First Impressions at Aiguille du Midi

To ascend to the height of 3,479 m is both amazing and frightful at the same time. Some begin to experience hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues due to lower atmospheric pressure. But the views from the top are simply stunning! All around can be seen the Swiss and Italian Alps. The Chamonix valley disappears below. The skiers appear as little ants/fleas in comparison to the sheer size of the mountains. It is a humbling experience.