Club holiday to Chamonix Wednesday 4^th to Saturday14^th September 2024

 19 members set off from Manchester airport for our annual holiday abroad. The destination this year was Chamonix in the French Alps and I believe this was a new area for the club to discover. Our transition through Manchester airport went relatively smoothly but the usual Swiss efficiency let us down at Geneva with a hour and a half wait at passport control. As a result our arrival at Le Hotel Le Prieure was delayed and the welcome meeting with our rep Harvey felt rather rushed. We settled into the hotel, which was perfectly located in Chamonix, and enjoyed a lovely meal that evening.

Unfortunately we were greeted with heavy rain on Thursday morning but managed an umbrella walk to the small picturesque Lac des Gaillands. The bad weather at least gave us the opportunity to meet with Harvey and purchase our Mont Blanc Multi passes . The initial outlay seemed expensive, especially for those members under 65, but as the holiday progressed we came to appreciate what a good investment they were, used alongside the hotel guest passes.

Blue skies greeted us on Friday morning and 13 members caught the number 2 bike bus to Le Tour. We used our Multi passes for the first time to take the Charamillon gondola lift and, after putting on extra layers, the Autannes ski lift to ascend to a height of 2195m. The cameras were soon out as we saw the first of many wonderful views that day. From there we continued towards Col de Balme and the eventual summit of Tete de Balme 2321m enjoying stunning views of the Mont-Blanc range along the way. It was very special that club members of all grades were sharing that moment and of course we had a group photograph. After lunch the group split with some returning via the lift and others descending to Le Tour on footpaths. Seven of us continued on a good rocky path along the Crete des Posettes (The Posettes Ridge) to reach Aiguillette des Posettes 2201m. This has been described as the perfect summit with 360 degree views. Descending on rocky paths we eventually returned to Le Tour to catch the bus back to Chamonix.

Good weather was promised again so on Saturday ten of us walked up from the hotel to the Planpraz lift where we ascended to 2000m. We set off along the Grand Balcon Sud, one of the classic walks of the Chamonix valley with superb views across to the Mont-Blanc massif. The path was undulating and varied with open scree slopes and boulders to contend with. At coffee break we were entertained by a large Golden Retriever deciding to dive bomb into a water trough. He had a whale of a time much to the amusement of all the hikers in the area. At La Flegere cable car station we took the Index lift to a height of 2396m and picked up the rocky footpath towards le Lac Blanc. We were concerned about time constraints, made worse by the increasing numbers of walkers coming towards us, but persevered and were rewarded with the beautiful glacial lake Lac Blanc. It is a very popular spot to visit especially at the weekend and descending the rocky path to La Flegere felt like the Pyg track at Snowdon on a Bank Holiday. From La Flegere we took the cable car down to Les Praz and managed to squeeze onto a bus back to Chamonix.

On Sunday it was dull and the same ten members caught the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the first station at Plan de L`Aiguille 2310m to start our walk along the Grand Balcony  Nord. Not long after setting off we heard what we thought to be thunder but which turned out to be a rockfall. Quite a spectacle to witness. The rocky route traverses around shoulders and across gullies until we climbed to Signal Forbes 2198m and descended to Montenvers. The rain had started en route but we managed some shelter in a small museum to watch an informative video about the history of Montenvers and the Mer de Glace. Hundreds of people with umbrellas were on the train station having visited the ice caves so our party returned on two different SNCF rack and pinion trains to Chamonix. Myself, Paul, Vanda, Hazel, Mark and Brian decided on impulse to catch the cable car up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m, an unmissable site, and we were able to enjoy 90 minutes up there almost to ourselves. No views but well worth the visit for the video and obligatory Step into the Void photo opportunity.

It was back to Montenvers station on the scenic train on Monday to visit the ice caves as rain was again forecast. Half of the valley had decided to do the same and there was a mass of people and umbrellas. A visit to the Glaciorium passed some time, a very interesting interactive museum dedicated to glaciology. We were then able to descend a 170 step staircase to visit the ice caves hewn into the Mer de Glace, one of the Alps biggest glaciers. Well worth a visit. After returning to Chamonix our party dispersed and some of us enjoyed watching the entertaining Waiter and Waitresses race in the centre of town.

On Tuesday the A walkers took the Planpraz and then the Brevent lift to the summit of Le Brevent 2525m to enjoy the panoramic views. Bill M, Carole and Margaret B had joined us but alas it was not meant to be with low cloud cover. It did not stop our group photograph of course. After parting ways with Bill and co we descended on a very tricky and steep path to Col du Brevent 2368m and eventually the lift station. Along the way we spotted Ibex and climbers and descended down two metal ladders. This was hair raising stuff for me. After lunch myself, Paul, Vanda, Mark and Brian continued the descent to Chamonix on a fine path with wonderful views across to the the Aiguille du Midi. We had hoped to catch the last cable car to the summit but had to compensate with a beer instead.

What had started out as a walk day on Wednesday turned into a trip to the summit of the Aiguille Du Midi and a very memorable day. The sun was shining and the views from 12600 feet were stunning. We were able to once again enjoy all the experiences on offer but a highlight was the panoramic cable car to the peaks at Courmayeur. A magical 30 minutes on the highest cable car in France looking down over the glaciers, ice fissures and mountaineers. After taking in the views across to the Matterhorn and a coffee in Italy we returned as the weather was worsening. I did not envy the climbers and walkers on the slopes below. Back in Chamonix we flew over the same mountains through the eye of a baby chuff in the 4D immersive cinema. Quite exhilarating.

13 members took advantage of free day passes to the spa QC Terme Chamonix on Thursday and had a totally different but very enjoyable experience. We were spoilt for choice on our “health and wellness journey” with outdoor thermal springs, massage pools, numerous themed saunas and relaxation rooms. Spread over three floors we could visit a face gym or relax in the Enchanted Forest followed at the end of the day by an included buffet and drinks. Very nice. While we were chilling Mike and Bill caught the bus to Le Lavencher and walked to the Mer de Glace viewpoint. They ascended to Tete des Prapators via fixed cables and ladders and continued to Chalet de la Pendant before a long descent. At least some members kept up the spirit of walking.

Our final full day and 10 of us caught the bus to Argentiere to pick up the Petit Balcon Sud  The path followed the river and railway line rising through woods before we took a steep detour up to the Chalet La Floria to partake of coffee and cake. Descending to the Petit Balcon Sud the majority walked to Les Bossons and a mad dash to catch the train back to Chamonix.

Our departure day was not without incident as the transfer bus failed to arrive. Urgent phone calls were made by Vanda and a later bus meant a very rushed passage through Geneva airport. Would we all make it? Fortunately we did.

A fabulous holiday with great company and some lovely walks and experiences. Thanks must go to Vanda for organising the holiday and carrying out her rep duties so efficiently. Many thanks to all those who arranged and contributed to the walks especially Bill, Mike and Paul.

Footnote: I know you had to be there but phrase of the holiday “Where’s Brian?”.