A cold wind whips at us as we step out onto the viewing platform at Pointe Helbronner on the Mont Blanc Massif. Just moments ago, we were snug in the warmth of the gondola and I’m dressed for the summer day that it is, in a light fleece over a wool T–shirt. Now, we’re fumbling to pull on waterproof jackets, hats and gloves.
There are errors. A couple from Lithuania has forgotten to bring gloves, so we scramble to find extra pairs and fortunately, two of us read the instructions to bring both a light and a warm pair. An Israeli woman left her sunglasses at the hotel and with the glare up here, to go out on the glacier without them would be dangerous. One of our guides, Alain from France, produces an extra set from his backpack.
