Aiguille du Midi

Following a recovery day the weather was improving so it was time to go back into the high mountains. Elaine, Penny, Maura and I wanted to do Mt Blanc. The plan was to stay in a hut for two nights to acclimitise. Do a small route the first day and then do Mt Blanc on the second.

We took the telepherique up to the Aiguille du Midi at 3800m. We had booked into the Cosmique Refuge which you can see below the Midi. The hut is at 3500m.

The hut is the luxurious way to stay in the mountains. Credibility (and hardship) goes to those that camp on the Col du Midi. While you have to bring all your food, water and fuel with you the views from your bedroom window have to be the best I have ever seen.

The Midi station is very popular with tourists. We thought we would blend in before going to the hut. Shortly after this a thunder storm developed on top of us and the Midi was hit twice by lightning, knocking out its electricity and the cable car. The staff wouldn't let climbers outside, so we sat tight for an hour or two with free hot chocolate. Eventually it cleared enough for us to head down to the hut for the night.