Chemin de fer aérien de l'Aiguille du Midi, Aerial tramway in Les Pélerins, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France.
The Aiguille du Midi aerial tramway is a cable car system that rises from Chamonix Valley to a high alpine peak. The route operates in two stages, climbing more than 2800 meters of elevation to reach the summit station.
The cable car began operation in 1924 and made high alpine terrain accessible to visitors. This project pioneered modern transport in the Alps and opened the mountains to wider public access.
The summit station houses exhibits about mountaineering history and alpine exploration that visitors can see. These displays tell stories of climbers and expeditions that have shaped how people experience the mountains.
The journey to the summit takes about 20 minutes with an intermediate stop along the way. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as temperatures at the top are significantly colder than in the valley.
This cable car holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent of any aerial tramway. No other system globally overcomes such a large elevation gain in a single or two-stage journey.
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