Up there
For those who have never dared to venture to an altitude of 3,842 meters, ascending the Aiguille du Midi is a unique experience. A myth or an unattainable dream, it’s a gateway to an extraordinary world of adventure, a dive into the high mountains where adrenaline and pure beauty intertwine.
The departure station, an open door to the unknown
In the square, the attitude is the same, shared by everyone for decades: eyes turned upward, each person looks with admiration and longing at the long path that leads every mountaineer or skier to the Aiguille du Midi, a gateway synonymous with space and freedom. Your adventure begins in the heart of Chamonix, at the departure station of the cable car.
Blending modern architectural design with respect for alpine heritage, it charms visitors with its style. The use of materials such as wood and stone gives the building a very contemporary aesthetic.
On mornings after fresh snowfall, excitement is palpable. Seasoned skiers gather and exchange plans for their upcoming runs, discussing legendary off-piste routes like the Vallée Blanche, Glacier Rond, or Envers du Plan.
The cable car
On the platform, the cable car approaches slowly to welcome you aboard. Everyone piles in for a 360° journey, hearts racing a little faster: it’s a first, and already a small adventure. You grip the rail slightly, take a deep breath, and lift your eyes to admire the scenery stretching beneath your feet. The first moments are mesmerizing. The cabin rises smoothly, and little by little, the valley recedes. Through the windows, you soar above fir forests, piercing through a few clouds as an unexpected new panorama unfolds before you.
The ascent to the Aiguille du Midi is not just a starting point for skiing, it’s an immersion into the high mountains.
The cable car takes you in two stages, and with the first, at 2,317 meters above sea level at the Plan de l’Aiguille. Invisible from the valley, this vast, nearly flat plateau amazes as you fly over it. As soon as you arrive, you already get a glimpse of the immense off-piste terrain awaiting you.
The second section takes you to the summit, at 3,842 meters! During this journey, conversations among skiers intensify, tips for the best lines fly around, and you feel the energy rising as the altitude increases. You quickly realize that this journey is unique. It’s a one-of-a-kind mix of experienced skiers, climbers, and travelers here to admire the view.
This diversity creates a special atmosphere where each passenger experiences their own adventure.
For skiers, the Aiguille du Midi is a gateway to vast untouched stretches of off-piste skiing. Through the windows, you might spot the silhouettes of experienced skiers on the "Mallory-Portery" route, a vertiginous descent with slopes reaching up to 55 degrees: not for the faint-hearted!
On the edge
When you arrive at the Aiguille du Midi, the adventure takes on a new dimension.
At 3,842 meters, you’re literally at the top of the alpine world. Before putting on your skis, there’s one final step: the Aiguille du Midi ridge. It’s an unforgettable experience where the high mountains reveal themselves.
The Aiguille du Midi ridge is a narrow, vertiginous crest. For skiers, this passage is a rite of passage. Equipped with crampons, you carefully descend the ridge, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Alps. On one side, the Chamonix valley stretches out beneath your feet, while on the other, a sea of snow, glaciers, and peaks unfolds before you. At that moment, the view is breathtaking, and you realize you’re about to experience something truly unique.
At that moment, you feel that you’re not about to have an ordinary day of skiing. Once the ridge is crossed, you can remove your crampons and finally put on your skis. Ahead of you lies one of the most beautiful and vast off-piste skiing areas in the world. Whether you tackle the famous Vallée Blanche with its long
faq
Comment monter à l'Aiguille du Midi ?
Vous trouvez toutes les informations pratiques (horaires, prix, conditions d'accès, comment préparer sa venue) sur le site officiel disponible ici
Qu'est-ce que la Vallée Blanche à Chamonix ?
La vallée blanche est un itinéraire de ski hors piste de 20 km environ. Au départ du Sommet de l'Aiguille du Midi à 3842m d'altitude, cette descente à ski est un voyage au cœur des glaciers du massif du Mont-Blanc jusqu'à la mer de Glace. La nouvelle télécabine de la Mer de Glace vous permettra de rejoindre la gare d'arrivée du Montenvers à 1913m.
La vallée blanche, informations pratiques
Quelles sont les difficultés de la descente en ski de la Vallée Blanche ?
Il existe plusieurs difficultés à prendre en compte dans cet itinéraire : l'altitude, le passage de l'arête de l'Aiguille du Midi, les dangers liés au ski hors piste (crevasses, ponts de neige, avalanches, chutes de pierres, itinéraire non damé ni balisé...), des passages raides, la durée de la descente (fatigue)... Il est nécessaire d'avoir une très bonne condition physique !
Il est déconseillé de partir après 12h : en effet la durée de la descente est estimée entre 4h et 6h. Dernier départ de la télécabine de la Mer de Glace au plus tard à 16h
Existe-t-il des restrictions d'âge ou de niveau pour la descente de la Vallée Blanche ?
L'âge des personnes
Il est déconseillé d'emmener des enfants trop jeunes, même bons skieurs : froid, altitude, épuisements...
Le niveau de compétence
Un bon niveau de ski est conseillé !
L'encadrement professionnel
L'accompagnement d'un guide de haute montagne est fortement conseillé pour votre sécurité, votre confort, vous apporter des connaissances sur le massif, etc. Il saura vous guider également sur les équipements requis afin de profiter de la descente en toute sécurité !