Piton Nord of Aiguille du Midi, Alpine summit in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Piton Nord is the northern peak of Aiguille du Midi, rising to 3,795 meters and framed by views of Mont Blanc and surrounding ice fields. The summit sits above Chamonix valley, offering a vantage point across the entire Alpine range.
The cable car system to Piton Nord was completed in 1955, achieving a record vertical ascent of 2,807 meters from Chamonix valley. This engineering feat opened a high alpine summit to the wider public for the first time.
The summit serves as a starting point for mountaineers attempting the Three Monts route to Mont Blanc, connecting French alpine traditions with modern tourism.
Visitors reach this summit via a two-stage cable car journey starting from Chamonix. Warm clothing and sun protection are necessary due to extreme altitude and intense high-altitude sun exposure.
The terminal station features an elevator carved through rock and a 32-meter steel gallery that encircles the mountain peak. This design lets visitors experience the sheer exposure and isolation of the extreme altitude directly.
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