Mont Froid, Mountain summit in Savoie, France
Mont Froid rises to 2,822 meters (9,259 feet) in the northern Cottian Alps with distinctive blackish schist formations and a gypsum base near the Italian border. The summit can be accessed via hiking trails and rewards climbers with panoramic views of surrounding mountain ranges and alpine lakes.
Between 1897 and 1906 French military forces built Fort du Mont-Froid to control passage through the alpine routes toward the Italian border. This fortification remains visible on the mountain and reflects France's historical focus on defending its southeastern frontier.
French mountain troops conduct regular winter training exercises at Mont Froid, maintaining a long tradition of alpine military preparation in the region.
Climbers can reach the summit from the Petit Mont Cenis refuge without technical climbing gear between June and mid-September if weather cooperates. Hikers should monitor conditions and adjust their equipment to the alpine terrain they will encounter.
A memorial cross marks the summit and honors the mountain's military past, while views stretch to the Massif de la Vanoise glaciers in the north and Lake Savine in the south. These distinctive landmarks at the top help visitors appreciate how deeply the mountain is tied to France's alpine story.
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