Arête des Cosmiques, aiguille du Midi (3842m) - A great classic of the Mont Blanc massif
Accessible directly from Chamonix via the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Cosmiques ridge is an emblematic mountaineering route, ideal for discovering the atmosphere of the high mountains. With its mix of snow, ice and rock, it offers a perfect summary of mountaineering in a setting that is quite simply exceptional.
From the valley, we take the cable car to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, at an altitude of 3,842 metres. From the top, the panorama opens up to 360° over the Mont-Blanc massif: Mont Maudit, Tacul, Dent du Géant, Grandes Jorasses, it's all there. After a safety briefing, we equip ourselves with crampons, harness, helmet and rope. The adventure begins with the famous ridge of the Aiguille du Midi, fine and vertiginous, which we carefully descend roped up.
Once on the Géant glacier, a short glacier walk of around 30 minutes takes us to the Cosmiques hut, located at the foot of the eponymous ridge. The climb then follows the ridge, alternating between snowy sections and easy rock, with breathtaking views along the way. There are a few more technical climbs (notably a small wall on side III) at the end of the route, just before reaching the cable car footbridge.
This short but challenging route is a wonderful introduction to high-altitude mountaineering, with a real mountain atmosphere from the very first metres. The altitude makes itself felt, making the effort more intense despite the relatively short duration.
Sporty people, with or without mountaineering experience. No previous technical level is required, but you should be comfortable in the mountains and not be afraid of heights.
This route is rated AD (fairly difficult). There are a few climbing sections (up to III), some progression with crampons and some aerial sections, all supervised by a guide.
Allow around 4 to 5 hours for the whole route, from the start at the Aiguille du Midi to the return to the cable car.
At almost 3800 metres, oxygen becomes scarcer. It's normal to feel out of breath more quickly. I'm making sure that we're progressing at an appropriate pace to limit fatigue.
No, I can provide all the technical equipment: crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe. Just bring warm clothes, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream and a small bag.
Yes, in the event of bad weather (strong winds, snow, thunderstorms or closure of the cable car), I offer an alternative: either a postponement or another route adapted to the current conditions.
Live with your guide, from first contact to the summit.
Creative and flexible
A flexible framework for devising the most appropriate itinerary or activity for each day, depending on the group and the conditions.
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