Climbing World Cup, Mountain Festival & Yoga Festival come to Chamonix

Chamonix is one of the rare ski resorts that is busier in summer than in winter. Events like the Climbing World Cup, Chamonix Mountain Festival and the new Yoga Festival all bring visitors into the valley.

Here are some dates for your diary:

June 27-29 - The Marathon du Mont Blanc
Four days of trail running races from 10km to 80km

June 28 - July 06 - The Chamonix Adventure Festival
Organised by 'mountaineers for mountaineers'

July 10-13 - The IFSC Climbing World Cup
Held in the Place du Mont Blanc and the 16th time it has been held in Chamonix

July 04-06 -  Chamonix Yoga Festival
New this year and taking place at the 'Le Majestic'

B&B Accommodation in Chamonix

Whatever your reason for coming to the Chamonix valley, if you are looking for good value accommodation, then please contact us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.

B&B and Half Board accommodation available, located just 20 minutes drive from the centre of town.


Article by Iain Martin

Train Tunnel Connecting Chamonix and Vallorcine to Re-open

Work has now been been completed on the tunnel that connects Chamonix and Vallorcine - home of the Bellevue Alpine Lodge - and it will open shortly.

Photo courtesy Le Dauphine

A costly project, but worth it

The project has cost around €24 million and according to Le Dauphine was visited last week by local officials to review the works.

The tunnel originally opened in 1908, principally for the train.  However, in the Eighties, with the massive increase in car ownership, it was decided to bring in dual use. The tunnel opened to cars as well in 1985.

Cars can use the tunnel when the Col is closed

Cars have only used the tunnel in exceptional circumstances, during very heavy snow conditions when the Col des Montets is closed.  The Col isn't so much steep (the average gradient is 3.3%), but the risk of avalanche can be high

This is great news for Vallorcine and means that regardless of the weather it will always be possible to travel to and from Chamonix from the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.

Photo courtesy Le Dauphine

Article by Iain Martin

Summer Lifts Open for 2014 in the Chamonix Valley

The Chamonix Valley is a superb location in winter, but in summer, there's even more to do for guests of the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.

Whether your love is hiking, mountain biking, climbing or just enjoying the stunning views, you can now get on the mountains easily.

Lifts Already Open

As of Saturday 14 June, a selection of lifts have now opened in all the following areas:

• Panoramic Mont Blanc - Helbronner
• Brevent / Flegere
• Tour / Col de Balme  
• Bossons chairlift
• Bellevue and Prarion in Les Houches
• The tramway du Mont-Blanc

Lifts opening on 28 June

And from Saturday 28 Jun, both the Grands Montets lift and the Vallorcine gondola will open.

The Vallorcine gondola is just a few minutes from the Bellevue Alpine Lodge and allows you to access the La Balme area and is excellent for mountain biking.

Plus these lifts are open all year...

Don't forget the Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers railway and Les Planards which stay open all year around.

For more details on the summer lifts and passes, take a look at the Chamonix website

For accommodation in Vallorcine near Chamonix, please contact the Bellevue Alpine Lodge


Article by Iain Martin

All you need to know about Downhill Mountain Biking (VTT) in Vallorcine

If you love downhill mountain biking (VTT in French) then we (the Bellevue Alpine Lodge) suggest you add Vallorcine to your list.

640m vertical drop
The downhill mountain bike course in Vallorcine is possibly the best in the Chamonix Valley. Starting at 1900m at the top of the gondola, what follows is the stuff of dreams.

A 640m vertical drop, starts in open terrain and then takes you into the forest, alternating technical sections with single dirt track riding. 

There are different ‘modules’ that allow you to choose easier or harder options for the final section.




How long will it take?

The tourist office’s official publication suggests 30 minutes.  Experienced riders will do it in much less though! 

Check out this video for an insight in how more confident riders tackle the course:



How do I get to the top?

The Vallorcine gondola opens on the 3rd of July and will remain open until 29th August.  Opening hours are 08:30 to 17:30, but remember that the lift will close for lunch from 12:15 and 13:15.

