Turin to Chamonix by train + cable car
 

I have read several postings mentioning this, but they're mostly vague and/or old. Can anyone tell me the specifics of how to cross the alps from Turin to Chamonix? (NOT driving). We're going to be in Italy in early July, so hopefully weather will permit this. If not, what is the best backup plan? Thanks very much

gailc

There is a bus service that runs between Courmayeur and Chamonix through the Mont-Blanc tunnel. Perhaps you can work on getting to Courmayeur from Torino.

s

Thanks, that's good to know. We really have our hearts set on taking cable cars over the alps, if at all possible. Here's another question: since we are planning to come by train from Venice the day before, would it make more sense to go straight to Aosta, rather than Turin?

I don't know what's vague about the data and references at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35009026.

From Aosta (and you want to start this jaunt as close to Courmayeur as possible, so I'd overnight there) there are reasonably frequent buses to Courmayeur, ditto on to La Palud (both timetables at the savda site) and lengthy information about tyhe lengthy crossing at the Compagnie du Mont Blanc site.

Assuming you get up early enough and plan properly, you're unlikely to miss the connections. BUT there is a serious risk the Valee crossing will be suspended because of weather. You're then exposed to the possibility (though it's unlikely) of getting back to Courmayeur after the last bus to Chamonix.

With the crippling cost of cross-border taxis, you might want a backup plan involving knowing how to get a hotel in Courmayeur.

Sorr-ry! I don't know how I missed that thread in my searching. That is a BIG help, and I will plan ahead for all of those contingencies! Thanks so much.

The tiny few-person gondolas that i rode across the Mer du (de) Glace were so small that i don't know how much luggage you could carry in them.

We will probably each have a small-to-medium backpack and a very small roller suitcase. Do you think that's too much? Another idea might be to take the bus through the tunnel, and then since we'll have about a day and a half in Chamonix, we could just take the cable ride roundtrip to Aiguille du Midi. Does that seem more sensible?

I think you'd be OK with that amount of luggage - i guess i would ask the lower lift in Courmayeur about the tinier gondolas over the Mer de Glace.

From Chamonix you'd take the excursion across the mer de Glace to pointe heilbrunner and back - no need to go all way down to Courmayer-Entreves.

But would be much cheaper just going the way you originally envisioned and i don't want to scotch that notion because i'm not sure i remember how much luggage could go in the gondolas, just remembering when i took them i wondered about that.

Gailc,

I didn't see anywhere in your posts of how people in your group of "we". We (4 of us) were thinking of doing the same thing last trip to Europe, but when we saw the size of the cars over the Mer de Glace and the fact that it takes 45 minutes, we were glad we dscided to take the train around the mountain the next day. This is yet another option to get to Chamonix. The town is beautiful and you can take only so much cable car travel. Have fun, whatever you decide.

Greg

Just want to say thanks again to all you helpful people. The trip over the alps was SPECTACULAR! We couldn't have asked for better weather, and the picture-taking was great. The trip was a present to my nephew for his high school graduation, so this part of the trip came after 2 days in London and 5 days in Venice, with a VERY long train trip from Venice to Aosta the day before. But this was really the highlight, I think, and I would really recommend it to anyone who wants to score big with a teenager! Even our small amount of luggage was a bit of a pain sometimes, but we sometimes just dumped our bags in a corner (the non-valuables, anyway) figuring no one else would want to be burdened with it either! And for the ride over the Mer de Glace - it actually wasn't overly busy, so the operator gave the two of us a gondola all to ourselves.

If anyone is interested, here is a link to my photos on Flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/gailcnyc/se...7601174686117/

Hi gailc. I loved your photos. Where did you stay in Chamonix? Did you like it?

Laura, thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. We stayed at Hotel de l'Arve (same name as the river than runs through the town). It was very clean & comfortable, and really nice staff. Cozy, sort of ski-lodge type rooms, and lounging rooms off the lobby, with computers for internet access. I would definitely recommend it.

Can one take the cable car from Courmayeur to the 45 minute point and then back to Courmayeur? We will be driving up from Cogne to Courmayeur just for the day cable car trip and then back to Cogne.

Yes - but it's better to go all the way to the Aiguille du Midi & back as that's the section with the best views

Plus when I was there they had some rather cute marmot hand puppets which, given the amount of attention it gets, is probably the best souvenir I've bought in 20 years of travel (you can also get them in Chamonix)