One of the most spectacular excursions in the whole country is the dramatic cable car ride from La Palud , north of Courmayeur , to the Colle del Gigante , 3,354 m ( 11,004 ft ) and Aiguille du Midi , 3,842 m ( 12,606 ft ) down to Chamonix in France .
It is farther to Colle del Gigante than to Aiguille du Midi .