Of course you can ride up – it’s probably an hour and half from Vallorcine to Col des Posettes.  It’s a tough ride though, so best of luck!

Is it all for hard-core mountain bikers?

No. There are routes in Vallorcine for all levels: beginners, intermediates and experts.  All start within minutes of the Bellevue Alpine Lodge. 

There are trails all the way along the Vallorcine valley to the Col du Montets on the Swiss border.

Most are suitable for any level, although the north-facing trail from the village (i.e. on the right hand side) is much more challenging.

You can also ride up to Chalet de Loriaz for lunch from Le Buet – that’s about an hour’s hard, uphill ride on a wide zig-zag track, but you get great views from the top.

Here's a map of some of the options available to you for mountain biking in Vallorcine:

Accommodation in Vallorcine

For a great location, minutes from the start of all the trails, and with B&B and Half Board (for hungry riders) options, please contact us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.  We have five bedrooms and availability from €65 per night.


Article by Iain Martin

New Mer de Glace Ice Cave opens in Chamonix

Today (05 June 2014) sees the opening of the new ice cave (also known as an 'ice grotto') at the Mer de Glace.

The ice cave was closed on 12 May and work has been going on since then to prepare the new site.

It looks like it should be spectacular and we at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge can't wait to see it.  If you'd like a great place to stay on your Chamonix holiday, then get in contact.

Photos by Jool CHX Visuals

Montenvers should be part of any trip to Chamonix

A trip up to the ice grotto is well worth it.  If you've never been on the Montenvers railway before, it's one of the highlights of any visit to Chamonix.

While global warming has made a difference, the view of the Mer de Glace at the top has hardly changed since this postcard was printed back in the 1920s:

This is literally a birds-eye view of how the area looks today:

Post by Montenvers - Mer de Glace.

And this video is in French, but tells you all about the redevelopment of the ice grotto:


By Iain Martin

Wine Tasting in Pezenas

Mandy and Mike from the Bellevue Alpine Lodge take a spring break at this time every year, and this year decided to do some wine tasting while they were away.

Fesq is a small organic vineyard at Caux near Pezenas - in the Languedoc region.  

Mandy and Mike bought some of their wines for themselves last year and will be offering it to guests from this summer onwards.

Domaine Le Compte de Floris is also in Pezenas. Here they tried the 'Grands Vins' - top quality organic wines to be laid down for two to five years - so make sure you keep coming back to the Bellevue to enjoy these!

The Ultra Golf de Chamonix returns in July 2014

The 11th and 12th of July 2014 will see the return of the 'Ultra Golf de Chamonix'.

The Chamonix golf course will host this competition in a stunning setting at the base of the Mont Blanc range.

36 holes in 2 days

The format is two players per team and three rounds of golf over two days: 36 holes on Friday 11 July and 18 holes on Saturday 12 July.

The first round is a 'Scramble' format, with both players restarting from the best lying ball after each shot. The second round on Friday is a 'Four Balls, Best Ball' format.  The final round on the Saturday takes each individuals score combined.

These formats mean you need to think hard about your tactics and the relative strengths of each player.  It's certainly a challenge unlike any other - and in a beautiful location.

The 'Ultra Golf de Chamonix' can be entered online at the official website.

Accommodation for the 'Ultra Golf de Chamonix'

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge offers excellent value B&B and Half Board accommodation from just €65 per night.  We are a short 12 minute drive from the Chamonix golf course.

You can book online now via Xotelia or call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 for more details.

Article by Iain Martin

Chamonix Summer 2014 Lift Opening Dates

The lifts in Chamonix closed last weekend at the Grands Montets closing party, but the opening dates for Summer 2014 have been confirmed.

Chamonix Lift Opening Dates - Summer 2014

14 June 2014
Le Tour                                                 

Flegere                                              

Brevent

Planpraz

Prarion

Bellevue

Tramway du Mont Blanc 

28 June 2014

Grands Montets

Vallorcine

Mountain Biking and Hiking on our doorstep

Whether you want to enjoy mountain biking, hiking or even mountaineering, why not stay with us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge in Vallorcine. 

