Bellevaux

Bellevaux – Hirmentaz is a family ski resort in the Lake Geneva, Alps in Haute-Savoie, located at an altitude of 1100 m on a vast Alpine plateau. Half an hour from Thonon-les-Bains (45 minutes from Geneva), in a friendly and calm environment where beginners can take their first steps in the snow.

Layout and history of Bellevaux

The Bellevaux – Hirmentaz nature reserve attracts visitors seeking tranquility and authenticity for their vacation. Get in contact with nature, while enjoying the activities offered and the surroundings (Brevon Valley).

In addition to the 25 alpine ski slopes for all levels, the Hirmazaz – Les Mouilles Nordic ski area allows you to discover beautiful unspoilt stretches. Along 20 km of slopes you can slide or walk (free night runs every Thursday during the winter school holidays, with the possibility of a picnic), embark on its 20 km of Nordic routes, walk in snowshoes (10 km of marked routes), on foot (6 km of routes in trodden snow) or learn biathlon. There is also a sled run, boardercross and the funpark “Yakoo”.

Bellevaux – Hirmentaz also proposes experiencing unforgettable moments in dog sleds, driving courses in the snow, and in the Scandinavian pulka (guided or assisted by a dog) to discover the natural treasures of the Roc d’Enfer massif / La Chèvrerie.

Families also find in Bellevaux – Hirmentaz a kindergarten “Les P’tits Loups” that welcomes children from 6 months to 6 years.

The Bellevaux – Hirmentaz skiable domain

The Bellevaux – Hirmentaz alpine ski area is made up of a beginner’s circuit, a snowpark, a boardercross, a snow line and 25 trails for all levels.

It links with the neighboring station of Les Habères through a ski lift located at 1600 m, forming the Massif des Habères – Hirmentaz ski area. There are 43 trails for all levels (2 black, 17 red, 16 blue, 8 green) that meander between steep slopes, mountain trails, and easy slopes to learn to ski.

The 50 km of ski are organized between 1100 m and 1610 m above sea level, and they use 23 lifts (6 chair lifts and 17 lifts). The trails are short. Well exposed on different slopes, which results in different qualities of snow. The 7 green trails are ideally laid out on the snow-covered slopes. They are considered a perfect location for beginners. The large number of red and blue slopes allow beginner or intermediate skiers to progress at their own pace. Special mention for the blue track of the Ouergnes ski lift, in the upper part of the area. It allows, in addition to admiring Mont-Blanc, skiing throughout the whole ski area.

Sports skiers can carelessly snowplow and cut corners on the numerous red and black slopes carefully laid out along the Les Rhodros ski lift and the Crêtes chairlift.

Places of obligatory visit

The area hides stunning views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, which the visitor must discover. The Bellevaux commune is located in the Brevon Valley, in the French Chablais. It is located 25/30 km south of Thonon-les-Bains, located on the French shore of Lake Léman.

From here you can see the Vallon lake, the Roc d’Enfer, the Brevon, the Pététoz lake, the Diomaz waterfall, and the alpine garden.

La Pointe de la Gay (1801 m), the Pointe d’Ireuse (1890 m), the Pointe de Chalune (2116 m) and the Pointe de Chavasse (2012 m) are placed in the municipal territory. Therefore, we can find numerous peaks, as well as many grazing areas (Nifflon, Chavan, Petetoz).

The valley extends below the Roc d’Enfer, which is locally called the Punta de Oïl, in Patois el Penta d’Oël (The Point of the Eagle).

Leisure and après-ski offer

Many activities are offered in Bellevaux: hiking, hiking, moody, via ferrata, addict park in Bella-Vallis, skate, skating, BMX, soccer, tennis, fishing, sled dogs, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing snow, sledding, handiski, telemark, climbing, canyoning, caving …

In terms of infrastructure, the city has two ski resorts in Hurentaz. La Chèvrerie (part of the Espace Roc d’Enfer), made up of two Nordic areas. On the Mouilles plateau and in La Chèvrerie, two tennis courts, in Les Mouilles (illuminated) and in La Cour, a soccer field. In Les Doubines, a mountain bike area, a set of freestyle, skate and BMX modules, an equipped climbing wall, mountain huts and fitness trails.

