Yes, we did ski off the tram. It’s not what you think. There are lots of easier terrain off the tram. Probably not evident during the summer.
That photo was taken back in 1983. Our first time in Chamonix. European skiing was a bit rougher around the edges back then. We reserved a guide for a day to ski the glacier off the tram. It dumped more than a foot of snow on the scheduled day. Everything was closed and the guide had to cancel. Things cleared the next day. Couldn’t find a guide the next day so we took the tram up anyway. Needless to say, we were young and stupid. We followed couple other groups down the glacier. Had a great time. Knowing what I know now, we should’ve waited for a day when a local guide was available.
The most challenging part of the skiing the glacier was getting to it. After the tram, we had to go down a long set of metal stairs and walked along a rock tunnel before we saw day light. Then comes the interesting part. A long knife edge like ledge that was about 250 feet long with extremely steep and long drop offs on both sides. The ledge was may be about 18” wide. Wide enough for skier to trudge along single file on ski boots. There were several 1” thick re-bars with a loop on top set into the rock along one side of the ledge. Threaded through the top loops of re-bars was a very thick rope. About 1-1/4” in diameter. Skier would hold their skis on the shoulder with one hand, their poles with the other and trudge along holding the rope for dear life. Yeah, I know that is three hands. Not an easy task. Keep in mind the rope is only on one side of the ledge.
To kick it up a notch, there are several French dudes with half harness clipped to the rebars, stomping around the slope on the outside of the rope yelling something in French at everyone. Even without a translator, I can tell they are telling us to move our ass.
The run down the glacier was rather uneventful. Beautiful scenery.
I have seen a recent photo of the same access to the glacier. It is a platformed walkway about 6 feet wide with metal railing on both sides. Kinda takes the fun out of things.
Me on the platform off the tram. As I said, young and stupid. The view is just amazing.
Skiing the glacier. Beautiful scenery.
Some not so pretty stuff on the glacier.
Have gone back to Chamonix several other trips. But the first time always sticks in our mind.
We have been talking about a winter in Europe for a couple seasons now. Probably will happen in a few once we figure out the logistics.