As well a direct lift up to the mountains from Vallorcine itself, we are only 20 minutes from Chamonix by car, yet a lifetime away in terms of escaping from the crowds and finding some peace and quiet. 

We offer B&B and Half Board accommodation, so please contact us for more details and to check availability. 

Article by Iain Martin

It turns out Ashton Kutcher loves Chamonix too...

We all love a bit of celebrity gossip, but who would have thought that movie star Ashton Kutcher would be a fan of Chamonix as well.

But last week the star of classic films such as 'Dude, where's my car?' and 'What happens in Vegas' posted a picture of Chamonix's award-winning 'Step into the void' on his Facebook page:

Ashton Kutcher welcome at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge

There is no suggestion that the photo is of Mr Kutcher, so we feel sure that he must have a trip to Chamonix planned.

In which case Ashton, we'd be delighted to see you at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.  The standard may not be as high as some of the five star hotels you are used to, but we are in an excellent location in Vallorcine to escape the paparazzi and enjoy a Chamonix valley holiday in peace and quiet - enjoying the mountains.

Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 and we'll check availability for you (and Mila Kunis, if you want to bring her too!)


Article by Iain Martin

Grands Montets ski area closing party 2014: Sun 04 May

Yes, the end has come at last, but in the Chamonix valley, the season doesn't go out with a whimper, it goes out with a blast!

The Grands Montets ski area closes for winter 2013/14 this Sunday (4 May 2014) with the annual Freeride Day - which means a lot of fun and cheap lift tickets!

Lift passes only €10 including the top lift...

The day pass is just €10 and for this one day only includes the top lift.

On top of that, there's loads going on.  There's live bands and DJs playing at Lognan and the summit, plus loads of activities going on.

There's a zipline, laser games, plus speed-riding and a 'wingsuit' (we're guessing that means looking at it rather than using it!), fancy dress and plenty more.

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge team will be there - maybe we'll see you too!

Article by Iain Martin

Chamonix wins Innovation Award for 'Le Pas dans le Vide' at the Aiguille du Midi

Last month at the inaugural Trophées de la Montagne Française, held in Val d'Isere, Chamonix was awarded one of the five prizes.

Best Innovation goes to...Chamonix

The prize was won for for Best Innovation in a French Ski Resort for the new 'Le Pas dans le Vide' (Step into the Void) that was opened at the top of the Aiguille du Midi this winter.

If you haven't had the chance to try it yet we would recommend that you try it out if you can on any trip to the Chamonix Valley.

1000m drop

We reported on the installation of the 'Step into the Void' back in December, when it was being tested prior to opening.

The box is made of three layers of glass and can stand winds of up to 200 mph.  There is nothing beneath it for 1000m 

Congratulations Chamonix for the award - yet another reason to visit the Chamonix valley!

B&B in Chamonix
If you are looking for accommodation then why not stay with us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge in Vallorcine.

We are just 20 minutes from Chamonix, without the traffic and crowds and with B&B or half board rooms available at great prices.

Article by Iain Martin

Spring skiing in the Vallee Blanche Chamonix, April 2014

Asmus Norreslet - our local mountain guide - send us this video of him skiing on the Vallee Blanche earlier this week.

Superb spring conditions are still available and the Grands Montets is still open as well.

Join us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge for some superb late season skiing.

Post by Norreslet Mountaineering.

The Grand Parcours Alpinisme returns to Chamonix in June 2014

The 2nd edition of the Grand Parcours Alpinisme returns to Chamonix this June. Taking place from the 18th to the 22nd of June 2014, this is a celebration of alpinisme for everyone.

Organized by CAF 74 (the French Alpine Club) in conjunction with the town of Chamonix Mont Blanc, the 2013 event attracted nearly 200 people over two days.

A friendly event for all lovers of Alpinisme 

The purpose of the event is to create a friendly environment for all fans of alpinisme, whether beginners or advanced, to get involved with the sport or improve their technique on rock, ice and snow.

