Nowadays the valley's complex transportation infrastructure takes people up to peaks like the Aiguille du Midi and past freeway-size glaciers like La Mer de Glace via téléphériques, télécabines (gondolas), télésièges (chairlifts), and narrow-rail cars. Aiguille du Midi is a 12,619-foot granite peak topped with a needlelike observation tower. The world's highest cable car soars 12,000 feet up the Aiguille du Midi, providing positively staggering views of 15,700-foot Mont Blanc, Europe's loftiest peak. Be prepared for a lengthy wait, both going up and coming down—and wear warm clothing.
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