Chamonix and Les Houches in January. Questions about lift pass?

Hi,

I have a long weekend booked at the start of January, and I'll bein Les Houches for the Friday afternoon. After that in Chamonix for the Saturday, then flying back Sunday evening. Not sure what time I'll get there with transfers, but I was thinking I'd be able to get a couple of hours boarding (or even skiing) in before the lifts shut. I don't want to buy my lift pass in advance as it might be a waste, if flight is delayed or whatever.

If I just get a Les Houches pass, how much piste am I going to be able to use (just for the Friday afternoon).

Also, I'd need to hire equipment just for the afternoon. Just a board, or boots and Skis. Is that likely to be a problem at that time of year?

I know people aren't going to be able to give definitive answers to all these questions, but I'm just looking for general suggestions from people that have already been there.

les Houches for afternoon which is really nice ski area and you could argue some of best piste skiing in the valley. There are rental shops opposite the cable car so your plan will work fine. Typically will take you 1 1/2 hrs from landing to get into the valley.