Massive Rockfall on Classic Cosmiques in Chamonix

La Chamoniarde is advising climbers to avoid the classic alpine route Cosmiques Arete in Chamonix due to a massive rockfall.

Part of the south face broke apart on Aug. 22, a day after a section of the route was reportedly moving.

La Chamoniarde, the Chamonix-based mountain rescue group has stated, “Mountain professionals (mountain guides, mountain rescue squads and scientists) strongly advise against climbing this route.”

On same days, the route will have up to 100 climbers ascend its snow slopes and short granite cracks. It famously tops out on the summit of Aiguille du Midi via a ladder.

There has been a number of large rockfalls in the Alps this summer, likely due to the above-normal temperatures and record-breaking heat waves.

In 2005, the Bonatti Pillar, a famous 600-metre alpine route in the Alps, washed away from the side of the Drus in a series of rockfalls over a number of months.

According to some, Cosmiques Arete won’t be climbable again this season.