punta helbronner - funivie monte bianco

An experience not to be missed. A small historic ski lift (and a stark contrast to the more modern ones at Dolonne and Cormayeur) and it will be gone later this year when the new state of the art ski lift is finished and in service. On the weekday we went up (non-skiers) it was very quiet and our travelling companions seemed to be hard core skiers who were able to cope (hopefully!) with the off piste terrain. As we understood it there are no ski runs for the less able. At the first stop (Pavillion) there is a small snack bar and restaurant and an outside terrace. Going higher to Torino there is a viewing platform only, and then many steps (280?) to go up a further 40 metres to the new Torino level. The very cold temperature (minus 21c) and claustrophobic, steep nature of the staircase (!) made us disinclined to go higher to the second Torino level. It is not possible yet to get to the top at Punta Helbronner. For non-skiers there are apparently walking trails available in summer and an Alpine Garden. The new lift and stations are scheduled to be operative summer 2015. That may change the character of the experience altogether making it more touristy. I think we paid 30 euros return.

Built in 1938 this hisotric life and one of Europe's highest is a great experience. The views are incredible and on top the air is thin and you feel as if you can reach out and touch the top of Mont Blanc. This classic cable car will be closed down soon being replaced by an expensive and modern mass people mover, so the Funivie is special as it is small and you will enjoy the views with only a few people. At the final stop there are some steps to climb and the air is thin so don't be surprised if you're a bit puffed. You can enjoy a drink at either the split level or the top.

Brilliant Day. Splendid view and the 280 steps up to the Rifugio Torino... each one worth it!!Easy to reach from La Salle by Public Transport. Nice bar and restaurant to reward your effort and warm up with large choices of small snack and full meal, It is definitely a must!

My husband and I and our little dog took this cable car up the mountain mainly for the views and to take photographs. We do not ski but found the ride smooth and well worth the price. It is expensive to take the trip but there are restaurants on top so even if you are not into skiing its worth doing. We could only go to the first level as we had our dog with us, however if you like you can go to the very top of the mountain which takes 4 stages of lift changes but from what I am told is quite spectacular. They are working on a funivie called Skyway which at this writing is not complete however it will be absolutely amazing when completed as the cable cars will be 360 degree glass and the stations will have glass floors giving the passengers unbelievable views of the alps and surrounding country side.

Breathtaking, no doubt. The scenery, the ascent, the speed. The staff is knowledgeable and keen to answer questions and illustrate the marvels of the panorama, with great precision and kindness. The distance is split into two legs, each very long and almost vertical; at the end of the second leg you still have to climb over 100 metal step to reach the mountain lodge, Rifugio Torino, at 3380 m a.s.l. You may become short of breath, due to the rapidity of the ascent and the thinness of the air. Just take it easy and climb slowly. It is worth the effort, when you walk out into the panoramic terrace and embrace dozens of Europe's tallest mountains at 360°. Beauty unbound.For the privilege, you must be prepared to pay 35 euros if you want to stay the whole day or 26 euros for half a day. Takes your breath away, doesn't it?

still under construction completion date due 2015 summer however the lift to the Torrino hut allows you access onto the Glacier for skiing and climbing .From there the Helbronner is visible and very impressive how construction is carried out at 3500m

It is an amazing and beautiful view from the top of mountain blanc/mont bianco. We took cable car from La Palud to Rifugio torino (3375 m), it cost us 30 euro per person round trip. There is a terrace, torino hut where you can enjoy the scenery but it takes 228 steps to reach which are steep. But yes you must go there if you are there. It is an wonderful view of surrounding mountains and valley.

If you wish to experience stunning views, do not miss this funicular. It definitely worths the price!

The whole journey up to the top takes around 20 minutes but during peak hours, it might take at least 2 hours to queue up. Once you are up there, the view is excellent. But be prepared for a long waiting time. Once you get to the top, you would either turn left taking the stairs or turn right taking the mountain trail. It is actually a loop. I prefer to go up via the mountain trail and come down via the 280 stairs.

Spectacular views and ski tracks. Loved every bits of it!!! We were so lucky with the weather. it was a gorgeous day with a limpid sky so that we could admire the valleys and the picks surrounding us and, of course, the majestic Monte Bianco!

What a stunning place to come skiing ! You're right on the border between Italy & France so you can choose to ski down from the top either back in to Courmayeur or by skiing the Vallée Blanche down to Chamonix in France. You should hire a mountain guide unless you're very experienced and familiar with this area.

Just go on a clear day and have the view of your life! We took the cable car and it wasn't a long wait cos it was off season. We met a few hell skiers at the same time probably trying to ski over to France or do the sky ski!. We stopped halfway to view the rocks collection. Nothing much but it was also for our body to get acclimatized. Then the last led took us all the way for the best view of the roof of the alps. As the weather was perfect, we could see as far as the eye can see and it's one of those memorable views that stays with you for life!

Worth visiting in good weather ! This is in the Italian side of mountain and the funivia is covered, not open one.....

We spent a week around the Mont Blanc in France and Italy, so we had very clear days, and cloudy days. We were in Courmayeur on a nice but cloudy day (invisible summit all day, but a lot of sunshine otherwise). So we decided only to go up to the first stop of the old lift. I'd say it's about time the whole thing is renovated, when you compare this with some of the infrastructure in France. Nevertheless, the place has a certain charm and the price is reasonable. Even going up "just" to the first station is well worth it to see the lesser summits and to view the Aosta valley. You really should decide on going to the intermediate station or the top station based on the weather - I think we would have been disappointed paying the full charge to the top and then not actually seeing much of the glacier and the summits due to the clouds. But I agree with most reviewers, this IS a must when you are on "the sunny side of Mont Blanc" as they call it here. It's a shame they want you to pay an additional fee to visit the botanical garden up at the first station - that should really be included in the price...

Even in July there was still snow and ice at the Refuggio Torino Nuovo, 200 steps above the end of the cable car. The views were stunning but the cable cars were crowded and cramped, which is presumably why a new cable car is currently under construction.