Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
May 8:00-15:30. Gondolas run every 10 minutes during busy times; the last return from
Aiguille du Midi is generally one hour after the last ascent. The last
télécabine
departure
to Helbronner Point is about 14:00-15:00, and the last train down from Montenvers (for
hikers) is about 17:00-18:00.
Crowd-Beating Strategies:
Tobeat the hordes and clouds, ride the Aiguille duMidi
lift (upand down)as early as youcan. Tobeat major delays in summer,leave nolater than
7:00 or reserve ahead (first lift departs at 6:00 or 7:00, easy to verify in advance). If the
weather has been bad and turns good, expect big crowds in any season (even worse on
weekends). If it's clear, don't dillydally. If you arrive after 9:00 in summer your ticket will
likely include an assigned gondola time (usually within 30 minutes).
From July to August, smart travelers reserve the Aiguille du Midi lift in advance (€2
fee). You can reserve at the information booth next to the lift (open mid-June-mid-Sept),
online at
www.compagniedumontblanc.com
, or by phone (year-round, tel. 04 50 53 22 75,
automated reservations in English). Reservations are taken up to seven days in advance;
pickticketsupattheliftstationatleast30minutesbeforedeparture(theinformationbooth
at the Aiguille du Midi lift tells you which window to use). Reservations are free with a
