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