Off The Midi

Accessing the route is easy—it drops immediately below the cables of the famed Aiguille du Midi, making it a contender for the most extreme lift-served run on the planet. Easy access yields competition, however. On those days when the snow is perfect, taking the lift can be an art in itself; fighting the crowds to be first in line, positioning yourself to get a good look at the route and the snow conditions and still being able to get out of the lift and first to arrive at the top of the line… It’s all part of the unique Chamonix experience. If/when the stars align: Ski out of the lift station onto the north side of the arête—French for “sharp mountain ridge.” Traversing to the right brings you to the entrance of the route, a short but steep pitch that provides access to the hanging glacier.

Photo courtesy of Cham Lines