My partner and I, we are both passionate about photography and outdoors, with a special draw for mountains. Some time ago, we’ve decided to have a romantic week camping, just two of us. Nothing strange so far, excepting maybe the fact we’ve decided to pitch our tent on a glacier in the French Alps.
We took the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi at 3842m, climbed down to the glacier on a dangerously dry ridge-line with 30 kg backpacks each, to eventually sleep for one week at -15 degrees Celsius. You might ask yourself now, where is the romantic part? After a few freezing, stormy nights, with strong winds threatening to tear the tent apart, and forbidding sounds of thunders all around us, I was asking myself the same question. Until magic happened!
After almost a week of snowy, dark nights, finally it cleared up, and thousands of tiny, glittering lights illuminated the firmament! From the remote place where we were, away from the light pollution caused by the cities we could see the starry sky as we’ve never seen it before. In a flash, I've been amazed, enchanted and bewitched by its infinite, overwhelming beauty, feelings that can only be overpowered by the immense happiness to be able to share such an experience with the person you love. The long-waiting romantic moment was finally happening and it felt truly wonderful and unique!
Important note: glacier traverse or any other alpine activity is inherently hazardous! If you have no experience, always go with a mountain guide or an experienced mountaineer! It also implies a good level of fitness and being properly equipped!
More info: life-nature-adventure.com
Under the moonlight
Basecamp in the vicinity of the La Tour Ronde, on Geant glacier.
A snapshot of a mountaineer's life
Brewing a hot tea to warm up in front of our tent! On the right side one can see the lights of the Cosmique refuge. In the background the glimmering lights of alpinists ascending the north face of Mont Blanc du Tacul.
Alpinists climbing the Mont Blanc du Tacul
The trails of light left by the alpinists' head-torches on the Famous Three Mounts Route (Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc).
A billion-star hotel
View over the Italian side of the Alps, with some light pollution coming from the Torino refuge and the city of Courmayeur.
Finding a better spot for photographing
In the background, the distinct shape of the Giant’s Tooth and Grandes Jorasses, marking the border between France and Italy.
The Milky Way stretching across the firmament
The Giant’s Tooth under a magical starry sky
Basecamp next to Aiguille D’Entrèves
View over the French side of the Alps, with the lights of Aiguille du Midi in the middle of the frame.
A summer starry sky above Aiguille de Bionnassay, France
The lights of Courmayeur, Italy
