Mont Blanc - the largest ...... toilet in Europe

Mont Blanc des de Brevent
Originally uploaded by lluisr

It might not look over-crowded, but according to Geneva's daily free paper 'Le Matin Bleu', it most certainly is - to the detriment of this unique natural spectacle.

The paper cites the spectacularly hot summer of 2003 as the catalyst for the mountain's current woes, as sweltering masses headed for the hills. Ever since, it seems, with a reputation as being a relatively 'easy climb', Mont Blanc has been swamped by an ever-growing number of climbers who hail from all four corners of the globe. 30,000 attempt the ascent each summer, with the number set to rise as climbers from growing economies such as Russia, India and China are tempted by the allure of reaching the peak.

Sadly, not all seem to treat the habitat with the respect it deserves, which has led the Major of St Gervais to describe the routes to the top as 'more of an open toilet than a glacier'. It seems that those in doubt as to the way to the summit need only follow the orange snow.

The over-crowded 'refuges' have led to impromptu camping (which isn't allowed) and although the installation of 'dry toilets' at base camp is a good gesture, it seems that climbers need to take responsibility to be eco-friendly with regards to their litter, but as for the toilet issue - if a man's gotta go, a man's gotta go.

Entrepreneurs might like to invent an alpine-friendly cork for the rear-end, or perhaps even cross-legged climbing pants..?