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Mountaintops and Icicles
The views over the Mont Blanc massif from the Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps are just jaw-dropping.
Mont Blanc is more than just a mountain.
As the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, it lends its name to a range of peaks – the Mont Blanc massif – which straddle France, Italy, and Switzerland.
I had taken the train from Paris (see: On and Around the Seine) to Geneva, Switzerland, where I was spending a few days catching up with friends in the evenings, and amusing myself in the daytime. I booked myself onto self-guided day trip to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the famous site of the first Winter Olympics, back in 1924.
I had to remember to pack my passport: Chamonix, as the little mountain-resort at the base of Mont Blanc is more commonly known, is close to Geneva – but is back across the border in France.
My trip included a trip up the mountain from Chamonix; not up Mont Blanc as I had thought, but up L’Aiguille du Midi (The Southern Needle), a neighbouring peak in the massif. From the top of this 3,842-metre-tall (12,605 ft) mountain, there are stunning views over a range of peaks, including Mont Blanc (4,808–meter-tall (15,774 ft)) itself.
Access to the top of the Aiguille du Midi is via cable car (see: Aiguille du Midi). Opened in 1955, this gondola held the title of world’s highest for about two decades. It still has the record for the highest vertical ascent, gaining over 2,800 m (9,200 ft) in its 20 minute trip from Chamonix to the peak.
Most of my trip up the mountain was shrouded in cloud, and I was starting to despair. But, as we approached the summit of Aiguille du Midi, we broke through into blue skies. The jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Alps stretched out all around in breath-taking beauty.
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View From The Bus
My day starts on a bus, travelling south east from Geneva. The names on the highway signs thrill me as we head towards the Mont Blanc Tunnel under the Alps.
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Chamonix Gondola
It is noon, and the autumn sun sneaks over the top of Aiguille du Midi as we wait for the cars on the lower portion of our journey.
Waiting for the Second Cable Car
Clouds have descended and there is not much of a view as we wait at the middle station of Plan de l’Aiguille.
View from the Cabin
Via the curved perspex of the gondola car, blue sky and a first glimpse of snow appear.
View Interrupted
Through the front of the cabin, we can see the top station on Aiguille du Midi.
Impossibly Steep
The side of the mountain has an almost perpendicular drop as we climb to the top.
Almost Abstract : Portrait of a Gondola Operator
Just Wow! No Editing Required!!
A couple of days later, a friend of mine living in Geneva asked me if the trip was worth it. I sent him a few shots – straight off the iPhone. The pictures speak for themselves.
Jagged Mountaintops
Of course, photos from the mirrorless cameras have more depth – but, either way, the views are unbeatable!
Mont Blanc Massif and Icicles
Jagged Peaks and Climbers
We can see the tracks of the climbers who are traversing the snow before dropping down over the ridge.
Perched over the Boulders
The complex at the top of the Aiguille du Midi comprises several levels and accommodates 360° views. I certainly got my steps in!
Aiguille du Geant and Grand Jorasses
These granite peaks are popular for high-altitude climbing – though I don’t see anyone there.
Now THAT is a Team Building Exercise!
Closer to our peak, another group of climbers sets off.
Close Up of Climbers
One of the attendants told me this was a pre-booked work group.
Master of the Climb
An instructor puts alpine climbers through their rappelling / abseiling paces. They can then climb back up from the Cosmiques Ridge using a metal ladder.
Le Tube
An enclosed tubular walkway completely circles the summit of the Aiguille du Midi. It is long enough that I didn’t feel as if I was going in spirals.
More Peaks
But, I got so confused, I had no idea where I was or which way I was facing most of the time!
The Palier Hypoxie Exhibition
We are at high altitude here, and therefore at risk of lightheadedness, dizziness, and even possibly serious altitude sickness.
Round Rock and Jagged Peaks
Like an Aerie or a Fortress
Through the Windows
The views go on in all directions.
Nature’s Tapestry
Having gone full-circle – at least twice – I head back to the gondola platform.
Hikers
I ride back down in comfort – feeling a bit sorry for the hikers in the mist with their full packs!
What a truly magnificent place!
I was so glad to have had the experience – and I still had the town and nearby glacier to explore.
Until then,
Happy travels!
Photos: 02October2024
