Hiking Chamonix - Break from the bike

With a little sunshine I needed to get out, but didn't feel I had time for a good ride.  I decided to change it up and opted for a jog/hike/walk...ok more of a crawl.  Chamonix calls itself the Mountaineering Capitol of the World, so why not partake in the main event and venture up the mountain.  I'm not prepared for climbing, so more of a hike for me.  I'd like to consider it trail running, but we know that didn't happen. 

Straight up!

Passing through the town center you can see hikers everywhere.



Local church




Town center

  

I took the route up directly under the lift to "Planpraz", then to the right, and back down loosely following the curved black line.

The route was small, tight switchbacks about 2/3 the way up.



Towards the top was the shortest of a respectable trail.  Don't let the picture fool you though.  One misstep and it's a long roll down.

Views from the top of this peak:

Do I always look this haggard?













Some of the gang would love to hit this on their mountain bikes:

back home

From the bottom of the lift to the top was about 30% on the switchbacks.  About 3,000 feet over less than 2 miles.