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Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix - Lift reservations required or no?

Posted by (USA) on

I'm looking to take the lift from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi (and then the télécabines to Helbronner - I can't wait). I'm confused about reservations, though. The RS guide says "To beat major delays in summer, leave no later than 8:00, no reservation needed." But then later in the same paragraph, he says, "Reservations are taken from one to seven days in advance (no same-day reservations, usually booked up one day out—try to reserve at least two days ahead)."

I'd prefer not to make a reservation until I get there and see what the weather's like since they're not refundable, but I don't want to miss it, either. Does this mean as long as I get there early enough, I won't need a reservation, or am I misinterpreting it?

While I'm on the subject, is hiking down to Montenvers from the Plan de l’Aiguille on the way back a good idea mid-June, or is it still icy (I feel so ignorant asking this lol).

Thanks in advance for any advice on this!

Posted by
7302 posts

Cannot advise about reservations.
Regarding the hike: ice is no longer a concern by mid-June, but do not underestimate it! I'd say it is a moderate hike, not an easy one. It takes about 2.5 hours and is not entirely downhill since the most interesting route climbs up to "Signal Forbes" for great views.

Posted by
92 posts

I was confused about the reservation thing from Chamonix to Aiguille du midi when I went last year too! I did make a reservation the day before I wanted to go - i think I made it for like 9:30am. Then the day of, I was ready to go earlier so asked if I could change my reservation to earlier and they told my it wasn’t necessary and I could just board the next lift. I was there last September and I think it was less crowded due to covid but my impression is that if there is space available, they will let you go early.
And I assume you’re getting the Mont Blanc multípass? I thought it was a really good deal - but a little bit tricky to figure out where to go for the different forms of transportation. I didn’t do much research ahead of time but I should have!

Posted by
8165 posts

I went up last July . I bought my tickets for the first ascent online a couple of days before once the weather forecast said clear . I can't imagine hiking down

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