I’m in Chamonix at the moment for the BAIML (British Association of International Mountain Leaders) annual meeting. We have the AGM, a few days training and put the world to rights over a few beers!

The Drus glowing red in the late afternoon sun

I’ve never actually been to Chamonix before so I came a few days early to explore the area a bit. Today I went hiking on a section of the Tour de Mont Blanc. The full trail that is a complete loop of the Mint Blanc – today I just did a short section called the Gand Balcon Sud which is south of Chamonix and gives superb views over the Mont Blanc massif.

The amazing Auguile de Midi cable car station

A beautiful days hiking. Started with a somewhat strenuous 1000 metre ascent out of Chamonix to reach the trail, but then a lovely traverse at around 2000 metres with just great views the whole way.

There’s not too much snow but at 2000 metres I was hiking in the snow most of the day.

The Balcon Sud

For me the mountain of the day wasn’t in fact Mont Blanc but the Drus – an amazing pillar of rock. It reminded me of the Patagonian spires of Torres and Fitzroy and the late evening light caught it perfectly.

A great days hiking and made me want to come back and have a look at more of the Tour de Mont Blanc. Tomorrow a days ski mountaineering….