Aiguille du Midi

Unwary mountaineers should refrain or hire a high mountain guide

Specific Regulations

Site prohibited from takeoff and overflight in July and August by ministerial decree.** (`SUP AIP 120/21 LF-R 30 B`)

Flight conditions

It is possible to fly all day depending on weather conditions. It is best to fly during low pressure (Anticyclonic effect) or light weather flow from north to northwest or south. Make sure you pay attention to the cable car closing times in case take-off is not possible; give yourself plenty of time to hike back up the arrette to the cable car departure. Many an alpinist has slept on the hard floor of the cable car station because they missed the last car down. 

Dangers & difficulties

• High altitude takeoff (good physical condition required).

• Be careful of the lack of lift due to altitude.

• High mountain aerology (weather system).

• Takeoff on a glacier, very exposed atmosphere, especially from the northern takeoff where it is a sheer drop of 3,000 feet.

• Crevasses downstream of the two takeoffs.

Level

Experienced pilot, excellent take-off control and favorable conditions.

Landing

Bois du Bouchet

Layout

None

Access

Aiguille du Midi cable car (two sections), and 30 minutes of walking with crampons down the very exposed arette, heading north to a flat area to the east above the glaciers. It is unmarked with no fixed ropes in the summer, so we recommend being roped up to a mountain guide or experienced alpinist.