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Chamonix - is late OCTOBER too late?

Posted by (Atlanta) on

Planned to end a two-week France trip with 3 nights and 2 full days, Oct 28-31, in Chamonix, primarily for the mountain lifts. Now realize the Panorama Mont Blanc and many smaller lifts will be closed. I generally love off-season travel, but think I may be making a big mistake with this. Thoughts? An alternative snowy mountain plan? Driving from Provence. Need to fly home to ATL from somewhere on about Nov 1.

Not usually indecisive, but this is a very last minute trip plan (<24 hrs) and I need to figure out how to end it big then get home! Thanks for your suggestions!

Posted by
1057 posts

OK, it appears from google that both the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers Mer de Glace train will both still be running before maintenance shutdown in early November. Those two activities plus some time in the town and valley would seem to be a good two day visit. I know weather could change everything. I'm leaning toward doing this. Please speak up loudly if you think I'm making a mistake. I've never been to Chamonix!

I so appreciate any expert advice you might share!

Posted by
2209 posts

They still may be running only that doesn’t guarantee the weather will be clear but then that’s always a gamble in the Alps. I do remember restaurants with fondue and raclette that I’m sure will taste better in late October than in a warm August, so there is that.

Posted by
1057 posts

@margie
I think you may be a sister optimist, like I am! I weigh the odds, but if it looks pretty good, I usually go with it! Thank you.

Posted by
2209 posts

Go for it. If it’s clear or even partly clear the mountain is probably spectacular to see at that time of year! We lucked out, it was cloudy the day we got there but clear the next day.

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