[ noun ] a block of the earth's crust bounded by faults and shifted to form peaks of a mountain range <noun.object>
massif \massif\ n. (Geol.) A block of the earth's crust bounded by faults and shifted to form peaks of a mountain range. [WordNet 1.5]
Then I finally twigged that the Mont Blanc massif, far from being just an awe-inspiring but untouchable part of Courmayeur's scenery, was actually accessible.
Clinging to the southern flank of the Mount McKinley massif is a snug shelter of glass and wood, a place with an indoor view of one of the world's most astounding outdoor scenes.