I'm doing the Eastern France tour the last 2 weeks of May. When we take the gondola up Mt. Blanc, do we need boots as opposed to tennis shoes to walk around up there? And a heavy jacket or just layer?
Thank you, Linda
Posted by
Bend, OR
1920 posts
First it depends on the weather. Looking back at my pictures, we were on that tour mid May before Covid, took the tram up to the first station and hiked a trail over and down to the glacier. We started off in a sweatshirt and ended up in short sleeve tees. There was 6 of us and we all had sneakers on. Again, it all depends on the weather and how much snow they’ve had. I would think something like a Nanopuff with sweater would be sufficient IF it’s cold. It’s a great tour, enjoy.
Posted by
Chicago
9562 posts
We did the Aiguille du Midi in the spring and didn't have heavy clothes -- it was a day trip from Annecy. So we just layered what we had -- I had on a cotton turtle, a polar tek cardigan and a windbreaker - It was fine. And footwear is not an issue for just visiting the look out points. Here was our trip. The views are just fantastic. If I were hiking trails I would want at least light weight hiking boots but for the Gondola to the Aiguille -- doesn't matter.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2023/03/27/quick-trip-up-the-aiquille-du-midi-chamonix/
Posted by
Connecticut
804 posts
I enjoyed a couple trips up Aiguille du Midi by gondola to view Mont Blanc recently. Layers provide the best acclimation option. Unless you’re planning on hiking boots are absolutely not necessary. Tennis shoes may not provide warmth but they are easily doable. Getting around the facility is a breeze with only a couple of very limited spots where you’re literally on the “snow.”
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32630 posts
linda,
If you're just going to stay within the Aguille de Midi building, ordinary walking shoes should be fine. I believe there are some hiking options at the mid level, but I don't think there are any at the top (at least not for the average tourist). Layering should be fine for clothing, since you'll be in a building.
One other important point to mention is that the altitude at the top is about 12,600 feet, so it would be prudent to do some research on altitude related medical problems. If you do suffer from any adverse effects, it's important to get to a lower elevation as soon as possible. There are a number off factors that can affect that, so you may want to touch base with your doctor before your trip.