Private gondola at Aiguille du Midi

nb,

The small Telecabines used on the Panoramic Mont Blanc are only capable of four passengers and the seating is very "snug" with four adults. I very much doubt that you'd be able to fit five in them and not sure if that would even be allowed. Yes, you can absolutely ride the same cars back to the Aguille du Midi. Be sure to buy return tickets (cost was ~€84 PP as I recall).

One other point to mention is that you'll need to be aware of the altitude, so may not be able to stay as long as you might like. The top levels of the Aguille du Midi are at 12K feet+, so that can be an issue for some people.

Thanks for your reply! I appreciate it. We've been to Colorado a few times and have been to the top of Long's Peak. I am a little worried as my daughter and I did get a little sick the last time we visited. Are you saying we should be careful riding or just that we should plan on staying at the top for a short time?

That's a pretty hard question to answer as altitude sickness affects different people in different ways. Some people will start feeling weak and headachy just by reaching a certain altitude, for instance riding in a car or on a gondola or lift. Others only feel it if they exert themselves in some way (even just walking) while at higher altitudes, or after being at the higher altitude for some time. Some people will get better as soon as they get to a lower altitude and some will have residual effects for a while after coming down.

Are you saying we should be careful riding or just that we should plan on staying at the top for a short time?

Nancy is right! I would add, though, that being well-hydrated helps enormously. Drink extra water starting the day prior and bring along a couple of bottles each on the gondola ride.

nb,

I meant that your time at the top may be limited by altitude problems, which may occur after a prolonged time at that altitude. Riding isn't a problem, as you'll either be sitting or standing in the gondolas, and not exerting yourselves. As the others mentioned, this affects everyone differently so you'll just have to try it and be guided by how you feel at the time. The top level of the Aguille du MIdi is over 200 ft. higher than the location where the Gondola arrives. The top levels are at 12,605 ft.

When I was there in September, I was shocked to see Paragliders sailing above the Aguille du Midi. I don't know if they were using supplemental oxygen, or just used to functioning at that altitude.

For altitude sickness you definitely need to drink lots of water, as well as avoid alcohol and excess caffeine... I read that and it helped for me when skiing in Colorado.