What's New in Chamonix?

Helicoptered back to Chamonix in time for tea photo source: Le Dauphiné Libéré

Passengers on the Montenvers Mer de Glace train were treated to an impromptu helicopter ride over the Chamonix valley yesterday afternoon (Sunday) after two landslides prevented the train from making its return journey.

The first landslide happened early on Sunday morning in between the Paravalanche des Fers and the Caillet intersection; about an hour’s hike from the Mer de Glace train station. The first train of the day was cancelled and an announcement was made that no trains would run until midday, when the debris had been cleared from the track.

However, once the train service had resumed a further landslide fell at around 3.30pm, blocking the track and leaving around 120 people stranded at the Mer de Glace. Making your own way down on foot was forbidden due to the risk of further landslides and so as not to hinder the clean-up team.

The PGHM sprang into action and mobilised two helicopters to ferry people back down to the Désert Blanc area of the Bois des Bouchets – an extra excursion that isn’t usually included on your train ticket!

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