Welcome aboard this little red train known around the world! From Chamonix at 1035m, our charming cogwheel train takes you safely to the Montenvers station, at an altitude of 1913m. After 20 minutes of an unforgettable journey, marvel at the famous Mer de Glace, a true witness to the climate changes of our time.

Built from 1907 to 1909 on the mountainside, this unique line traces its way through bridges, viaducts and tunnels and makes you discover magnificent viewpoints, until an incredible arrival under the Drus: a vertiginous mountain !

Once at the Montenvers station, admire the north faces of the Grandes Jorasses at the end of the Leschaux glacier. In winter, discover the skiers, who descend, small as ants, the mythical Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi, via the Mer de Glace.

This famous glacier goes up 7km towards the back of Mont-Blanc. It owes its name to the Englishman William Windham who explored it in 1741, together with Richard Pococke.

After that famous names came to discover the Mer de Glace, such as Goethe, Madame de Staël, Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Napoleon III. In 1818, Mary Shelley, the creator of Frankenstein used the Mer de Glace as the place of the first meeting between Frankenstein and Victor, its creator. A place steeped in history that is ready for you to make your own story!

Here, it’s the gondola that allows you to discover the Ice Cave! A cave where you enter the bowels of the glacier for a memorable visit ! It’s also the place to visit the Glaciorium to understand all the history and the evolution of the Mer de Glace. Finally, there are restaurants to welcome you comfortably, without forgetting the legendary Montenvers hotel, opposite the Drus!

From this magnificent past, our Montenvers / Mer de Glace site is constantly building its future with new projects that will make it even more unique !

For a day with friends or family, a discovery weekend or short stays, book online to save time !

And take advantage of your stay to discover the other wonders of MONT-BLANC Natural Resort, the largest of the natural playgrounds !

1913 m

Montenvers - Mer de Glace

Chamonix Mont-Blanc
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We do not make reservations for this site.

Montenvers - Mer de Glace

Set off to discover the summits with your family ! Equipement Haute Savoie

Welcome aboard this little red train known around the world! From Chamonix at 1035m, our charming cogwheel train takes you safely to the Montenvers station, at an altitude of 1913m. After 20 minutes of an unforgettable journey, marvel at the famous Mer de Glace, a true witness to the climate changes of our time.

Once at the Montenvers station, admire the north faces of the Grandes Jorasses at the end of the Leschaux glacier. In winter, discover the skiers, who descend, small as ants, the mythical Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi, via the Mer de Glace.

Here, it’s the gondola that allows you to discover the Ice Cave! A cave where you enter the bowels of the glacier for a memorable visit ! It’s also the place to visit the Glaciorium to understand all the history and the evolution of the Mer de Glace. Finally, there are restaurants to welcome you comfortably, without forgetting the legendary Montenvers hotel, opposite the Drus!

Included in

As part of the renovation program for the listed Montenvers site (new Public Service Delegation contract signed with the Municipality of Chamonix), we are pleased to inform you that major work has begun on the Montenvers site and will be spread over the next three years. Here are the main stages of the project :
More info

Share your moments !
#montenvers | #visitMontBlanc | @montblanc_nr

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Summer passes & e-ticket

Exclusive online offer
Early Bird

e-ticket round-trip
Voyage Mer de Glace

from

21,00€

35,50€
Chamonix > Montenvers
Round trip
  • Access to the top :
  • of Montenvers - Mer de Glace (1913 m)
  • Available Montenvers - Mer De Glace Deals from 8h30 to 9h30
Buy
One day

e-ticket round-trip
Voyage Mer de Glace

35,50€

Chamonix > Montenvers
Round trip
  • Access to the top :
  • of Montenvers - Mer de Glace (1913 m)
Buy
Offer : Purchase 3 days in advance
One day

68,40€

72,00€
the multi-site
day pass
  • Access to :
  • Montenvers - Mer de Glace
    + 1 other area or domain
  • To visit all our sites and areas, several days are necessary
  • + 3€ hands-free support
Buy
Other Durations
Infos live
Practical

Opening status

  • 08:30 - 16:00

    TRAIN MONTENVERS MER DE GLACE

  • 10:00 - 14:30

    TC MER DE GLACE

    Open from 10am

  • A la rencontre du rail

  • Sous le Viaduc

  • 10:00 - 16:00

    GLACIORIUM

  • 10:00 - 14:30

    GROTTE DE GLACE

    Open from 10am

  • 10:00 - 16:00

    BAR DES GLACIERS

  • 12:00 - 14:00

    RESTAURANT DU MONTENVERS

  • 00:00 - 23:59

    TERMINAL NEIGE - REFUGE DU MONTENVERS

Weather

Morning
2°
Afternoon
3°
  • Wind 7 Km/h

Last update: 9/29/22, 1:05 AM

Morning
2°
Afternoon
3°
  • Wind 6 Km/h

Last update: 9/29/22, 1:05 AM

Morning
5°
Afternoon
7°
  • Wind 20 Km/h

Last update: 9/29/22, 1:05 AM

Bulletin of the day

Thursday, September 29, 2022
Wet weather, becoming showery. Variable winds, light at most places.
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Webcam Montenvers Mer de Glace - 1913m - out of service this summer - works

