Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Time to Allow:
Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi—20 minutes one-way, two hours
round-trip,threehoursinpeakseason;ChamonixtoHelbronner—1.5hoursone-way,three
to four hours round-trip, longer in peak season. On busy days, minimize delays by making
a reservation for your return lift time upon arrival at the top.
Visiting the Aiguille du Midi:
Pile into the
téléphérique
(gondola) and soar to the
tip of a rock needle 12,600 feet above sea level (you'll be packed into the gondola like
sardines; take off your daypack to allow more room). Get a spot on the right side for gla-
cier views. Chamonix shrinks as trees fly by, soon replaced by whizzing rocks, ice, and
snow. Change gondolas at Plan de l'Aiguille to reach the top (the café just outside the lift
station sells sunglasses for cheap). No matter how sunny it is, it's cold and the air is thin.
People are giddy with delight (those prone to altitude sickness or agoraphobia are less so).
FunthingscanhappenatAiguilleduMidiifyou'renottoowindedtojointhelocalsinthe
halfway-to-heaven tango.
