Vallee Blanche Overnight at the Cosmiques hut

Located by the Col du Midi and at the foot of Aiguille du Midi, at 3613 meters above sea level, the Cosmiques hut is one of a kind. Second highest mountain hut in France after the refuge du Goûter (3 815m), it once was a laboratory for the study of cosmic rays. The current structure was built in 1991 and is now operated by the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. In its basement, the refuge still hosts research activities carried out by the National Centre for Scientific Research. A night at the refuge des Cosmiques guarantees a total immersion in the high mountain world, where the sunrise and sunset are unforgettable.

Aiguille du Midi summit - 3,842m. Panoramic views of Mont-Blanc and 4,000m peaks: Grandes Jorasses, Dent du Géant, Aiguille Verte... A breathtaking landscape featuring glaciers and rocky peaks. The descent from Aiguille du Midi, equipped with fixed ropes in the winter season, provides access to the Vallée Blanche ski route: 23 kilometers and 2,000 meters of elevation gain in an exceptional glacial environment. Skiing across slopes and bowls, you'll navigate through seracs and crevasses. Optionally, take a lunch break at Refuge du Requin, facing the impressive serac fall of Glacier du Géant. At the snout of Mer de Glace, two options for returning to Chamonix exist. Traditionally, the cable car from the glacier connects you to the Montenvers train, then Chamonix. With excellent snow conditions, skiing down to the valley is possible. A walk of about 25 minutes with an elevation gain of 200 meters is required to reach Mottets Hut at 1,650m before continuing on skis.

In case of bad weather conditions on the first day, which prevent access to the Cosmiques refuge, the night will be spent at the Torino refuge (3,375 m), reached via the Skyway cable car in Italy. On the second day, the descent of the Vallée Blanche will begin from Pointe Helbronner.