I'll be in Chamonix next year. The ladders down onto the Mer de Glace, do folk attach on to the ladders as the desend or just crack on and climb down?

I've heard differing themes, so wondering if there was an etiquette in case those around start making noises about not doing it the right way?

Any particular knots used?

Here some folks using the ladders:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkPL_sG94Es[/youtube]

Thanks for the link. Oh, found out the know is a Cows Tail. Some use it other don't.

Last time i was there the glacier was much much higher.

It's not necessary to attach but you could do it step by step

I did it 5 years ago, we were not attached...things may have changed.

Just climb down the ladders, thats the idea to speed progress for all parties. If a member of the party isnt happy to down climb ladders free take a direct belay at the top (italian hitch/munter) and let then descend on belay the confident climber follows free.
On it 2 yrs ago changes occur mainly due to rock fall wiping out the ladders...in mountaineering terms....very safe though.