 Poster: A snowHead
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We are thinking of taking some friends up there tomorrow. Is there readily accessible shelter and coffee up there, without having to hike anywhere? One of our friends has recently been very ill (burst brain aneurysm) and his hiking capacity is still pretty limited, but he can walk for 45 minutes or so if it's not too steep or balance-challenging.
Weather forecast is good, but I'll check with Chamonix Meteo in the morning.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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pam w, Hi, there's a cafe bar at the top, which should be open if the train's running - maybe check with the station? There's also the Hotel Montenvers which may be closed for the interseason. If not, it's a good lunch stop. 04 50 53 87 70
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Yep there is a cafeteria place at the terminal of the Montenvers train. The Mer de Glace train stops at the glacier which is good for a short visit into the glacier interior. You will be able to see the holes they dug out each year to see how much the glacier has moved year by year.
If your firend is strong enough there is a short walk on the top of the glacier, nothing strengous. In absolutely appalling weather you can still sip your coffee while admiring the great view of the glacier inside the cafeteria.
I last visted possibly 5 years ago but the substantial terminal building has always been there for years.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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saikee, under a new name, thanks - it sounds good. The lift down to the glacier, and the grotto thing is closed at the moment and looking at my map it's a steep climb between the glacier and the station. But a super view with a coffee sounds fine, and he should be strong enough for a short walk. 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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They provide ladders to get around between the glacier and the terminal buildings. The glacier the last time I saw was enjoyed by visitors of all ages. It was made a tourist attraction then.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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pam w, my wife took some friends there in the Summer and they were a bit underwhelmed as the glacier looks quite dirty down there and the Grotto was shut. They also took the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi which proved a bigger hit (but more expensive and high altitude).
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Are you in Chamonix at the moment, Pam?
For a short walk from Montenvers you can either -
go up to Forbes Signal - uphill though, but even 10 mins up that direction will take you here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaletlaforet/2935384020/sizes/l/
or go on the level path towards Plan de l'aiguille, turning back when you feel you've had enough
or follow the short nature/history trail signposted from the old hotel (about 1/2 hour)
The colours are lovely at the moment - just got back from le Chapeau on the other side and it was gorgeous!
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firebug, we're in Les Saisies. I was originally planning a round trip up to the Plan de l'Aiguille, then along that path and down the train. But I think up and down on the train would be safer - and I've not walked that path, though we did the "Balcon" the other side in the summer. Our neighbours did the walk from the Plan de l'Aiguille with their 5 year old, and looking at the map it's pretty easy, but I am keen not to take on too much with our friend.
thanks. Absolutely gorgeous photo - I think we could make it up there OK.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Ah we'll just miss you! We've just left.
Shelter is provided by the cafe, assuming it's open, but it's a lousy place. I can't think of much good to say about it except that it's warm. I highly recommend taking a thermos as they don't deserve anyone's hard-earned cash, and I've got really mulish about giving them money. It's forecast to be lovely so you're better off with sandwiches I reckon. Especially if it's anything like today - I was roasting! If the hotel is open that is a much better option but unlikely at the moment.
The station is at 1913 and Forbes Signal is at 2198 so up to you if this is OK for your friend - otherwise you can just go up a bit to the viewpoint I linked earlier and descend. It is really worth getting away from the station, even a few minutes makes a big difference.
You might pass the Temple of Nature too, behind the hotel, it's where Byron, Ruskin, Wordsworth, Shelley, etc used to hang out and it's just a little stone hut but rather sweet I think. You can see old engravings where its the only building there.
The balcon from Plan de l'aiguille to Montenvers is easier that the Balcon sud I'd say, but you are committed to finishing it once you've started so I think you are wise not to try it with someone recovering from a serious illness. Having said that I walked it at this time last year with my stepmother who's 75 so hopefully they'll be well enough for it soon!
Chambre neuf is a nice place for lunch by the railway station and opens a bit later than most places.
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firebug, thanks very much; great info. Have made the sandwiches. Our friend has decided it would be too long a day, with the drive both ends as well. So we might do the Plan de l'Aiguille path after all
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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 enjoy!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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We decided to do a return on the train, as it is a lot cheaper, and walked up to the Signal Forbes with a picnic. Just got back and cooked a steak for supper. Beautiful day! Many thanks for your help. I am keen to do the walk from the Plan de l'Aiguille - will probably have to be next summer.
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Sounds lovely!
For some reason known only to themselves the CMB keep very quiet about this, but you can get a return ticket to go back down at either end (Plan de l'Aiguille or Montenvers). I think it's actually the same ticket as normal - but they will accept it at each end. We've certainly gone back down from Montenvers with the return half of an Aiguille ticket.
It's always worth checking and asking when you buy it, in case things have changed, and once the cashier didn't know about it and had to call the office, but it will work. Why they don't advertise it I have no idea as it's something loads of people want to do.
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