Hiking in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc

Chamonix: the mecca of mountaineers and camera-wielding tourists alike. The town is nestled in a valley at the foot of France's highest peak, Mont Blanc, with outstanding views of jagged mountains and immense glaciers. After a long guiding season in Madeira, I've come to Chamonix to hike around the foothills, and soak in the ambiance of the town.



By taking ski-lifts from the valley, you can access high altitudes without effort. Below is the photo of the Glacier des Bossons, taken from the top of the ski-lift. From here I took a beautiful trail up through the forest, getting better and better views of the glacier and the "Aiguille du Midi", the jagged peak seen to the upper-left.



Here is the entire Mont Blanc range in all its glory, the actual summit to the far right, hidden slightly by the clouds. Another chair-lift took me to this spot, from where a well-marked path remains level along the slope.



And within an hour's time the skies took on a rather apocalyptic feel... in the mountains the weather changes in a heartbeat.



Is it the monster of Lac Blanc? Or is it the only person crazy enough to dive into its glacial waters?


I'll be here in Chamonix for the next few days so more photos to come!!