Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, powerful — if receding — glaciers, and richly rewarding hiking trails, Chamonix is France's favorite alpine resort"
-Rick Steves
- Aiguille Du Midi
- Gondola to Hellbronner in Italy
- Hike to Mer Du Glace/Montenvers
- Happy Hour with Group at Hotel Plan B
Aiguille Du Midi
Sometimes, the early bird has to miss the early worm to get on the highest gondola in France? Yup!
The weather was looking iffy for this day as we all checked the days prior, therefore, we did not make a reservation. Instead we got up early and checked the live webcam, and were fortunate to see clear skies up top. (Just because it was cloudy down in Chamonix, does not mean cloudy skies up top!)
We skipped the hotel breakfast to get tickets purchased that morning at the ticket kiosk. Just a few people were in line when we showed up around 6:35 AM.
We were in the first gondola up for the day at minutes after 7:00 AM, and probably the only regular tourists too, as most of our fellow gondola travelers were preparing for much more than just sight seeing!
The weather was looking iffy for this day as we all checked the days prior, therefore, we did not make a reservation. Instead we got up early and checked the live webcam, and were fortunate to see clear skies up top. (Just because it was cloudy down in Chamonix, does not mean cloudy skies up top!)
We skipped the hotel breakfast to get tickets purchased that morning at the ticket kiosk. Just a few people were in line when we showed up around 6:35 AM.
We were in the first gondola up for the day at minutes after 7:00 AM, and probably the only regular tourists too, as most of our fellow gondola travelers were preparing for much more than just sight seeing!
All Sunshine and Views for Miles!
Step Into the Void (Glass Box)
Breakfast
At this time, the altitude started to hit us, feeling winded and slight vertigo. Since we had missed breakfast, we indulged in carb overload (croissant, waffle, and doughnut) and yogurt (not pictured) and took a seat at the cafe-restaurant inside, offering a solid view of Mont Blanc. We of course had other snacks with too, to avoid hangry episodes!
Let's go to Italy!
We took the plunge and bought tickets here to take the small red gondola Panoramic Mont Blanc to Pointe Helbronne in Italy. We were able to board right away; no wait and just us two in a gondola. This journey is over three miles (around 40 minutes) floating over glaciers, rocks, and snow; some of the most amazing views you'll ever see. You can even open your gondola small window to feel the sharp alpine air and hear almost nothing at all but wind.
Skyway Monte Bianco
Now on the Italian side, Mont Blanc is now Monte Bianco. The Skyway Monte Bianco has a cafeteria, a hall of crystals and quartzes, 360 degree viewing platform and more.
Mont Blanc crystals on display sourced by climbers
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Troy took a walk on the glass floor at Sky Vertigo.
The sign posted there read: "Mont Blanc calls you, almost urges you to caress it with your fingers, to touch it. Do not be afraid, come closer. Closer. Almost without realising it has happened; look right, left, up. Now take a deep breath and look down: dizzily down. You are suspended a few metres from the mountain, walking in the sky." |
Nothing beats running into friends high up in Monte Bianco!
Pointe Hellbronner or Punta Helbronner
It is about 11,371 feet at Pointe Hellbronner and just as chilly as the French side of the mountain!
Plan de l'Aiguille
We said "arrivederci" to Italy and returned back to France via the little red gondolas, took the gondola to Plan de l'Aiguille leaving behind the wintry wonderland in exchange for green alpine wonderland. Today's hiking plan is to hike the trail to Mer de Glace known as hike #1 in the RS tourbook, expected hike time about 3 hours, and drops 1,500 feet start to finish.
Arriving at Mer de Glace (Sea of Glass) Glacier
Descending down to Mer de Glace on our hike, the noticed the area of the glacier was full of low clouds and we did not see a thing. Luckily, a short time later, the clouds cleared to show us this stunning yet alarming view of the fast-receding glacier.
Alpine Flowers of the French Alps
The last day of wandering through the alps searching for alpine wildflowers; this cloudy day really made some colors pop on our hike mid-way on the mountain!
Farewell Group Happy Hour
Axel organized a lovely group happy hour at our hotel for those who could attend; we had a plethora of savory snacks and drinks from the bar.
I have no other photos from this event, and as someone who takes a lot of photos, you can tell how busy we were living in the moment, sharing our stories, and offering our well wishes to our travel family of the last few weeks. ❤️
Goodnight! - "Bonne Nuit!"
Today's "Wow" Moment
Spending the day high above the clouds was a great last day of the tour; loved it! - Troy |
This last full day delivered ALPINE ADVENTURE!! |