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 !

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Presentation of sites and areas
Le Montenvers (Chamonix Mont-Blanc)

1913 m

Montenvers - Mer de Glace

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Open
21°C
Live

Embark on a wonderful journey !

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.
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!

Frequently asked questions Buybuy

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

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#montenvers | #visitMontBlanc | @montblanc_nr

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round trip voyage Mer de Glace

e-ticket Montenvers Mer de Glace
from 25,00€

Day hike & visits
day trips

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Infos Live

Practical

Opening status

Opening dates :
Summer : 01st may - 01st october 2023

Live :

Lifts ( 2 /2)
visits (4/6)

08:30 - 16:00
TRAIN MONTENVERS MER DE GLACE
10:00 - 16:00
TC MER DE GLACE
open from 9h à 11h and 14h30-16h

10:00 - 16:00
GLACIORIUM
00:00 - 23:59
GROTTE DE GLACE
Ice Cave : ClOSED
10:00 - 16:00
TEMPLE DE LA NATURE
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

13°

Afternoon

14°

Wind 3 Km/h

Last update: 9/25/23, 12:00 PM

Morning

14°

Afternoon

14°

Wind 15 Km/h

Last update: 9/25/23, 12:00 PM

Morning

15°

Afternoon

15°

Wind 10 Km/h

Last update: 9/25/23, 12:00 PM

Bulletin of the day

Monday, September 25, 2023

Dry and mostly sunny. Variable winds, light at most places.

Webcam Montenvers - Mer de Glace - 1913m

+ webcams

Daily Info

The Montenvers train, the Glaciorium and the Temple de la Nature are open. Timetable from September 18th to October 1st, 2023 included: First departure at 8:30 ( departure at 9:00 and return at 9:30 optional) then a departure every 30 minutes. The ice cave of Mer de Glace is close for the summer season. The gondola is open for climbers only from 9:00 to 11:00 and from 14:30 to 16:00. Last train from Chamonix at 16:00. Last return at 16:30. No reservation required. Dogs are accepted kept on a leash. A new impulse: the site is under construction this winter but remains open. For any other period, do not hesitate to contact us or to consult our website. Have a nice day.

Montenvers map

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Or download Montenvers map in PDF.

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Accessibility

Children access
Elderly access Difficult access to the ice cave - 580 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.
Toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.
Disabled toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.
Parking Paid parking (Parking Planards).
No lockers.
No picnic room.
Accepted (Dogs kept on a leash).

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 2023

Departure from Chamonix 08:30
Return from the summit 16:00
Upcoming trains from Chamonixto not available - not available - not available - not available

Seel all timetables

Rates

Montenvers - Mer de Glace pedestrain rates

Summer 2023 rates

Voyage à la Mer de Glace

	Round Trip	One way trip
Adults 15 to 64 years	from 25,00€ 38,00€	32,00€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 years and +	from 25,00€ 32,30€	27,20€
Family / Tribu (2 adults + 2 children)	117,80€	-
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.

See all rates

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening dates of the Montenvers and the ice cave ?

You can find our opening schedule click here.

Be aware the ice cave opening is weather dependent, we update on a daily basis our opening conditions. As the visit is for free, there’s no price discount if it’s closed

How can we book a place for the Montenvers Mer de Glace train ?

Depending on your needs, different offers are available. You can either buy a round trip ticket Chamonix > Montenvers Mer de Glace from 25,00€.

If you already have a valid ticket (season, annual or long stay pass), you can show up directly at the Montenvers train departure station.

What are the restrictions for visiting the Montenvers Mer de Glace site ?

The visit is forbidden for children under 1-year-old.

There is no conterindication for pregnant women, however if you have a doubt contact your doctor or obstetrician

Animals are allowed kept on a leash.

People with reduced mobility : be aware the site is under construction, please consult our webpage by clicking here.

Wheelchair access is possible with an accompanying person and depending on the weather (special rates, contact us for information). No possible access to the ice cave (530 steps).

How long does the visit last, and what practical information is there ?

Average visit duration is 2 to 3 hours (including the trip). Be aware during peak periods, the visit duration can be doubled.

Be aware the ice cave opening is weather dependent, we update on a daily basis our opening conditions. As the visit is for free, there’s no price discount if it’s closed.

The return trip of your ticket (round trip or early bird) can be used up to 7 days after your ascent.

Is it possible to change the booking dates ?

The early bird tickets aren’t modifiable.

How can I get to the Montenvers Mer de Glace train ?

The GPS address is 35 place de la Mer de Glace - 74400 CHAMONIX, click Google map

The Biollay and Planards car parks are the nearest from the departure, (Biollay parking free and Planard paid parking). Your pass grants you free access to Chamonix bus network.

To discover

Discover Guided tours

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

Bar des Glaciers

Fall for a salty or sweet break to take away !…>

Bus

Lines : 3 - 14 & le Mulet

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