The Run & Skate returns to Chamonix for its 7th edition

The Run & Skate - a multi-sport event that combines skiing and trail running - returns to Chamonix for its 7th edition early next month.

This really is a test of sporting endurance, whether you compete as part of a team or individually. Competitors start with a 12km trail run, followed by a 18km cross country route.

Here's some of the action from last year:



Trails by the Arveyron and Glacier des Bois
The cross-country ski tracks are all located within the regular Chamonix Nordic routes in the areas around the Arveyron river.  The trail run follows the paths that climb the Glacier des Bois.

Entry costs EUR30 for individuals and EUR56 for teams.  Entries can be made online on the Run & Skate website.

Stay in Vallorcine
The Bellevue Alpine Lodge is just 20 minutes from Chamonix and will allow you the perfect base for training - away from the hustle and bustle in Chamonix itself.  Rooms are available half-board or bed and breakfast from €65 per night.

Article by  Iain Martin

From the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix to Sochi 2014

With Sochi 2014 now only days ago, we recently came across this great photo on the AP blog website on our searches.

It shows a man representing the United States and carrying the American flag on January 25 1924, as part of the opening ceremony for the first Winter Olympics.

Photo AP (c)

First ever Winter Olympics

The Games were held in Chamonix in 1924 and this photo was taken on January 25th of that year. 

Teams of all the countries took part in a parade from the Mairie to the skating rink, where the events began the following day. 

The original poster for the 1924 Games

Semaine Internationale des Sport d'Hiver

The Semaine Internationale des Sports d'Hiver - as the Games were originally known - ran until 5th February 1924, with 300 athletes from 16 countries taking part.   

Only six sports were covered: skiing, ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, curling and bobsleigh.  Skiing included the Nordic events only - cross-country skiing, ski jumping and 'military skiing' which later became biathlon.

The video below includes action from those first Winter Olympics: 

Stay in Vallorcine in the Chamonix Valley

If you'd like to see more of the venue for the first Winter Olympics then the Bellevue Alpine Lodge offers great value accommodation in Vallorcine.  Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 for more details. 

Article by  Iain Martin

Visit the Loriaz refuge in Vallorcine

Regular visitors to the Bellevue Alpine Lodge will know all about the many attractions of our beautiful village of Vallorcine.

Stay at the Loriaz refuge 

And this winter, there's an option to take an overnight stay on the mountain as well.

For the first time, the Loriaz refuge, located at 2020m in the Massif des Aiguilles Rouges, is welcoming overnight guests accessing the refuge either by snowshoe or skis.

Delicious Savoyard cuisine

Valery Poliard, the new hostess, will welcome you and propose a delicious menu from the traditional Savoyard cuisine.

For those wishing to spend the night in this magnificent setting facing the Argentiere glacier, the refuge has sleeping facility for 30 people in two heated dormitories.

The refuge is open every day during school holidays and from Wednesday morning till Sunday afternoon outside holidays period.

Stay in Vallorcine

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge offers great value accommodation in Vallorcine.  Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 for more details. 

Article by Iain Martin

'The Jump' comes to France for real with the French Ski Jumping Cup

If you've been enjoying 'The Jump' on British TV (or even if you haven't!), then this weekend you can watch the real thing in Chamonix.

And we can assure you that they will jumping more than 10m.

50 competitors in three categories

Across the men, women and junior categories there will be around 50 competitors.  The competition will be held on the Mont jump in Les Bossons.

Training starts from 10am on Saturday until midday and then again from 2pm to 4pm.  The competition itself will take place on Sunday from 1.30pm.

For more information please go to Chamonix Sport

Stay in Vallorcine

For great value B&B or half board accommodation only 20 minutes from Chamonix, please contact us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.  Rooms are available from €65



Article by Iain Martin

Guests having fun at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge

We've had some great guests out here in Vallorcine at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge in the last few weeks...and they've been having a great time.

Carol parapenting

Hattie and Emily having fun on the slopes

Asmus with a group on the Aiguille du Midi

We look forward to seeing you at the Bellevue in Vallorcine soon.  Please call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 to check availability. 

Great pictures from Asmus Norreslet, taken in Chamonix

Our resident and favourite mountain guide, Asmus Norreslet, has had several groups staying at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge in recent weeks.

Even before the recent snow they had had some great skiing, but as some of these photos show, this week has been exceptional.

Yes, we're jealous! 

En route to a great run in Courmayeur

Special Offer late-Jan/early-Feb

We still have good availability at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge for 18-24 January and 01-14 February, with B&B accommodation available at €35 pppn for B&B for bookings of two people for at least 3 nights.  

Please email us for details or contact us via our website. 

European Cup Alpine Skiing comes to Chamonix - Night slalom

Another of Chamonix's big events comes this weekend with the valley hosting European Cup Alpine Skiing.

The actual event is a spectacular night slalom - held on the Planards piste on the 3rd and 4th of January 2014. 

The whole valley will be flocking to these nocturnal slaloms featuring the European elite.  It's a unique spectacle not to be missed.

If you still need accommodation for this weekend, then just call us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge and we will be delighted to help.  Our number is +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43