Expedition to the Future – Day 6: A Day Above the Clouds (Without Clouds) – ISST's Journey to Mont Blanc

On May 29th, while Switzerland observed a public holiday and the lecture halls at CERN stayed quiet, students from Riga Technical University's International School of Science and Technology (ISST) seized the opportunity for adventure. Our destination? Chamonix, a charming alpine town nestled in a valley beneath Europe’s highest peak — Mont Blanc, often called the Roof of Europe.

We left CERN bright and early, boarding a bus at 6:45 for the scenic ride to Chamonix in France. As we arrived, the town welcomed us with perfect weather: clear skies, warm sunshine, and sweeping views of the mountains. Towering above it all stood Mont Blanc, 4806 meters high — a majestic and unforgettable sight.

Our goal was simple: hike as close to the summit as we could. The trail we chose led us through lush forest paths, steadily climbing in elevation and offering spectacular views at every turn. We caught spectacular views of the Bossons Glacier (Glacier des Bossons), the famous Aiguille du Midi, and Mont Blanc itself — some of the most breathtaking landscapes not just in Europe, but anywhere in the world.

The hike was both challenging and rewarding, with varied terrain that kept things interesting. After several hours of climbing, we reached a point where snow covered the path ahead. There, on a panoramic outcrop overlooking the Chamonix valley and the jagged peaks of Aiguille du Midi, we paused for a well-earned picnic.

Rested and filled with awe, we made our way back down, buzzing with stories, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment. The round trip took about five hours, and though our legs were tired, our spirits were high.

We wrapped up the day with some well-deserved burgers in Chamonix before heading back to Geneva. It was after 22:00 when we finally returned to CERN — exhausted, exhilarated, and already reminiscing about one of the most memorable days of our trip.