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 !
Opening status
08:30 - 17:00
TRAIN MONTENVERS MER DE GLACE
Departure every 20mn from 10:00
10:30 - 15:30
TC MER DE GLACE
09:00 - 15:30
GALERIE DES CRISTAUX
09:00 - 15:30
GLACIORIUM
10:00 - 15:30
GROTTE DE GLACE
10:00 - 15:30
BAR DES GLACIERS
10:00 - 15:30
LE PANORAMIQUE MER DE GLACE
Closed until further notice
10:00 - 15:30
RESTAURANT DU MONTENVERS
10:00 - 15:30
TERMINAL NEIGE - REFUGE DU MONTENVERS
Closed until 28th of July include
Weather
- Wind 5 Km/h
Last update: 7/27/21, 2:18 AM
- Wind 6 Km/h
Last update: 7/27/21, 2:18 AM
- Wind 7 Km/h
Last update: 7/27/21, 2:18 AM
Bulletin of the day
Webcam Montenvers Mer de Glace - 1913m
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 and Crystal Gallery 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 Free close by (Parking Planards). No lockers. No picnic room. Accepted (Dogs kept on a leash).
Montenvers - Mer de Glace timetables
- Opening 08:30 (09:00 departure optional)
- Last departure to visit the ice cave 15:00
- Last ascent 17:00
- Return from summit 17:00 (09:00 return optional)
- Frequency Every 30 min or 20 min depending on affluence
Rates
| One way trip | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adults 15 to 64 years | 29,50€ | |
| Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 yeanrs & + | 25,10€ | |
| Rates correspond to the price of the ski lift, the visits are free and in free access according to opening conditions and affluence. | ||
Restaurants & Shop
- Lines : 3 - 14 et le Mulet
- TER Mont-Blanc Express
- 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)
Our sites "non-catering" are not eligible for the Health Pass control
We keep developing the health & safety protocol introduced in April 2020 !
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.
