Vallée des Belleville unveils major summer 2026 program including new trail running championship & year-round summit facility

France's Vallée des Belleville is positioning itself as a serious contender in summer mountain tourism with an ambitious 2026 program that includes a new high-altitude trail running event and the opening of its highest peak to summer visitors for the first time. The valley spans from 600 to 3,200 meters elevation across the three resorts of Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, offering 300 kilometers of hiking trails, 321 kilometers of mountain bike trails, and 16 mountain lakes.

What’s New for Summer 2026 in the Vallée des Belleville:

The headline addition is the Grand Raid Kiprun 3 Vallées - Moûtiers, taking place July 30 to August 2, featuring seven races across the three-valley system. The event's defining characteristic—high-altitude starts that remain rare for competitions of this scale—will see runners beginning at Cime Caron (3,200 meters) and Pointe de la Masse (2,804 meters).

The marquee race, L'Odyssée de Caron, covers 110 kilometers with 5,880 meters of elevation gain, starting from the valley's highest point. Four additional routes from Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Saint-Jean-de-Belleville are designed to accommodate runners of varying abilities, with entry from €35.

From 30 July to 2 August, the new Grand Raid Kiprun 3 Vallées Moûtiers launches with seven races, including four routes within the Vallée des Belleville. Distances cater to all levels, from shorter formats to the 172km ultra (12,000m elevation gain). The stand out feature of this event is the high altitude starts – still rare in this kind of event. Two of the races start at Cime Caron (3,200m) and Pointe de la Masse (2,804m), offering a true high altitude experience. https://www.grandraid-3vallees.com

In a parallel development, Cime Caron at 3,200 meters opens to summer visitors for the first time in 2026. The new Caron 3200 complex, accessible via cable car, features a panoramic restaurant, Europe's highest wine bar, rooftop terrace, and retail space, all offering 360-degree views across more than 1,000 Alpine peaks.

The facility represents a significant infrastructure investment by SETAM, operator of Val Thorens lifts, aimed at diversifying revenue beyond the traditional winter season.

New canyoning experience with overnight option

The Bureau des Guides des Belleville is introducing wild high-altitude canyoning in the remote Varlossière canyon, described as demanding and reserved for experienced participants. An optional overnight stay in a converted 19-square-meter shepherd's hut—without water or electricity—offers what organizers call "a true digital detox." Nestled in a remote valley, far from crowds and standard routes, the Varlossière canyon is defined by its unspoilt high-mountain atmosphere and technical challenges: vertical abseils, playful sections, natural slides, crystal-clear pools and breathtaking alpine views. For the most adventuroius, visitors can extend the experience with an optional overnight stay in a rustic mountain hut the night before tackling the canyoning. Cost from €69.

New Ascent Pass

To make the most of a wide range of activities, the new Ascent Pass in the Vallée des Belleville offers a packed programme this summer, including unlimited lift access across Les 3 Vallées, one guided hike per day with the Bureau des Guides des Belleville (half or full day), plus sports and wellness activities to unwind (swimming pool, archery, table tennis, trampoline, and the kids fun park). Prices range from €75 to €210 per adult for seven days, depending on inclusions.

Mountain Biking and Adventure Sports Expansion

Val Thorens is adding three new downhill mountain bike trails and a progressive slopestyle zone in the resort center, accessible via the 2 Lacs gondola. The development includes redesigned green, blue, and red runs with features suitable for riders across skill levels.

Two new e-mountain bike routes launch this summer: "Pastoralism in the Vallée des Encombres" (23 kilometers, 600 meters elevation gain) and "Au fil du Doron" (25.9 kilometers), the latter exploring the role of water in Alpine communities through an educational lens.

The Vallée des Belleville is expanding its mountain biking and e-biking provision this summer :

• Three new downhill MTB trails, accessible via the 2 Lacs gondola

• A new slopestyle zone in Val Thorens for progressive skill development

Two new e-bike routes:

• Pastoralism in the Vallée des Encombres - 23km route focused on traditional mountain life

• Au fil du Doron – a 25km route exploring the role of water in the valley (can also be done on standard MTB)

Col de Tougnète cycling challenge returns this summer

The Col de Tougnète, created in 2022, is quickly establishing itself as one of the Alps’ most demanding climbs. Starting in Moûtiers, the 30km ascent gains nearly 2,000m in elevation, with a final 6.9km section from Les Menuires averaging over 6.5% and reaching gradients above 20%. Ranked among the 10 toughest climbs ever considered for the Tour de France, it continues to attract both amateur and experienced cyclists. The Objectif Tougnète event on 27 June invites riders to take on the challenge.

The Col de Tougnète, created in 2022, continues to build its reputation as one of the Alps' most demanding climbs. The 30-kilometer route from Moûtiers with nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain has been ranked among the 10 toughest climbs ever considered for the Tour de France, according to Eurosport analysis in July 2025. Its final 6.9-kilometer section averages over 6.5% gradient with sections exceeding 20%.

For adventurous families – ‘My Mountain Adventure’

For families, the “My Mountain Adventure” programme returns from 6 July to 28 August, offering structured activities for children and teenagers aged 3 to 17. Run by ESF Les Menuires, the programme includes nature discovery, outdoor sports and adventure activities tailored by age group, from introductory mountain experiences to more active pursuits such as rafting and canyoning. Prices start from €40 per half day.

New immersive experience - Fly through the valley

This summer there is a new immersive experience at the Saint-Martin-de-Belleville museum. Combining a relief map, videos and projections, this new installation allows visitors to ‘fly over’ the Vallée des Belleville, taking them on a journey from the Ice Age to the present day. Educational and entertaining for the whole family.

New experience - Gaëlle and her goats

In the hamlet of Villarenger, Gaëlle welcomes visitors to her goat farm to discover milking and traditional cheese-making. After swapping city life for life in the mountains, Gaëlle and her ‘girls’ produce a range of cheeses on site, including Tomme and raclette. She offers tastings at the farm and at the weekly village market, providing an insight into everyday mountain life.

New restaurant opening - Le Grenier

Also new for summer is Le Grenier, opening for its first season at Hôtel Saint Martin. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, served in a relaxed bistro setting. Its terrace, located at the foot of the mountain bike trails and gondola, offers a convenient stop for lunch or dinner with mountain views. Menus start from €16.

Some other key events for summer 2026

• 24-25 July – 11th Craft Beer Festival

• 1-2 August – Enduro des Alpes Trophy – 10th anniversary of this mountain bike event

• 28- 29 August – EPEAK Festival – try a range of outdoor activities and enjoy concerts and creative workshops

Access to the Vallée des Belleville is by plane (2 hours to Lyon or Geneva) or by train (Moûtiers-Salins-Bride les Bains) where bus shuttles link the train to the resorts of the valley.

For more information: https://st-martin-belleville.com/en/vallee-des-belleville