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Cime du Gélas facts for kids

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Cime du Gélas
Monte Gelàs
Cime du Gélas, in winter, from Vallon de la Madone de Fenestre
Southern side of the Cime du Gélas
Highest point
Elevation 3,143 m (10,312 ft)
Prominence 669 m (2,195 ft)
Geography
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Location Piedmont, Italy
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
State/Province FR
Parent range Maritime Alps
Climbing
First ascent 1864
Easiest route snow/rock climb

The Cime du Gélas (also called Monte Gelàs in Italian) is a tall mountain. It stands 3,143 meters (about 10,312 feet) high. This impressive peak is located right on the border between France and Italy.

On the French side, it is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is the highest point in the Mercantour National Park. On the Italian side, it belongs to the Province of Cuneo. It is also part of the Maritime Alps Natural Park.

What's in a Name?

Monte Gelas
Cime du Gelàs

The name of the mountain, "Gélas," comes from an old local language. It means "to freeze." This name was given because of the glaciers found on the northern side of the mountain.

Even though these glaciers have become smaller since the late 1900s, they are still there. They remind us of how cold and icy this part of the mountain can be.

Mountain Geography

Cime du Gélas is part of the Maritime Alps mountain range. This range stretches across southeastern France. The mountain is mainly made of a type of rock called gneiss. This rock is very strong and forms the core of the Mercantour-Argentera massif.

The peak of Cime du Gélas actually has two smaller tops. A deep gorge called Sella del Gelàs separates them. The northern peak is the taller of the two. It is also the easier one to climb. On top of this higher peak, you can find a small wooden sculpture of the Madonna. There is also a cross that was placed there by priests from Cuneo.

First Climbs

The first time someone was recorded climbing to the top of Cime du Gélas was in 1864. This brave climb was made by a person named Paolo di Saint-Robert.

Later, in 1894, Victor de Cessole achieved another amazing feat. He was the first person to successfully climb the mountain during the winter. Climbing in winter is much harder due to snow, ice, and colder temperatures.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Monte Gelas para niños

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