Sea of Ice - the French Alps

French Alps: Chamonix

 

 Chamonix in the French Alps is the birthplace of world alpinism (mountaineering), and still is one of the largest ski mountains in the world. It is at the foot of massive Mont Blanc ("White Mountain", 4807 m / 15,774 ft), the highest peak of the Alps mountain range, also the highest peak of western Europe. We were awed by the dramatic needle-like peaks soaring above the steep forested valley, and the amazing Mer de Glace ("Sea of Ice") glacier.

 We checked into an alpine chalet with fine dining and views of Mont Blanc from the balcony. The next morning we planned to ascend to Aiguille du Midi ("South Needle Peak") via the world's highest cable car, but lingering cloud cover caused us to change plans. We took instead the Montenvers cog railway up the slopes to Mer de Glace, the huge glacier coming down from the Mont Blanc massif. Under drizzly weather we braved the elements hiking down 1000 vertical feet to the glacer, then entered the Ice Grotto, a magical tunnel of connecting rooms like a cave house. The elaborate fantasy consists of neon-lit bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, complete with vintage mountaineering photos hanging on the translucent ice walls.