Chamonix is the birthplace of modern Alpinism, and THE place to be if you’re a climber.
Since Mont Blanc is easily accessible from the Chamonix Valley, this is where we’re staying for the week.
The must-do attraction for climbers and tourists alike is to visit the Aiguille du Midi (Needle of the Mid-Day), accessible a long cable car high above the valley.
With attractions like the ‘Into the Void’ where you put on fuzzy slippers and step out into a plexiglass box to the enjoyment of watching climbers and hikers making their way to and from the glaciers and surrounding peaks, to the amazing views out over the valley and the Alps – absolutely a must-do!
Climbers on Cosmique Ridge
Climbers on the Vent du Dragon
Lines
A line of climbers and hikers heads out.
12,602
Aiguille du Midi – 12,602 feet / 3,842 meters
The Ridge
A ridge leading into nowhere
Ants Marching
A three-man rope team walks along a ridge as they head out onto the glacier.
The Aiguilles
There’s a reason these mountains are referred to as Aiguilles – needle in French.
Slip and Slide
The spine leading out of the Midi platform is narrow and steep – it’s entertaining watching people spending half the time on their butt as they slip and slide.
Supply Line
Food and drink at the mountain huts is super expensive becuase this is how it gets there.
Congo Line
Two rope lines head out for the day.
The Cosmiques
The Cosmiques Ridge is an amazing spine. Very enjoyable to watch experienced climbers ascend – in fact, if you look at the bottom middle you can spot a few at the base of the middle spine.
Cap Cloud
When a pileus, or cap cloud forms above another cloud there is going to be some weather below. Mont Blanc is probably getting some snow!
High Visibility
High visibility gear helps when the clouds move in and the world goes white.
Black and White
High contrast Mont Blanc
Above The Sea
It’s incredible sitting well above the clouds that are socking the Chamonix Valley in.
The Goal
Mont Blanc summit is crisp and clear above the clouds.
The Points
Watching the hikers heading out to the points.
Dual Points
It helps to watch your footing around these parts.
Freaky
Colette enjoys the ‘Into the Void’ experience.
Success
A solitary climber high up on a needle.
The Crevasse
Watching climbers snake their way up the mountain.
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