Chamonix: The Grand Balcon Nord, Part 2
Signal Forbes - Plan de l’Aiguille hike
My trek has always been towards the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi, or should I say the mid-station bar, because you know I love a good reason to cross the finish line. Leaving Signal Forbes is still super rocky, but as you get further towards the mid station, things start getting greener and more lush. The trail is AMAZING. I walked with views that stretched across the Chamonix valley to the Aiguille Rouges and Le Brevent. As you continue trekking, soon Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Needles, including the Aiguille du Midi, appear to be soaring above the trail.
The Grand Balcon Nord hugs the side of the mountain with epic views of all the iconic mountains and Chamonix Valley.
Grand Balcon Nord - Plan de l’Aiguille
The Plan de L’Aiguille, (2310M/7,578ft) which is the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi cable-car so named after the mountain it offers access to. The base station is located in the center of Chamonix, and it is a two-stage gondola which takes you to the top of the Aiguille du Midi mountain at 3,842 (12604ft). It is still considered the longest single span of cable in the world and was inaugurated in 1955 after nearly 25 years of construction, hampered by the WWII and many technical difficulties. Imagine!
The mid-station bar may be one of my favorite bars ever. The views are exceptional and this day was glorious, I am feeling grateful. I was also feeling my day of hiking was complete, I was quite happy to hitch a ride back down in the cable car that took 8 minutes vs. another 2.5 hours of trekking! Cheer!!
NOTE: When you purchase your ticket on the train to Montenvers Train Station and Mer de Glace, inquire about the ticket including the cable car ride back down. It’s a better deal then purchasing each separately which I didn’t find out until too late.
