Cosmique Arete

Our plan for the following day (Friday) was to climb the Cosmique Arete, a mixed snow and rock route. Because its close to the Midi station its popular so an early start is recommended. We were at the bottom of the route at 6am.

The route runs from just about outside the Cosmique hut, up the left skyline, to the Midi Telepherique station. There are no really technical sections on it. Just some climbing at grade VI (which you can aid) and III near the top with two abseils.

The Cosmique Arete is the route I enjoyed most on the trip. Great climbing, not too exposed and amazing views into Chamonix and the valley Blanche. One unusual thing with it is that it ends with climbing a ladder onto a viewing platform for tourists at the telepherique station. Its surreal having dozens of Japanese tourists photographing you at the top of a climb! You can see some of the viewing platforms here.

This shot shows most of the route (taken from a viewing platform). You can just make out people on the route in the center under the rock pillar at the top of the snow (its easier to see on the large version). The crux is on the slabs to right of this, accross the short snow ridge. The finishing viewing platform is just out of sight on the right.