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