TELEPHERIQUE DU MONT-BLANC - SKYWAY MONTE BIANCO

The route of the Skyway, the Mont-Blanc cable car inaugurated in 2015, is nothing short of spectacular. It runs from Courmayeur to Chamonix, gliding over the mer de glace glacier before reaching the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m), which connects to the French resort. The first ascent from Courmayeur is in state-of-the-art round gondolas, which turn on themselves for panoramic views, to the Pavillon du Mont Fréty, 2,173 metres above sea level. The second section, in the same type of cabins, climbs to the Pointe Helbronner station, at an altitude of 3,466 metres, linked to the Aiguille du Midi.

Pavillon du mont Fréty (2,173 m). Here you'll find the Pavillon restaurant, a bar, stores, the Cave du Mont-Blanc serving Blanc de Morgex and de la Salle, a cinema and the Saussurea alpine botanical garden. The Pavillon restaurant serves Valle d'Aosta cuisine on a sun terrace surrounded by majestic peaks. The view is spectacular over Courmayeur and the two side valleys, Vény and Ferret. In summer, it's possible to take a panoramic walk: the four paths in the oasis of the Pavillon du Mont Fréty are the ideal place to contemplate the landscape. You can also visit the Saussurea alpine botanical garden.

Helbronner Point (3,462 m) and Torino Hut. In the midst of eternal ice and just below the King of the Alps, a futuristic building awaits tourists who have come for the incredible panorama. A circular panoramic observatory allows you to enjoy the position of the Col du Géant, which opens up to both the Chamonix and Valle d'Aosta sides. Here you can visit the permanent crystal exhibition. Over 150 crystals and minerals from the Mont Blanc massif are on display, including hyaline, smoky and rock crystals, as well as morion quartz. Another section recounts the history of crystal makers - a high-risk profession that still existed in the last century - or gemstone seekers. From Mont-Blanc to Dent du Géant, the scenery is truly magnificent. Europe's "4,000" can be seen on the horizon: the Matterhorn, Mont-Rose and Grand-Paradis. You can also enjoy lunch on the Glacier terrace, where you can sample regional specialities such as fontina, bacon and mocetta sandwiches, and take home souvenirs of the high mountains. From this terrace on the roof of Europe, you can't get enough of the magnificent 360° panorama of the peaks. Winter and summer alike, you can walk on the snow and stroll around the glacier area, as well as enjoy the solarium. Below, you'll find a bistro, a bookshop, an exhibition of local crystals and the departure station for the Aiguille du Midi cable car. In addition, a long elevator pierces the rock to take you down to the Refuge Torino (3,375 m), some 100 m below.

Trails. In summer, several hiking trails leave from the Pavillon du Mont Fréty and the Refuge Torino. Departing from the Pavillon, the Brenva trails offer something for every type of hiker, allowing you to admire the profile of Mont Blanc from different vantage points. One of these is the easy "sentier des Géants", which leads from the old Torino hut to the terrace of the new hut, offering a splendid panorama of Mont Blanc.