2023-07-05 -- Cable Cars of Mont Blanc

Most hiking and ski enthusiasts know Chamonix (1). Its breathtaking views of Europe's tallest mountain, Mont Blanc (2) (or Monte Bianco, as the Italians call it), are world-renowned.

Travel between France and Italy in this region has historically been challenging. Today, the Mont Blanc Tunnel (3) connects the two countries. This approximately 11.5 km (7.2 mile) tunnel requires a toll of around 65 Euros per vehicle, each way. To ensure safety, vehicles must adhere to a speed limit of 60 km/h and maintain a minimum distance from each other, guided by blue lights on the tunnel walls.

The tunnel, constructed at a lofty 1300 meters above sea level, offers a convenient route to the other side without the need to ascend to the dizzying heights of about 4500 meters.

But there's a far more exhilarating way to cross the border, especially for those unafraid of heights and confined spaces: cable cars.

As soon as any ski lift, cable car, or gondola begins its ascent, my heart races. While I’m not claustrophobic, I certainly don’t enjoy being packed in like sardines. I always strive for a window seat to savor the breathtaking views and to take pictures.

Decades ago, at the tender age of 21, I made the foolish decision, or forced, to co-design my first and last cable car. During the Iran-Iraq war, bridges were easy targets, and I was tasked with designing a cable car as an alternative. For me, it was merely a mathematical puzzle, a challenge to solve, and an opportunity to boast. However, I would never repeat such a reckless act endangering lives.

At the time, I had to consider the diameter and length of the cables, calculate the necessary sags with and without load, design the foundations, pulley system, passenger car, and other structural elements, and then oversee the implementation.

The sheer complexity of that design, fills me with a hundredfold more skepticism and anxiety today. I have the utmost respect for engineers who truly understand their craft. I'm confident that every safety factor has been meticulously implemented, far beyond the mere percentages we added to load factors and subtracted for material quality.

So, if you find yourself in Chamonix, prepare for a stylish journey to Italy! You'll have the opportunity to ride some of the world's coolest cable cars.

In France, the most accessible starting point is the Aiguille du Midi (4)Telepherique station.

You're going to embark on a two-phase journey, ascending in stages. First, you'll travel halfway in one car, and then transfer to another car to reach the summit.

Of course, once you reach the summit, assuming you're not as hesitant as I am to cross bridges between rocks, you'll want to right away ascend to the highest point to witness one of the most breathtaking views of your lifetime. (If you are like me, you can pretend you are enjoying scenery, until finally get used to the height, wind, and cold, and the devil who is pulling you down as we say in Farsi)

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even stand on a floating glass platform nearly 2.5 kilometers above Chamonix. I must admit, I wouldn't dare! Watching my family on the glass is scary enough for me.

Now, it's time to cross the border into Italy!

From the Aiguille du Midi, you'll embark on a breathtaking cable car journey across the Mont Blanc massif. This panoramic cable car offers stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the vast expanse of the Alps. As you soar above the clouds, you'll be transported to a world of icy beauty.

That's quite a thrilling ride! The Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway (6) sounds like an incredible experience. It's amazing to think you'll be soaring through the Alps, so close to Mont Blanc, in those tiny cars.

Imagine the breathtaking views you'll have of the glaciers, peaks, and valleys below. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Your destination is the Pointe Helbronner (5) in Italy. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a stunning panorama of the Italian Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc.

Ah, the eternal border dispute! It's a fascinating quirk of geography, isn't it? While the French and Italians may disagree on the exact location of the border at Pointe Helbronner, one thing's for sure: the views are undeniably stunning from either side.

It's a unique experience to be able to step across an international border so easily, especially in such a breathtaking setting.

The panoramic view from Pointe Helbronner is truly awe-inspiring. It's as if you're standing on the edge of the world, with a vast expanse of Italian peaks stretching out before you. It's no wonder it's considered one of the most breathtaking sights in the Alps.

The crystal-inspired architecture of the building is a fitting tribute to the region's geological wonders. It's incredible to think that many beautiful and valuable crystals are found in the mountains nearby.

While at the top of the mountain, you will learn history and formation of many crystals. The museum sounds like a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.

Now it's time to head south. You'll need to hop on another cable car, this time a modern marvel, to reach Courmayeur (7) in Italy.

Meet the Skyway Monte Bianco (8). It's long enough that you'll need to travel in two stages. First, you'll go to the halfway point, and then continue to the final destination. The cabins have a slightly larger capacity, plenty of glass, and, most importantly, they rotate 360 degrees between stations. This means you'll get a full panoramic view of the surroundings, twice!