Balancing on a ridge close to Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix. (Photo: K. Öhman)

It was thrilling to explore the infamous Mt. Blanc massif for several days in cold solitude in October. The contrast to the high season was huge: in August up to two hundred people can be seen pushing towards the summit.

Mt. Blanc is not known for technically difficult climb, not even the "harder routes", but for its beauty. But the beauty has became leathal for many: every year some thirty people die on the slopes of Mt. Blanc.

I descended to Chamonix by foot along the glaciers - not for personal choice but a surprising maintenance stop-off of the cable car. A nerve wrecking journey through the crevassed areas.

Was happy to share the journey with photographer Kim Öhman, who inspired me for this excellent journey. Unfortunately he experienced some healt-related problems and had to abort his climb.

Also got to know the charming village of Courmayeur in the Italian side of the Mt. Blanc massif. The Italian routes to Mt. Blanc will satisfy also the more skilled mountaineers.

I will contribute a major report on Mt. Blanc for Mondo magazine. Several online reports have been published online at Image.fi. Also a radio appearance and a presentation at the largest travelling fair in the Nordic countries, Fair 2006, took place.