Aiguille du Midi Cable Car, Chamonix

The Aiguille du Midi (“Needle at Midday'') stands majestically at 3,842 meters (12,605 feet) in the Mont Blanc massif of the French Alps. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas and status as a prime tourist attraction, this peak is accessible via the l’Aiguille du Midi Cable Car route originating in Chamonix. Conceived in 1909 and operational since 1955, it was the highest cable car in the world for nearly 20 years and still boasts the record for the greatest vertical ascent, stretching from 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) to 3,842 meters (12,605 feet).

The cable car ride comprises two segments: an initial leg from Chamonix to Plan de l’Aiguille at 2,317 meters (7,602 feet), and a second, pillar-free ascent to the upper station at 3,777 meters. This final section, measuring 2,867 meters in direct span and 2,500 meters horizontally, ranks as the second longest cable car span worldwide. In just 20 minutes, visitors are transported over 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) of altitude gain, with a round-trip ticket priced at approximately €75.

Aiguille du Midi's summit is equipped with a panoramic viewing platform, a snack bar, a café, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Despite summer visits, temperatures can plunge to -10°C (14°F), necessitating warm clothing and sun protection. While the summit’s visitor areas are off-limits for free-roaming due to safety concerns, mountaineers and skiers can traverse a tunnel to an exposed ice ridge for glacier access.

In December 2013, the “Step into the Void” skywalk was introduced, allowing visitors to stand over a glass floor and look down 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) to the valleys below, with Mont Blanc’s peaks towering in view. Further enhancing the experience, 2016 saw the opening of “Le Tube,” an enclosed walkway circling the summit.

The Aiguille du Midi remains a marvel of engineering and natural splendor, offering unparalleled alpine experiences that attract adventurers and sightseers from around the world.