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.