Instructors and high mountain guides will be available to cover activities such as glacier walking, drytooling, mountain safety and more.

In 2014 there’s a focus on women - the event has partnered with ‘Girls To The Top’ to promote female participation in mountain sports.

Accommodation for the Grand Parcours Alpinisme

For accommodation in the Chamonix Valley, the Bellevue Alpine Lodge offers B&B and Half Board accommodation from EUR45 per person per night.

We are just 20 minutes from Chamonix and close to excellent climbing and bouldering in Vallorcine and the Col des Montets.

More details

The Grand Parcours Alpinisme is open to anyone over 12.  Full details are available at their website. The video below gives an insight into last year's event:

Article by Iain Martin

Marathon du Mont Blanc included in the Skyrunning World Championships

In June 2014, Chamonix will host the 7th edition of the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and for the first time three of the weekend's races will be part of the Skyrunning World Championships.

The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) announced last year that the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships will include an ultra distance for the first time and that Chamonix would host the events.

There are three races, all of different distances: 

The Vertical KM (27 June) – This is a short, steep race, taking runners exactly 1000 metres up into the skies, and raced in the afternoon, starting at 4pm. 

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc (Sun 29 Jun) – the 42 km course starts in Chamonix and finishes at 2016m altitude at the Brevent base station. With 2511m elevation gain as well as 1490m downward descents as well, this is one of the most beautiful trail marathons in the world, offering amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif.  The race starts in Chamonix and works its way to Vallorcine (home of the Bellevue Alpine Lodge) before heading up to La Balme, down to Le Tour and then up again via Flegere to the finish.

Marathon du Mont-Blanc ©Pierre Raphoz

The Mont-Blanc 80KM (Fri 27 Jun) – this is a new race which will take place for the first time in 2014. With a challenging 6000m of vertical ascent over long ridges, snow fields and traversing glaciers this has the makings of a classic ultra trail race. 

Accommodation in Vallorcine

Whichever distance you go for, we wish all competitors the best of luck. More details on the races are available here.

Whether you are taking part or a spectator, and are looking for accommodation, then please do contact us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.

We are in a quiet location, away from hectic Chamonix, but less than 20 minutes by car.  It's perfect for training and for spectating, particularly for the Marathon.  Rooms are available from just €65 B&B or €85 Half Board.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Article by Iain Martin

Magnificent time-lapse video of Chamonix

Another video we came across recently (to go with our starring feature!), was this magnificent time-lapse movie.

Turn off your phone, turn off the TV, put this on full screen and just sit back and enjoy all the wonder and beauty that the Chamonix valley has to offer.

We are so lucky to be based out here and enjoy it...



Chamonix - Time lapse 2012 from Torouf on Vimeo.

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge, Vallorcine...in a video!

Isn't the Internet an amazing place?

Look what we came across the other day - a lovely video by hotelz.tv showing off the Bellevue Alpine Lodge in all its glory!



Visit us in Vallorcine in person

Of course, you don't have to see the Bellevue by video - just come and join us in Vallorcine in person.  B&B and half board options available.

Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 or visit our website. 

Special B&B Accommodation Offer: Critérium du Dauphiné Finhaut Emosson (Stage 7)

Critérium du Dauphiné 2014
We have another very exciting weekend coming up at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge this summer, when the Critérium du Dauphiné finishes its 7th stage at Finhaut Emosson on Saturday June 14th.

Just next door from Vallorcine
This is just across the border from us in Vallorcine - only 12 minutes drive away - and so we are delighted to offer a special accommodation offer to all cyclisme fans for this weekend.

From €40 per night

Join us at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge for B&B at only €40 per person per night for stays of two or more nights. 

Please email us for details or call +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43

Article by Iain Martin

Summer Activity Holidays for Groups in Vallorcine, Chamonix

New to the Bellevue Alpine Lodge this summer are our Summer Activity Holidays for Groups.

