Aiguille du Moine, Alpine summit in Mont Blanc massif, France.
Aiguille du Moine is a rock and ice summit reaching 3412 meters in the Mont Blanc massif. The peak sits wedged between three major glaciers - Mer de Glace, Leschaux, and Talèfre - that shape its surroundings.
The mountain was first climbed on September 22, 1871, by a team led by Jean Charlet-Straton and including Isabella Straton. This early ascent demonstrated that challenging alpine peaks could be reached through organized mountaineering.
The name refers to a monk, reflecting local alpine tradition and storytelling. Climbers from around the world come here to test their skills on routes that have become central to mountaineering culture in the region.
The Couvercle shelter offers accommodation at altitude for climbers preparing for the summit. Start your approach early and carry sufficient water and safety gear, as conditions change quickly on this exposed terrain.
Professional mountaineer Jean-Marc Boivin made the first ski descent of the southeast face on April 17, 1987. This daring feat highlighted how extreme mountaineering can push the boundaries of what seems possible on steep alpine terrain.
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