The Mont Blanc massif has millions of visitors annually. Most come during the summer season, and many want to go as high as possible. Last year, 200-300 people climbed Mont Blanc daily. Many lacked both respect for the mountain and experience.
- Last year there was a guide who was beaten and climbers who were pushed up on Mont Blanc's top cam. There it drops 1,000 meters straight down on each side. Then it was enough, says Chamonix Mayor Jean-Marc Peillex.
New rules are in place this year. To limit the number of mountaineers and to have full control over the visitors, a booking is required at one of Mont Blanc's overnight cabins.
- This year we have set up a mountain patrol. It is guides and former gendarmes from the mountain rescue who are employed by the municipality and will check that the alpinists have booked an overnight cabin, says Mayor Jean-Marc Peillex.