by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe

The Aiguille du Midi (official site) is a super fast, exhilarating and spectacular cable car ride up into the Mt Blanc Mountain Range in France. The cable cars depart from the very beautiful and ultra exclusive ski resort town of Chamonix in the valley below and take you up to the Aiguille du Midi lookout, just below the peak of Mt Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.

Year round snow is guaranteed while the views may vary depending on the weather. Regardless, the lookout provides a panorama over not only the valley below, but also the surrounding mountains. On a clear day you’re standing in France but can see Italy and also Switzerland who share borders with the region.

Like all mountain excursions in alpine areas, the views are amazing and words simply do not to them justice. However a trip to the Aiguille du Midi is also a must due to the amazing glaciers and your bragging rights as you’re able to say you’ve been up the highest mountain in Europe.

Chamonix and the surrounding region is one of Europe’s most fashionable ski resorts in the winter and although there is snow on the mountain tops year round, skiing is only seasonal.

A trip to to the Aiguille du Midi is breathtaking on account of both the altitude and the views – an absolute must.

The Aiguille du Midi is offered as an optional excursion on Contiki’s Time Out/Superior/Hotel Europe Tours visiting Chamonix.