Cable cars in Chamonix- Best value?

The Aiguille du Midi is located directly across from Mont Blanc, and therefore the best place to view it, along with the surrounding alps; it’s definitely worth it for the magnificent views.

Having said this, I’d be concerned about taking your 4 year old to such high altitude. You may want to consult with your pediatrician first.

When my daughter and I went up to the Aiguille du Midi, I started to feel lightheaded and started to developed a headache, so I knew it was time to get down to a lower elevation.

You may be interested in reading this thread Chamonix- Altitude.

If you have time, consider going to Annecy and enjoy the crystal clear lake!

Have a wonderful trip!

The top cable car station is at 12,400 ft. That compares to 12,800 ft at the top of the Imperial Peak Chair at Breckenridge ski area. That is pretty high to spend any amount of time if you are not accustomed to it. But then you can always ride down if you feel you need to.

Cham?

The téléphérique from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi and, if you have time, continuing on with the Télécabine Panoramique Mont-Blanc to Helbronner in Italy are absolutely worth it. I'm not sure, but I think both might be open by September after repairing storm damage.

I'm not qualified to give medical advice about elevation, but if you spend a little time educating yourself about alpine glaciation and glacial landforms, the sights you will see with a minimum of effort (compared to mountain climbing) may well be unmatched in the world.

Not sure where you're getting your cost information, but the cost for a round trip to and from Aiguille du Midi for an adult is 61.50 € (https://www.chamonix.com/telepherique-de-l-aiguille-du-midi,48-156953,en.html), so for the two of you and a small child it should cost around 123 €. In my opinion, that's a bargain for what you get.

On the other hand, If you're planning a one-way trip to Aiguille du Midi, then I assume you'll be traveling with crampons, ice axes, ropes, and associated gear to get yourself back down to Chamonix.

We visited Chamonix in 2015 as part of the RS Eastern France tour. We had a free day in Chamonix. Our guide suggested that we purchase a day pass for a few dollars more that enabled us to do the Aiguille du Midi and take the train to Montreaux to see the ice cave carved out of a glacier. Totally worth it. Check out all the options. Beautiful area.

"continuing on with the Télécabine Panoramique Mont-Blanc to Helbronner in Italy are absolutely worth it. I'm not sure, but I think both might be open by September after repairing storm damage."

They have recently announced this lift is closed for the 2018 season for repairs.
it is a summer only lift so not sure how long it runs into Sept on a normal year but this year it is closed until 2019 ; usually it opens mid June I think.

That may be. I wouldn't be surprised.
But I have seen information on a tourism website that suggested it would re-open in September 2018.

The 123 Euros is well Worth it when you consider the views on the way up and once you get to Aiguile du Midi,iit is the best Alps experience that I have had.We did the Jungfrau in Switzerland in 2011 and the Fee at that time was 150 Swiss Francs per person.
Mike

Absolutely worth it. We went out of our way to return to Chamonix on another trip just to do Mont Blanc/Aiguille du Midi again. It is spectacular.

Been to the Berner Oberland twice, and love it, but Mont Blanc is much more mind-blowing imo.

I was fine at the top of Mont Blanc but not the Jungfrau... so it varies even for the same person. You won’t know til you get there.

Once in a lifetime experience. Worth every sou!

I’ve taken the ride on the tour of Eastern France and it is definitely worth it to take the cable car. 40+ years ago my wife and I went to Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Years before, I hiked to the summit up Tuckerman’s Ravine. Because I thought it too expensive, we did not take the steam cog railway to the summit. Something I regretted immediately. Since then I’ve always opted to choose the unique experience even if the price is above my normal budget. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish because you’ll have the memory forever. I’m looking forward to the Skyway ride up Monte Bianco in September.