• site-overview
    Mont Blanc Natural Resort
    • site-overview
    • Chamonix Mont-Blanc
      • Aiguille du Midi
      • Panoramic Mont-Blanc
      • Montenvers - Mer de Glace
      • Brévent
      • Flégère
      • Les Bossons glacier
    • vallorcine
      • Balme (Le Tour)
    • argentiere
      • Grands Montets
    • houches-saint-gervais
      • Tramway du Mont-Blanc
      • Les Houches
    • megeve
      • Megève
    • Courmayeur - Italy
      • Skyway Monte Bianco
  • Skipasses & e-Tickets
    Mont Blanc Natural Resort
    • Skipasses & e-Tickets
    • All summer passes & E-tickets
      • E-tickets & Summer pass
      • MONT-BLANC RapidCard
      • Vouchers
      • Paragliding pass
      • Mountain biking pass
    • All ski-passes & E-tickets
      • Ski-passes & E-tickets
  • Infos live
    Mont Blanc Natural Resort
    • Infos live
    • infos live
      • ouvertures & météo
      • webcams
      • annual openings
  • News
    EN FR
    Need help ?

    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 !

    • Home
    • 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

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

    Share more moments...

    Skipasses & e-ticket

    Are you a day visitor ? or a holidaymaker ?
    Take advantage of the lowest prices for this winter by purchasing your subscription online at least 3 days before you want to use it.

    web exclusivity
    advance purchase = rewarded purchase
    Take advantage
    round trip voyage Mer de Glace

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

    Day hike & visits
    day trips
    Take advantage
    1 day hike & visits<

    MONT BLANC MultiPass pass
    1 day from 76,00€

    Hike & visits
    stay
    Take advantage
    2 days & more hike & visits

    MONT BLANC MultiPass pass
    2 days from 90,30€

    See all products
    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

    • Today
    • Tomorrow
    • Wednesday
    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.
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    Montenvers map

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

    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).
    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 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 TripOne way trip
    Adults 15 to 64 yearsfrom 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

    Guided tours

    From June to September, we offer to discover, free of charge, the "historical" backstage of the Montenvers with a professional mountain guide...

    Free: does not include the price of the return ticket for the site
    Visit page

    Ice cave

    Penetrate the innards of the Mer de Glace. Please note: 580 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
    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

    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

    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.

    Consult our brochures
    Newsletter subscribe
    Receive our news by email. Newsletter Subscribe
    Frequently asked questionsPress release summer 2023Summer Brochures, Rates & MapsWinter Brochures, Rates & MapsPublic Accessibility RegistrySuggestions, complaints and thanks
    20 px and moreMountain safetySales conditionsLegals mentionsPersonal Data
    Our Partners
    MONT-BLANC Natural Resort by Compagnie du Mont-Blanc Cookies management panel
    Choose your pass

    Hello

    Access to your account, your orders, your keycards

    CONNECT YOURSELF

    CREATE AN ACCOUNT

    • site-overview

      • Chamonix Mont-Blanc

          Chamonix Mont-Blanc

        • Aiguille du Midi
        • Panoramic Mont-Blanc
        • Montenvers - Mer de Glace
        • Brévent
        • Flégère
        • Les Bossons glacier
      • vallorcine

          vallorcine

        • Balme (Le Tour)
      • argentiere

          argentiere

        • Grands Montets
      • houches-saint-gervais

          houches-saint-gervais

        • Tramway du Mont-Blanc
        • Les Houches
      • megeve

          megeve

        • Megève
      • Courmayeur - Italy

          Courmayeur - Italy

        • Skyway Monte Bianco
    • Skipasses & e-Tickets

      • All summer passes & E-tickets

          All summer passes & E-tickets

        • E-tickets & Summer pass
        • MONT-BLANC RapidCard
        • Vouchers
        • Paragliding pass
        • Mountain biking pass
      • All ski-passes & E-tickets

          All ski-passes & E-tickets

        • Ski-passes & E-tickets
    • Infos live

      • infos live

          infos live

        • ouvertures & météo
        • webcams
        • annual openings
    • News
    • version française

        FR
    • My Account
     

    Information :

    Information :
    The ice cave will close for the season on Sunday evening, September 17th. The gondola will remain open for climbers only from September 18th to October 1st inclusive, from 9:00 to 11:00 and from 14:30 to 16:00.
    Thank you for your understanding.