Mont Blanc activities

For those of us who don’t ski, the achievements of the cable car system around Mont Blanc are little known. This feat of engineering can be used not only to shorten your hike into the high grounds, but also for some more leisurely lusting over landscapes on your day off from trekking. The most famous is the Aiguille du Midi cable car, a 20-minute ride out of Chamonix up to a height of 3,842m, with views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. It has two stages, with the first stop at the Plan de l'Aiguille (2,300m), a popular point for various day hikes, such as walking back to Montenvers railway station, where you can pick up a train back to Chamonix.

Staying overnight in a remote, and always exquisitely located, mountain refuge is a five star experience, if they ever handed out stars for views and vicarious architecture. It’s like entering a club of committed climbers, alpine enthusiasts and all round inspiring adventurers, all bunking down with some of the finest bedtime stories you will ever hear. Most are owned by the Club Alpin Francais (CAF), the latest and highest offering being the eco state of the art Refuge du Goûter, the last stop before the final ascent to the summit. Other examples include Refuge Elena, where you can catch the morning glow off the Pre de Bar glacier. Or Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme, a favourite if you are taking on the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme at 2483m. Booking is essential although your tour operator will organize all this for you.