Summer Activities in Chamonix
Vallorcine in the Chamonix valley is perfect for climbing, canyoning, via ferrata, glacier walking, hiking and mountain biking.

Summer Activity Holidays for Groups
Our new groups package is available for groups of 6 or more, staying for at least four nights with us in Vallorcine.

Our tailor-made packages including airport transfers, half board accommodation, guides with transport and equipment and are available from €640 per person.

For more details please contact Mandy for more details and availability or call +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43

'Happy' by Pharrell Williams in Chamonix

You may have already seen a few versions of Pharrell Williams' Chamonix, but can there be any better than this by Chamonix?

We took a poll at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge (where we and our guests are always happy!) and this won...

Easter Special - Half Board Accommodation in Vallorcine Chamonix, Easter 2014

If you've seen our most recent newsletter, you'll already know that we still have some great snow here in Vallorcine and the Chamonix valley. 

Special Easter 2014 Offer

We still have some availability from Saturday 12th April, so you can join us for Easter as well.

We are offering half board accommodation for only €50 per person per night at the Bellevue Alpine Lodge.

This applies for all stays of 4 nights or more.

Contact us now

Please contact Mandy and Mike on +33 4 50 54 60 43 or by email now to check availability. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Mandy Laycock voted in as Conseillere Municipal for Vallorcine

If you were in the French Alps this weekend, you will know that all French communes had their local elections. 

In many resorts, the lift openings were delayed to allow pisteurs to vote.

Election success for Mandy 
We are delighted to announce that Mandy Laycock - one of the co-owners of the Bellevue Alpine Lodge - was voted in as a Conseillere Municipal for Vallorcine.

Each commune in France has a mayor (maire) and municipal council (conseil municipal).

After several years in resort, Mandy and Mike feel it is important to play an active part in the community that they live in and represent.

Mandy will now be involved in making decisions on the direction and priorities of the council in the best interests of the commune. 

Congratulations Mandy!

Les Piolets d'Or return to Chamonix in March 2014

Another Chamonix even that the Bellevue team are looking forward to is the Piolets d'Or - the Golden Ice Axes - is a celebration of high altitude alpinism, focussing on the spirit and values of the sport.

The Piolets d'Or is about the sense of exploration and the art of climbing the mountains. It brings together climbers who have experienced the Himalayas, Alaska, Patagonia, Chile, and of course, the Alps. 

The Career Piolets d'Or

The first ascents that took place during the preceding year will be celebrated and the prestigious Career Piolets d'Or will be presented.   Previous winners have included Reinhold Messner in 2010, Doug Scott in 

2011, Robert Paragot in 2012 and last year Kurt Diemberger.

The 6th edition of this award will be presented to the American John Roskelley.  The 64 year old has been celebrated in the alpinist world since the 70s, including being the first to climb the North east ridge of K2 in 1978.

Accommodation for the Piolets d'Or
The event takes place in Chamonix from 26-29 March and includes movies, talks and other events.

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge is a short 20 minute drive from Chamonix and offers great value B&B or Half Board accommodation in a quiet and peaceful setting, away from the bars and clubs of the centre of Chamonix. 

Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 to check availability.

Article by Iain Martin

Black Weekend returns to Chamonix for 2014

The Black Weekend in Chamonix is one of the winter festivals and one not to miss.  From 6th to 9th March it returns to the Chamonix Valley for its 7th edition.

What is the Black Weekend in Chamonix?

The 7th Black Weekend is a (long) weekend of partying at night and skiing in the day.  It features freeriders, visual artists and the best emerging electronic music acts.

Held on the slopes of the Grands Montets ski area in Argentiere, the focus is on the mountain - led by freeski brand Black Crows.  At night, it's top music talent to entertain you. 

Tickets

Tickets cost between €10 and €25, depending on the option you choose. 

Accommodation

The Bellevue Alpine Lodge is just 10 minutes from Argentiere and offers excellent value half board or bed and breakfast accommodation.  Call us on +33 (0)4 50 54 60 43 to check availability.

Here's a video of some of last year's action:

Article by Iain Martin

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