Sommet de Bellecôte, Mountain summit in Peisey-Nancroix, France

Sommet de Bellecote is a mountain summit located at 3417 meters in the Vanoise National Park, positioned between the valleys of Peisey-Nancroix and Champagny-en-Vanoise. Multiple marked hiking trails provide access to the peak from both valley communities.

The mountain and surrounding region have been part of Alpine activity for centuries, with increased attention starting in the early 1900s as mountaineering developed as a practice. The area received formal protection in 1963 with the establishment of Vanoise National Park.

The summit crowns a ring of glaciers: the Midi de Bellecôte and Cul du Nant on its sunny side, the Chiaupe and Bellecôte glaciers on its western face, and the Gros Glacier on its shaded side. The north face is immense and austere, while the south face is far more accessible. The resort of La Plagne lies on one side of the mountain.

The climb requires altitude acclimatization and is best done during warmer months when snow coverage is minimal. The base villages offer lodging and mountain huts that serve as good starting points for the multi-hour ascent.

The summit is crowned by several glaciers: the Midi de Bellecôte and Cul du Nant on its sunny side, the Chiaupe and Bellecôte glaciers on its western face, and the Gros Glacier on its shaded side. The north face is immense and austere, while the south face is far more accessible.