Webcam out of service this summer - works
+ advantages + webcams
Daily Info
The Montenvers train, the Glaciorium are open. Timetable from September 19th to October 2nd 2022 included: First departure at 8:30 am, 9:00 am train optional, then one departure every 30 minutes. Opening of the gondola and ice cave at 10am. Last departure from Chamonix to visit the ice cave: 2:30 pm. Attention: Ice cave closing on October 3rd in the evening. Last departure from Chamonix at 4pm. Last return of the train from the summit at 4:30 pm. The Montenvers railway closure for works from October 3 to October 21, 2022, included. Then closed from November 7 to November 20, 2022, included.
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Montenvers map

Open dynamic plan
Or download Montenvers map in PDF.
Download map

Accessibility

  • Children access
  • Elderly access Difficult access to the ice cave - 540 steps.
  • Disabled access In wheelchair with accompanying person : . Indicate when buying your tickets. Access to the Glaciorium with accompanying persons, weather permitting (snow clearing). No disabled access to the Ice Cave (approximately 550 steps) or to the gondola. Be carreful : major work
  • Toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.
  • Disabled toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.
  • Parking Free close by (Parking Planards).
  • No lockers.
  • No picnic room.
  • Accepted (Dogs kept on a leash).
Read more
Audio guide app'
This general public audio guide application is intended to inform and accompany visitors taking the Montenvers little train on their journey to the Mer de Glace from Chamonix.
Go to the Montenvers
Prepare your route to get to the Montenvers - Mer de Glace.
See the itinerary
Timetables

Montenvers - Mer de Glace timetables

Period summer 2022
  • Opening 08:30
  • Last ascent 16:00
  • Return from summit 16:30
  • Frequency Every 30 or 20 minutes depending on affluence
Seel all timetables

Rates

Montenvers - Mer de Glace pedestrian rates
Rates valid until 30th November 2022
Round Trip "Early Bird"Round Trip "Flexible Time"
Adults 15 to 64 yearsfrom 21,00€ 35,50€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 yeanrs & +from 21,00€ 30,20€
Family package 110,10€
Family : cashdesk purchase only
2 adults "parents or grandparents" + Children from the same family : first 2 pay, the 3rd, 4th and 5th are free of charge (maximum 5)
Rates correspond to the price of the ski lift, the visits are free and in free access according to opening conditions and affluence.
One way trip
Adults 15 to 64 years 30,00€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 yeanrs & + 25,50€
Rates correspond to the price of the ski lift, the visits are free and in free access according to opening conditions and affluence.
See all rates
To discover
Discover

Ice cave

Penetrate the innards of the Mer de Glace. Please note: 540 steps each way from the top of the gondola. Infos COVID-19 : Cave without the sculptures this winter.

The visit is free and open access subject to opening and attendance conditions. We do not make reservations
Visit the page
Discover

The Glaciorium

Not to be missed, this new space dedicated to glaciers. Sign of the climate changes of this century, the Montenvers site deserves a space reserved for glaciology.

The visit is free and open access subject to opening and attendance conditions. We do not make reservations
Visit the page
Discover

Grand Hôtel du Montenvers

In the steps of history !
Visit the page

Restaurants & Shop

Discover

The Montenvers boutique

Comfort spaces and areas of discovery of the site ! Discover also the Hotel Restaurant Terminal Neige - Refuge !
Visit the page
Discover

Le Refuge du Montenvers

Mountain cuisine, an authentic refuge. Accommodation in a privileged setting !…
Visit the website
Discover

Bar des Glaciers

Fall for a salty or sweet break to take away !…
Visit the website
Bus
  • Lines : 3 - 14 et le Mulet
Train
  • TER Mont-Blanc Express
Some figures
  • 5141 m length of track
  • 871 m height difference
  • 14 à 20 km/h speed
  • 20 min journey duration
  • 2h30 visit time (Given as an indication depending on visitor numbers)
COVID-19 Health measures

In order to welcome you in the best conditions this winter, you will find our updated information following the latest government announcements below .

More info

Our brochures
in digital version

Consult all of our brochures in digital version to access all the rates and opening dates of our sites & areas.

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