Aiguille du Belvedere

Overview

At 2,965 meters (9,728 feet), Aiguille du Belvedere sits as the highest peak in the Aiguilles Rouges ("Red Peaks") mountain range. Given its prominent position high above the Chamonix Valley and opposite the Mont Blanc massif, Aiguille du Belvedere's summit delivers the "beautiful view" as its name literally means in Italian. From the summit on a clear day, one is treated to a panoramic view of the entire region that includes the Mont Blanc massif, Aiguilles Rouges and the Swiss alps. With this awe-inspiring perspective, people tend to linger at the top, taking the necessary time to contemplate the infinite possibilities in the region.

Getting There

Access by Car

Park near the base of the Flegere cable car (téléphérique de la Flégère) in the town of Les Praz de Chamonix.

Public Transport

Chamonix is accessible by bus from Geneva with SAT Bus Company or by train with Swiss Rail from Martigny, Switzerland or with SNCF from Saint Gervais, France.

The base of the Flegere cable car is accessible by the Chamonix bus or by a short walk from the Chamonix / Les Praz train station.

Cable Car

The lower station of La Flegere (1890m) and upper station Telesiege de l'Index (2385m) can both be reached by the La Flegere cable car. Check the operating hours online at Chamonix.com > Lifts

Red Tape

No permits are required to climb the Aiguille du Belvedere. However, certain restrictions apply in the Reserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges.

Camping

The Refuge du Lac Blanc offers overnight accommodation closest to the Aiguille du Belvedere. You can bivouac among the boulders approximately one hundred meters above the refuge and parties respect the dusk to dawn rule. Overnight tent camping is also available in the towns of Chamonix, Les Praz, Argentiere and Les Houches although sites are often crowded during the summer. Other lodging possibilities are also available in the town of Chamonix and throughout the valley.

External Links

Maps

French Geographic Institute (IGN) 1:25,000 map Number 3630 OT "Chamonix massif du Mont Blanc"

Weather

Chamonix Meteo

Route Conditions

Office de Haute Montagne (OHM)

Supplies

The village of Les Praz is roughly 30 mins north on foot from Chamonix. In Chamonix, several grocery and outdoor stores can be found along the main street in the center of town.

Time to Go

The Aiguille du Belvedere can be climbed year-round. For the warm-weather climbers, June through October tend to be the preferred months. Note: Lac Blanc often remains frozen until mid-June.

Images

View Aiguille du Belvedere Image Gallery - 40 Images