A Spin over Mont Blanc
Even though the famous mountain is visible from the town, there’s no better way of getting up close then in a small aeroplane. The Altiport de la Cote 2000 is just outside, nothing more than a strip of asphalt amidst green pastures. There’s been a recent flurry of snow so the mountains are peak white against the blue sky.
It’s a bright and sunny morning as I climb over the wing into the small single engine Musketeer. There are two in the back but I’m up front with the pilot and he reassuringly says conditions are “impeccable”. We’re soon above Megève's Mont d'Arbois (at 1833 metres) and make our way to the Mont Blanc Massif above the Chamonix Valley, still in shade at this time in the morning.
Our target, at 4808m looms up front, towering above its rivals, and we follow the Argentiere Glacier. A swift left turn around the Aiguille Verte brings us above the Mer de Glace, its snow pristine. There’s a certain amount of twisting and turning as we get alarmingly close to the sheer rocky pinnacles of the Aiguille de Midi. I can only hope the pilot knows what he’s doing.
He points out the mountain refuges which are used as jumping off points for the ascent of Mont Blanc and, crossing one ridge, we scatter a herd of Chamois. It’s exhilarating stuff, with perfect light, really a memorable experience. After 40 minutes we touch down back at the Altiport and I’m a little shaken, even a bit stirred.
Details: Aerocime.com