Mer de Glace et train du Montenvers
Hop on the famous rack-and-pinion railway, which takes passengers from Chamonix to the tourist site of Montenvers at an altitude of 1,913 m. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses
ICE CAVE
Once at your destination, take a tour of the Ice Cave and get a glimpse into the very heart of the glacier. The cave is dug out anew every year and inside, it portrays mountain life in the early 19th century. Two ways to get there: follow the footpath for a 20-minute or so walk or take the cable car. Please note: there are around 580 steps from the cable car terminal to the cave entrance.
THE GLACIORIUM
The Montenvers site testifies to climate change in our day and age and is thus the ideal spot for a glaciology information centre. The Mer de Glace, its formation, history and future evolution are all explained as you visit the interactive exhibitions.
The complete tour (including the cave and the journey time) takes an average 2-3 hours, although it can be double that during peak periods.
HIKING
Hikers can walk from Montenvers to Plan de l'Aiguille via the Grand Balcon Nord trail, or head down to Chamonix via Les Planards or the village of Les Bois.
WHERE TO EAT
When it's time to eat, there are three options: a Savoyard or traditional meal at the Restaurant du Refuge du Montenvers or a quick snack at the Bar des Glaciers.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel du Montenvers reopened on 1st July 2017 after refurbishment by Maisons et Hotels Sibuet, a leader in the mountain resort hotel sector for over 30 years now.
Hotel du Montenvers has a 10-bed dormitory, double and family rooms, and suites, all in a traditional mountain refuge setting.
Child (5-14 years): 30.20 €
Family pass: 110.10 €
Disabled: 50% discount when presenting an invalidity card + 50% for the accompanying person.
Free entry for children < 5 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.
Ascent or Descent + visits (Summer)
Adult: €29,50
Child and senior: €25,10
Return "Vallée Blanche" + visit (winter)
Adult : €30
Child and senior : €25,50
The train and the visit is included in the MONT BLANC Multipass.
Opening hours daily between 8.30 am and 5 pm.
Last descent daily at 5.30 pm.
Last ascent daily at 5 pm.
A train every 20 to 30 minutes
Last train from Chamonix to visit the ice cave at 3.30pm.
From 29/08 to 18/09/2022
Opening hours daily between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm.
Last descent daily at 5 pm.
Last ascent daily at 4.30 pm.
A train every 20 to 30 minutes.
Last train to visit the ice cave from Chamonix at 3pm.
From 19/09 to 02/10/2022
Opening hours daily between 9.30 am and 4 pm.
Last descent daily at 4.30 pm.
Last ascent daily at 4 pm.
A train every 30 minutes.
Last train from Chamonix to visit the ice cave at 2.30pm.
Annual closure for the ice cave: September the 25th
Annual closure of the whole site for renovation work from October the 3rd to October the 21st included.
From 22/10 to 06/11/2022
Opening hours daily between 9.30 am and 4 pm.
Last descent daily at 4.30 pm.
Last ascent daily at 4 pm.
A train every 30 minutes.
The ice cave is closed!
Annual closure for renovation work from November the 7th to November the 20th included.
Subject to favorable weather.
74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Closest train station : Chamonix centre
Closest parkings : Biolay (outside parking), place du Mont-Blanc (underground parking).