It has a disco, “La Tête au Moine”, located in La Chèvrerie, famous in the region. Free night parties are held from 18pm to 20 pm every Tuesday during the school holidays. Enough to extend the day after sliding under the stars.

In 2008, a local resident gave up part of his land to put ponies. A unique enclave to share children’s passion for horses, located on the shores of Lake Vallon.

Skiing in Bellevaux: the resort’s strong points

Bellevaux—with its sector known as Hirmentaz—is a family-friendly resort located in the Chablais massif (Haute-Savoie), offering a pleasant, accessible snow experience that is very much geared towards beginners and families. It is located on an alpine plateau with good views of Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif, and stands out for combining downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and activities for children, all within easy reach of the main population centers in the Lake Geneva area.

1) Accessibility and strategic location

• Proximity to urban centers and airports: Bellevaux is approximately 30–45 minutes from Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva Airport, making it a practical alternative for families or weekend getaways from Switzerland or Haute-Savoie. This proximity increases its appeal for day trips and short stays.
• Road access and parking: the local infrastructure favors access by car; the plateau nature of the terrain allows for relatively direct access without major mountain detours.

2) A domain designed for families and beginners (but with options for everyone else)

• Domain profile: Hirmentaz-Bellevaux is clearly presented as a family resort: green and blue slopes at low altitudes ideal for learning, flat areas for schools, and several meeting points for children. At the same time, there are chairlifts that take you to altitudes of around 1,600 m, where there are red runs and even a black run, so intermediate skiers will also find interesting terrain.
• Slopes and lifts: according to public records and the resort’s website, the area has around 25 slopes served by ~15 lifts (and, if you include the connection to Les Habères, the linked offer reaches ~50 km of slopes in total). This regional connectivity is a strong point for those who want to combine small resorts in a single day.

3) Services, ski school, and complementary activities

• ESF and training options: The resort has a ski school (ESF) and programs for beginners and children, making it very suitable for families traveling with children or those new to the sport.
• Play areas and snow park: it has specific areas for beginners, a small snow park, and boardercross, which add value for young people and skiers looking for something more than just marked trails.
• Nordic skiing: the region also offers cross-country trails on nearby plateaus, making Bellevaux a mixed destination (alpine + Nordic) for those who value a variety of winter activities.

4) Landscape, panoramic views, and a “close-up” experience

• Views and surroundings: one of the virtues cited by guides and reviews is the panoramic view of Lake Léman and Mont-Blanc from the higher elevations; this landscape transforms even the shortest ski days into relaxing, photo-worthy experiences.
• Local atmosphere: as it is not a “mega-resort,” it retains a relaxed atmosphere, with local accommodation (gîtes, small hotels, and cozy inns) and regional cuisine, which promotes a more authentic and sustainable mountain experience.

5) Snow reliability and technical management

• Altitude and snow: the domain is located between approximately 1,100 and 1,610 meters. This altitude range is sufficient for normal snow seasons, but it is in the low-medium range for Alpine resorts; therefore, the capacity to produce artificial snow and manage openings is crucial in winters with low precipitation. Since 2000, the resort has installed a storage lake to feed snow cannons, a measure that significantly improves operations during periods of scarcity.
• Contrast with large resorts: Compared to large high-mountain resorts, Bellevaux cannot guarantee the same continuity of opening in extremely dry winters—this is an advantage for families due to its scale, but a limitation for those seeking high mountains and deep powder. It is necessary to plan ahead, taking into account the snow forecast and the possible partial opening of the ski area.

6) Value for money and visitor profile

• Customer profile: ideal for families, schools, beginners, and skiers looking for short getaways from the Léman area; less suitable for skiers seeking large vertical drops or constant powder snow.
• Lift ticket prices: the resort maintains a competitive pricing policy compared to larger resorts (cheaper daily rates and mid-stay passes), with specific offers (family passes, combined days with Nordic activities). It is advisable to compare prices in advance on the official website or at local distributors.