Climbing the Chiaupe glacier

In sub-zero temperatures, climbing the Chiaupe glacier is no ordinary ski tour. Depending on the conditions, access may even be closed if the risk of avalanches is too high, for example. If the glacier is accessible, take the opportunity to climb to an altitude of over 3,200 metres.

From Plagne Bellecôte, take the Roche de Mio gondola and start the 15-minute ascent. At the second and final stop, head for the Bellecôte gondola, for a 12-minute ascent in vintage equipment. If you're not afraid of the heights, take the small chairlift that takes you as close as possible to the Chiaupe glacier. It's a real eye-opener! The Grande Motte, the Grande Casse, the Aiguilles d'Arves and even the Etendard are all visible on the distant horizon.

After this breath of fresh air, the descent can begin. A certain amount of control is required to master these high-altitude slopes! The many bends reveal ever more breathtaking scenery, before arriving at Roche Mio, where a stop is in order. Below, Les Inversens restaurant and its panoramic terrace are perfect for a hearty meal, or just a comforting drink.

Return gently to Belle-Plagne, on the blue or red runs, then on to Plagne Bellecôte, where the indefatigable can begin a new descent thanks to the resort's many lifts.

In summer, falling temperatures and melting ice make the Chiaupe glacier an ideal hiking spot. In the early 80s, the glacier was still covered in snow in the summer, creating a coveted spot for summer skiing sessions, even renaming the resort's slogan "4-season skiing". In the early 2000s, however, there wasn't enough snow to continue this activity in the summer, so it was shut down for good.

Today, you can take the gondolas up to the summit for a breathtaking panorama! A short hike for beginners is perfect for enjoying the coolness of the summit for a couple of hours. The route is a round trip to the orientation table, before returning to the gondola station and heading back down to the resort.

Every year, this 67-kilometre competition brings together a host of trail runners on a route that climbs to the summit of the resort, the Chiaupe glacier. The 6000D race starts from Aime la Plagne, up to the glacier, then down near Montchavin Les Coches. A real summer event, this major challenge is attempted every year by almost 2,000 runners.