Group hiking mer de glace glacier
Group walking with crampons on mer de glace
Guide with hikers on Mer de Glace Tour
Hikers on Mer de Glace Tour
Ice hikers stop for a photo
Ice hiker climbing a glacier with ice picks
Ice Hikers at Mer de Glace Tour
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Mer de Glace Glacier Hike

Hike and explore France’s biggest glacier in a day

Chamonix
1 day
English and French
Starts: From Chamonix Sud bus station in Chamonix between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
Ends: To Chamonix Sud bus station in Chamonix between 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Cross off hiking Mer de Glace from your bucket list with this guided tour. Beginning in the charming town of Chamonix in the French Alps, take the iconic train to Montenvers and ride the cable cars before hiking to France’s largest and longest glacier. Never been ice climbing before? No worries! Our experienced tour guides will show you how to get the most out of your Mer de Glace Glacier hike before heading back to Chamonix.  

Ready for your mountain-top adventure? ⛰️

Tour details

Included

  • Professional mountain guide
  • Safety equipment (ropes, snap hooks etc.)

Not included

  • Transportation fares (La Mer de Glace round trip train ticket)
  • Food and drink
  • Insurance

Important information

🚫 NOT SUITABLE for children under 12 years old, due to the difficulty and demand of the hike.

Individual Insurance is strongly recommended. 

Remember to purchase round-trip train tickets before departing

Public transport in Chamonix is free with a valid Lift Pass or Guest Card.

Good physical condition is required (ability to hike at high altitudes for a full day). Mountaineering experience is not required for this excursion.

⚠️ The private tour is for a maximum of 4 people, in case of more people, another guide will be added.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 7 days before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Mer de Glace Glacier Hike

Beginning of the tour

Begin your Mer de Glace hike with your guide at the Chamonix Sud bus station. As a group you’ll take a short 7-minute walk to the Chamonix city center to catch the iconic red train to Montenvers. From there, the cable cars will take you to the first part of your trek, a 30-minute walk to Mer de Glace Glacier.

Image of Chamonix

Mer de Glace Glacier Hike

At an elevation of 5,905 feet (1,800 meters), you’ll begin to explore France’s biggest glacier: Mer de Glace. With your tour guide, you’ll learn how to use equipment suitable for hiking over glaciers such as crampons and ice picks, so there’s no need to have prior hiking experience to enjoy this adventure. Your guide is also well versed in the history and geography of the region so don’t be afraid to ask any questions! You’ll see the moulin (a crevasse in a glacier formed by water) and depending on the weather conditions, your guide will take you ice climbing on the glacier or continue the hike to the Leschaux Glacier. 

Hikers during Mer de Glace Tour

Return to Chamonix

After spending about an hour hiking Mer de Glace and snapping memorable photos, begin your descent back down the mountain by walking the 30 minutes back to the cable cars and taking the short train ride to return to Chamonix bus station.

Hikers descent of Mer de Glace

What to bring to Mer de Glace Glacier Hike

Keep in mind that the weather can be changeable, from rain to sun, so we recommend the 3-layer system so you can adapt to the conditions.

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Hiking pants: thin or short.
  • (winter) Long hiking pants for extra warmth.
  • First layer: thermal T-shirt and short-sleeved T-shirt.
  • Middle layer: fleece or similar.
  • Outer layer: waterproof jacket
  • Mountain socks
  • Credit card and cash (EUR and CHF)

Where does the tour Mer de Glace Glacier Hike start

The tour starts at Chamonix Sud bus station.

Here are the best ways to get to Chamonix:

✈️ By plane: the closest airports are Geneva, Lyon, and Milan, and they are located less than two hours from Chamonix. The best option is to fly to Geneva airport.

🚂 By train: Chamonix is served by trains from Paris, Lyon, Annecy, Bellegarde, Geneva and Martigny.

🚗 By road: Chamonix is well-connected by road thanks to the Mont Blanc tunnel, in addition to direct access from Italy.

Questions & Answers

  • How much does the train ticket to Montenvers cost?

    Transportation to Montenvers can be purchased separately or included in some of the passes offered in Chamonix.

  • How big are the groups?

    Each group usually has a maximum of 6 people.

  • What kind of equipment is provided?

    Technical equipment can be rented in nearby sports stores, for example: ice axe, climbing harness, hiking boots, hiking poles, crampons or helmet.

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