Pointe du Charbonnier, Alpine summit in Vanoise massif, Savoie, France.
Pointe du Charbonnier is a summit in the Vanoise massif standing at 3,311 meters with a northern face shaped by glacial ice. The ascent crosses steep alpine terrain and requires technical equipment and mountaineering experience to navigate safely.
The peak was named after charcoal makers who worked in the surrounding valleys, connecting the mountain to the region's traditional livelihood. This naming reflects how the high Alps were linked to the daily work and economy of communities living below.
The Leisse mountain shelter serves as a traditional starting point for mountaineers attempting to reach the summit.
Summer months offer the best climbing conditions when snow coverage is minimal and routes are most accessible to climbers. Start early in the day and monitor weather changes closely, as conditions in the high Alps shift rapidly and unpredictably.
A glacial lake formed recently below the summit as melting ice created a growing pool of water where the glacier once extended. Climbers descending can see this lake take shape year by year, offering a direct view of how alpine landscapes are transforming today.
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