les Houches has 75 difficult routes. The Bellachat Hut loop from Les Houches is a highly recommended option, featuring a substantial elevation gain over 17 km and rewarding panoramic mountain vistas.

Many trails wind through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, offering distinct natural features and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The Parc de Merlet, situated above Les Houches, also provides a unique environment to see alpine animals in their natural habitat, and its surrounding paths are great for a gentle run.