Group realizing Trekking Mer de glace
Group walking on Mer de Glace ice
Guide with hikers on the Mer de Glace route
Hikers on the Mer de Glace route
Hikers taking pictures in the cave
Ice hiker climbing a glacier with ice axes
Ice hikers at Mer de Glace
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Mer de Glace Glacier Hike

Walk on the ice with a professional guide and go deep into the glacier

Chamonix
1 day
English and French
Starts: From Montenvers train station between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Ends: To Montenvers train station between 1:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

You'll be able to cross the Mer de Glace Excursion off your bucket list with this guided tour. Start in the charming town of Chamonix in the French Alps, take the iconic train to Montenvers and hop on the cable cars before hiking to France's largest and longest glacier. Have you ever been ice climbing? Don't worry, our experienced guides will show you how to get the most out of your Mer de Glace glacier hike before returning to Chamonix.

Ready for adventure? ⛰️

Tour details

Included

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

Not included

  • Transportation to Mer de Glace
  • Food and beverage
  • Insurance
  • Technical equipment (crampons, poles, etc.)

Important information

🚠 The tour does not include the train + cable car to Mer de Glace nor the technical equipment (ice axe, crampons and helmet) that you can rent in one of the many equipment rental stores in Chamonix.

☃️ No mountaineering experience is required. The guide will explain everything you need to enjoy the tour in complete safety.

🚶‍♂️ A good physical condition is required (ability to walk at high altitude for a whole day).

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

❗ Individual insurance is strongly recommended.

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

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 7 days before the start of the trip, you will be reimbursed 100% of the amount paid. After this period, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be made.

Tour itinerary

Mer de Glace Excursion

Tour starts at Montenvers station

The Mer de Glace glacier tour starts at the meeting point at Montenvers station, where you will meet your guide. Once the whole group has gathered and checked that everyone has the necessary equipment, you will board the emblematic red train to Montenvers. From there, you will take a cable car that will take you deeper into the valley, until you reach the Mer de Glace station. You will walk for 30 minutes until you reach the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier- time to put on your crampons!

Image of Chamonix

Walking on the ice of Mer de Glace

At 1,800 meters altitude, you will start exploring the largest glacier in France: Mer de Glace. Together with your guide, you will learn how to use the right equipment for glacier walking (crampons, ice axe...). It is not necessary to have previous experience in the use of crampons to enjoy this adventure. The guide knows well the history and geography of the region and will make different explanations. You will start going into the glacier and you will see the Moulin (a crevasse in a glacier formed by water) and, depending on the weather conditions, the guide will take you ice climbing on the glacier or you will continue the hike to the Leschaux glacier.

Hikers during the Mer de Glace Tour

Return to Chamonix

After spending about an hour walking along the Mer de Glace, you will begin your return, walking 30 minutes back along the glacier moraine to the cable car, which will take you back to the Montenvers train station and finally to Chamonix.

Descent of hikers from Mer de Glace

What to bring to Mer de Glace Glacier Hike tour

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.

  • Technical equipment: crampons, poles, ice axe, climbing harness and helmet.
  • 45 liter backpack
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Mountain pants
  • Fleece jacket or windbreaker
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Food and drink
  • