Mer de Glace et train du Montenvers
The Refuge du Montenvers offers comfortable rooms (double, triple or family) as well as a dormitory with 10 beds, all in the atmosphere of a traditional mountain refuge.
Book directly with us an exceptional night at Refuge 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
MER DE GLACE GONDOLA LIFT
This gondola lift promises a unique experience, offering a breathtaking panoramic journey.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the mountains.
Whether you're looking for thrills or peace and quiet in the heart of nature, the new Mer de Glace gondola lift and the Grotte de Glace promise unforgettable memories.
ICE GROTTO
Discover the magic of the new Grotte de Glace, naturally sculpted by man "the grottus" in the ice.
This unique sensory experience will amaze visitors of all ages.
THE GLACIORIUM
The Montenvers site is a true witness to the climate changes of our century, and deserved a space dedicated to glaciology! The Sea of Ice, its formation, its history, its future evolution - this is what you can discover when you visit this interactive and educational site...
The total visit (cave and routes included) lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours. Visiting time may be doubled during peak periods.
RESTAURATION
There are 2 options for eating out: either a Savoyard or traditional meal at the Refuge du Montenvers restaurant, or a quick bite at the Bar des Glaciers.
HOTELS
Le Refuge du Montenvers opened on July 1, 2017 after renovation by Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet, a leading player in the mountain hotel industry for over 30 years.
Le Refuge du Montenvers offers a 10-bed dormitory, double and family rooms, as well as suites, all in a traditional mountain refuge atmosphere.
Child (5-14 years): 33.60 € (Train + lift + ice cave included)
Family pass: 122.50 € (Train + lift + ice cave included)
Disabled: 50% reduction on presentation of a disability card 50% reduction for the accompanying person on a day pass or return ticket.
Free entry for children < 5 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.
Return train ticket only: adult €31, child/senior 65+ €26.40, family €96.20. These tickets are currently only on sale at the Montenvers ticket office.
Vallée Blanche return: Return train + gondola + grotto: Adult 33€ , child/senior 28,10€.
Site package: gondola + cave without train: adult 25€, child/senior 21,30€.
This site is included in the MONT BLANC UNLIMITED PASS / Summer Multipass.
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 4.30 pm.
Last descent daily at 4.30 pm.
Last ascent daily at 4 pm.
A train every hour and every 30 minutes depending on the number of passengers.
Opening of the Ice cave, lift and glaciorim on December 21st
Last departure from Chamonix to visit the ice cave at 2.pm.
From 15/03 to 11/05/2025
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 5 pm.
Last descent daily at 5 pm.
Last ascent daily at 4.30 pm.
A train every hour and every 30 minutes depending on the number of passengers.
Last departure from Chamonix to visit the ice cave at 2.30.pm
The Montenvers Train will be closed from May 12 to 23 (inclusive) to allow for maintenance work on the line.
From 12/05 to 23/05/2025.
Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Subject to favorable weather.
74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Closest train station : Chamonix centre
Closest carparkss : Biolay (outside carpark), parking du Mont-Blanc (underground carpark).
It is possible to hike from the Montenvers towards the Plan de l'Aiguille: traversing via the grand balcon nord or take the descent to Chamonix via Les Planards or the village of Les Bois.
there are 2 car park places for disabled people below the Montenvers train station. The access to the Montenvers train station is on a sloping ground and requires to be accompanied. Let the people at the cash desks know that disabled people would like to go up with the Montenvers train then it is necessary to install access bars to let the wheel chairs go up in the train.
Adapted toilets are to be found on the right side at the arrival of the train. Across the arrival station of the train you'll find a large accessible esplanade from which you'll be able to enjoy the view over the glacier and the mythic summits above. To access the restaurant of the "Refuge du Montenvers" and the glaciorium nearby, the way is stony and requires some help.
The cable car allowing to come closer to the ice cave is adapted to disabled poeple and allows then to acess an esplanade from which you'll be able to have a closer view over the "Mer de Glace" glacier. The ice cave dug into the glacier remains unaccessible then 100 steps are to be found down until the ice cave.
