Chamonix is a small ski resort town high in the Alps (1,035m) and is the main access point to Mt Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe at 4,810m. We were really lucky to strike a good clear day with sunshine and blue skies so took the opportunity to ride the cable car up the mountain.
The Mt Blanc cable car is 'pretty serious' when I compare it to the Queenstown gondola for example. The first stage goes up to 'Plan de l'Aguille' at 2,317m which has amazing views over the town (l'aguille is the needle). The next stage goes up to 'Aguille du Midi' at 3,842m in an incredible single cable span of over 2.8km. Only 5 of our group were dumb (brave) enough to take the second cable car but were rewarded with super amazing run out of superlatives mountain views into France in one direction and Italy in the other plus downwards through the clouds to the town.
The air is thin at that altitude, and I found I had to have a breather after a couple of flights of stairs up to a high viewing platform. Or possibly it was because the stairs were "see thru" expanded metal and there was nothing under them for a very long way down...
New respect was found for the people who build things at these heights and in such difficult locations. Also for the skiers and climbers in their dozens who were heading even higher to the peak itself for more adrenaline rush type activities.
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