Top 18 Mountain Passes around Les Houches
Best mountain passes around Les Houches are situated in the French Alps, offering diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. This village serves as a gateway to various high-altitude routes and viewpoints. The surrounding landscape features prominent peaks and valleys, providing a setting for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural features.
Best mountain passes around Les Houches
- The most popular mountain passes is Brévent Pass, a mountain pass that overlooks the Chamonix and Diosaz valleys. This pass is located at an altitude of 2,368 meters, offering spectacular views.
- Another must-see spot is Tricot Pass, a mountain pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. This pass, at 2,120 meters, provides views of the Dôme de Miage and Mont Blanc.
- Visitors also love Col d'Anterne, a mountain pass in the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve. At 2,257 meters, it offers views of the Mont-Blanc massif and Pormenaz lake.
- Les Houches is known for high-altitude routes, scenic viewpoints, and significant trail junctions. The area provides a variety of mountain passes to explore, catering to different levels of outdoor activity.
- The mountain passes around Les Houches are appreciated by the komoot community, with 323 upvotes and 96 photos contributed by visitors.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Voza Pass
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If you're lucky, you might see the iconic Mont-Blanc tramway pass by. This cogwheel train is the highest in France.
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Tricot Pass
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Brévent Pass
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Col d'Anterne
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Breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif
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Tips from the Community
The snack bar at Col de Voza has a lovely terrace in the summer. Delicious ice cream, a BBQ, and even live music. A very relaxed atmosphere.
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Turning point and change from the north to the south slope, on the way down to Planpraz.
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It looks like a picture of beautiful Switzerland. It is a meeting point for numerous routes, and also a stop for the Montblanc tramway. In fact, here we rode to be taken down to Le Fayet.
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Situated at 1,657 metres (5,436 ft). the col de Voza is a stunning and popular spot above Chamonix. and St.Gervais les Bains. It's also a train stop for the highest mountain railway in France - to Bellevue at 1,800 metres (5,905 ft) in the winter and the Nid d'Aigle at 2,372 metres (7,782 ft) in the summer.
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The Col de Tricot on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a mountain pass that enchants with its alpine grandeur. As you ascend to the col, the landscape unfolds in a spectacle of pristine beauty. Towering peaks, snow-capped summits, and meadows adorned with wildflowers surround the trail. Reaching the Col de Tricot is a rewarding challenge, and as you stand at this high mountain pass, you're greeted by breathtaking panoramic views. The air is crisp, and the silence is profound, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of the wind. The col provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hikers often pause at the Col de Tricot, not only to catch their breath but to soak in the serene ambiance and to capture the majestic scenery in photographs.
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Col de Voza, a mountain pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc, beckons adventurers to a realm where the air is pure, and the vistas are nothing short of spectacular. Situated at an altitude that invites a sense of awe, this pass is a pivotal point in the TMB journey, offering respite and panoramic views. Approaching Col de Voza is a journey through alpine landscapes, a gradual ascent where each step unveils new dimensions of natural beauty. The rustle of wind through the mountain flora and the occasional glimpse of wildlife contribute to the sensory tapestry of the hike.
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"La Porte du Bonheur" on the Tour du Mont Blanc is a captivating name that translates to "The Door of Happiness." This enchanting spot along the trail is more than a geographical point; it's a symbolic threshold to the joy and beauty that the Mont Blanc region unfolds. As trekkers traverse the Tour du Mont Blanc, they encounter "La Porte du Bonheur," an arch or a scenic vantage point that frames the breathtaking landscapes.
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At the summit station of of the Brévent, at the cable-car station, there is a refreshment point (Bar) in addition, you can also take advantage of the large terraces for a moment of quiet and contemplation. From the summit of the Brévent, there is the steep and long path down to the Aiguillette des Houches, traveling the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). From Chamonix it is possible to reach the summit of the Brévent by cable-car which takes you up to Plan Praz at 2.000 m, and then a second cable-car up to the Brévent at 2.525 m (and vice versa of course)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most notable mountain passes around Les Houches?
Among the most notable mountain passes are Voza Pass, known for its panoramic views and connection to the Tour du Mont Blanc, and Brévent Pass, offering exceptional panoramas across the Chamonix valley. Another significant pass is Tricot Pass, also part of the Tour du Mont Blanc, providing magnificent views of the Dôme de Miage and Mont Blanc.
How can I access the mountain passes near Les Houches?
Access varies by pass. Voza Pass is easily accessible by foot from Les Houches (about 2 hours one way) or via the historic Tramway du Mont Blanc from Saint-Gervais Les Bains - Le Fayet. For Brévent Pass, you can take a cable car from Chamonix to Planpraz and then continue by foot, or take the cable car directly to the summit for breathtaking views without an arduous climb.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain passes?
From Voza Pass, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, including the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the Bionnassay Glacier. Brévent Pass offers spectacular south-east views across the Chamonix valley towards the Mont Blanc Massif and northern views over the Rochers de Fiz. Col d'Anterne provides stunning vistas of the Mont-Blanc massif and Pormenaz lake.
Are there family-friendly options among the mountain passes?
While many passes involve hiking, the accessibility of Voza Pass via the Tramway du Mont Blanc makes it a good option for families looking for scenic views without extensive hiking. The pass itself is a hub for various activities suitable for different ages, especially in warmer months.
What activities can I do at Col de Voza?
In warmer months, Voza Pass is a hub for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, with trails leading to the Bionnassay Glacier or connecting to the Tour du Mont Blanc. During winter, it transforms into a snowy playground, integrated into the Les Houches / Saint-Gervais ski area, ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, or ski touring.
What makes Col du Brévent unique for visitors?
Brévent Pass is unique for its exceptional panoramas across the Chamonix valley towards the Mont Blanc Massif and its mineral landscape. It serves as a three-way junction for numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels and offers demanding mountain biking trails. Its accessibility via cable car also makes it unique for those seeking views without an arduous climb.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes around Les Houches?
The best time depends on your desired activities. For hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, the warmer months are ideal. For winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, or ski touring, the passes transform into snowy playgrounds. Always check local conditions before planning your visit.
Are there hiking opportunities near these mountain passes?
Yes, the region offers extensive hiking opportunities. Voza Pass is a pivotal point on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Brévent Pass is a hub for numerous trails, including routes towards the Refuge de Moede Anterne and the Brévent summit. You can find many more trails in the area by exploring the Hiking around Les Houches guide.
Can I go mountain biking around the passes?
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity. The area around Voza Pass offers trails, often dirt/gravel roads, which can be steep. The region around Brévent Pass also provides demanding mountain biking trails characterized by small rocks, narrow single tracks, and steep sections. For more options, check out the Gravel biking around Les Houches guide.
Are there places to stay or eat near the mountain passes?
While direct amenities on every pass are limited, the Refuge de Bellachat is a mountain refuge located near Brévent Pass, offering spectacular views and a place to rest. Les Houches and Chamonix in the valley below provide a wide range of accommodation, cafes, and restaurants.
What is the Col de la Forclaz near Les Houches known for?
The Col de la Forclaz near Les Houches, at 1,533 meters, is primarily notable as a significant junction for 7 trails and 4x4 roads. It's a key point for exploring both sides of the Prarion mountain and serves as a starting or connecting point for hiking and running trails that explore Charousse, Prarion, and Voza Pass. Unlike other passes, it's nestled within a forested environment.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Les Houches?
Visitors frequently highlight the breathtaking panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding valleys. The diverse range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter, is also highly appreciated. The unique experience of riding the Tramway du Mont Blanc to Voza Pass is often mentioned as a favorite.
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