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