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

Forecast
9°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

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

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Summer passes & e-ticket

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e-ticket
Montenvers

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"Voyage Mer de Glace" pass

Montenvers e-ticket
38,00€

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day trips

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1 day hike & visits<

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Infos Live

Practical

Opening status

Opening dates :
Summer : 01st may - 03rd november 2024

Live :

Lifts ( 1 /2)
visits (1/6)

08:30 - 15:00
TRAIN MONTENVERS MER DE GLACE
09:30 - 15:30
TC MER DE GLACE

09:00 - 16:00
GLACIORIUM
10:00 - 14:30
GROTTE DE GLACE
Closed: Reopening on December 21st
09:00 - 16:00
TEMPLE DE LA NATURE
09:30 - 16:00
BAR DES GLACIERS
12:00 - 14:00
RESTAURANT DU MONTENVERS
00:00 - 23:59
HOTEL REFUGE DU MONTENVERS

Weather

Morning

9°

Afternoon

8°

Wind 5 Km/h

Last update: 10/12/24, 7:05 PM

Morning

7°

Afternoon

8°

Wind 9 Km/h

Last update: 10/12/24, 7:05 PM

Morning

9°

Afternoon

9°

Wind 13 Km/h

Last update: 10/12/24, 7:05 PM

Bulletin of the day

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Cloudy, brightening up at times ; rain or showers in the afternoon and early in the night. At noon moderate south-southwesterly winds in the Préalpes ; decreasing later. Elsewhere lighter winds.

Webcam Montenvers - Mer de Glace - 1913m

+ webcams

Montenvers map

Or download Montenvers map in PDF.

Download map

Accessibility

Children access
Elderly access Difficult access to the ice cave - 170 steps.
Toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.
Parking Paid parking (Parking Planards).
No lockers.
No picnic room.
Accepted (Dogs kept on a leash). Visitor tip: be cautious of the stair structure, especially for dogs.

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.
Disabled toilets Chamonix departure station. Arrival station at Montenvers.

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 2024

Departure from Chamonix 08:30
Last departure from Chamonix 15:00
Last departure from Chamonix to visit Ice Cave Ice cave closed
Last departure from the top 16:30
Upcoming trains from Chamonixto not available - not available - not available - not available

Seel all timetables

Rates

Montenvers - Mer de Glace pedestrain rates

Summer 2024 rates

	Round Trip	One way trip
Adults 15 to 64 years	38,00€	32,30€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 years and +	33,00€	28,10€
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.

	Round Trip
Adults 15 to 64 years	31,00€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 years and +	26,40€
Family / Tribu (2 adults + 2 children)	96,20€

	One way trip
Adults 15 to 64 years	26,00€
Children & Seniors 5 to 14 years & 65 years and +	22,10€

See all rates

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening dates ?

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 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 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 (170 steps).

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

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.

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

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