The Grandes Jorasses is one of the mythical mountains of the Alps, between France and Italy. In the Mont-Blanc massif, it's a long, tapering ridge almost a kilometer long, with some of its peaks standing out:
- The highest point, at 4,208 metres, is Pointe Walker.
- Pointe Whymper, at 4,184 m.
- Pointe Croz, 4,110 m.
- Pointe Hélène, at 4,045 m.
- Pointe Marguerite, 4,066 m.
- Then Pointe Young, 3,996 m.
The Grandes Jorasses are one of 82 peaks in the Alps over 4,000 metres high.
Mountaineering in the Grandes Jorasses
The first ascent of Pointe Whymper took place on June 24, 1865. Looking only for a view of the Aiguille Verte, the team of Edward Whymper, Michel Croz, Christian Almer and Franz Biner never made it to the summit.
On June 30, 1868, Horace Walker, Melchior Anderegg, Johann Jaun and Julien Grange made the first ascent to the summit of Pointe Walker.
Les Grandes Jorasses is a mythical mountain well known to mountaineers. In the Mont-Blanc massif, its reputation stems above all from its 1,200-metre-high north face, one of the largest granite faces in the Alps. It forms part of the famous trilogy of the "three great north faces of the Alps", along with the Eiger and the Matterhorn.
This north face has long been considered one of the "great challenges of the Alps". It was first climbed in 1935 by Martin Meier and Rudolf Peters, using the Croz Spur route. Today, it can be climbed on many different routes, but all are extremely difficult.
Panoramic view of the Grandes Jorasses
For those who want to get as close as possible to the Grandes Jorasses, there's another option. A unique flight from the Aiguille du Midi to Pointe Helbronner, near the north face of the Grandes Jorasses.
A breathtaking journey to the heights, with panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Grandes Jorasses in particular.
Aiguille du Midi gondola lift
To get to this famous gondola, you first have to get to the Aiguille du Midi, one of the region's must-sees for over 60 years, with a view of the mountains from one of the highest peaks in the Mont-Blanc massif.
From the center of Chamonix, take the first cable car up to the Plan de l'Aiguille in 10 minutes. A first stop at an altitude of 2,310 metres.
A second gondola takes you up to the Aiguille du Midi in 10 minutes, at an altitude of 3,777 metres. A 360° panorama of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps awaits you.
From here, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc, the mountains and the valley. To reach the summit terrace, at 3,842 metres, you need to take an elevator. From up there, the view of Mont-Blanc is breathtaking. You can also take advantage of the Aiguille du Midi's most famous attraction: the Pas dans le Vide. A glass cage perched at an altitude of 1,000 metres, overlooking the snow-covered massifs.
Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola
Arrive at Aiguille du Midi, 3,777 m above sea level, and board one of the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cabins to reach Pointe Helbronner, 3,466 m above sea level in Italy.
During the 50-minute crossing, the eggs stop several times to give you time to appreciate the high mountain scenery. Above the Vallée Blanche and the Glacier du Géant, between white and blue, admire the glaciers, crevasses and seracs below. Look up and admire the majestic Grandes Jorasses.
A round trip or a one-way ticket to Italy, for a magical journey through the immensity of the glaciers. Memories to last a lifetime.
Practical information
If you're heading for the high mountains, be sure to bring warm clothes, even in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen.
For their own safety, gondolas are forbidden to children under 5.
Please refer to the table and notes that correspond to your visit. Departure times and frequency may vary according to the time of year and the number of visitors.
Finally, don't forget to bring your passport or identity card, as you'll be arriving in Italy at Punta Helbronner.
Opening hours and prices
Please note that the Aiguille du Midi and Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondolas do not have the same timetables or prices. Timetables vary according to the season.
Aiguille du Midi gondola lift
The Aiguille du Midi gondola is open from May to November, weather permitting.
The times and frequency of lifts vary according to the season and the number of visitors. Generally speaking, there are cabins every 15 or 30 minutes, the gondola opens at 8.10am and the last lift is at 4.30pm.
Prices :
- Adults (aged 15 to 64): return ticket €67, one-way ticket €51.
- Young people and Seniors (5 to 14 and 65+): return ticket €57, one-way ticket €43.40.
- Family (2 adults + 2 to 5 children): return €207.80.
Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola
The Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola is open from June to September, weather permitting.
Lift times vary according to the season and the number of visitors. Generally speaking, the gondola opens at 8am and the last lift is at 3:45pm.
Prices :
- Adults (aged 15 to 64): round trip €100, one-way ticket €83.
- Young people and seniors (aged 5 to 14 and 65+): round trip €85, one-way ticket €71.
- Family (2 adults + 2 to 5 children): round-trip €310.
