Craving some hiking we’d been eager to get back to the mountains since we haven’t really been out in nature since S. America. We found some mountains in a BIG way. We rented a great little hotel/apartment for 3 nights which gave us base for some very scenic hikes.
The town of Chamonix was host to the first ever winter Olympics in 1924 and has been the mountain capital of France ever since.
Glacier des Bossons below Mont Blanc, overlooking Chamonix.
Aiguille Du Midi observation point looms above Chamonix. Accessible via cable car from town it provides excellent views of Mont Blanc, the Italian, Swiss and French Alps as well as a jumping off point for Mountaineers. If you look closely, the little tower visible at the highest point is the observation deck.
The exit point for mountaineers from Aiguille Du Midi.
Besides mountaineers, the area is also as a takeoff spot for para-gliders, their chutes unfurled on the ridge.
Graham contemplates Mont Blanc, at (height) it’s the highest point in Europe.
Sue showing off her mountain climber face (ok so we took the cable car….) still, it was the highest elevation either had been to.
Chamonix Valley from above
Back down at the mid station of the cable car at about 7000 feet we set out on a hike to traverse below the peaks
Another peak, Les Drus, and La Mer de Glace Glacier
At the end of our hike there was an ice cave carved into the glacier. Though the carpet on the floor and mood lighting made it feel a little less than adventurous, it still made for a cool (haha) experience.
Graham pulling a “Christmas Story” glacier style.
The second day we took a train farther up the valley and away from all the tourists (Chamonix is like a Disney land for those looking to “experience” nature). We found a great trail along a nearly deserted ridge and past several ski areas. The steep, open alpine meadows made us feel like we were in a Ricola commercial.
Next up, more Alps, but this time from the Austrian side.
My favorite post so far... Jealous.
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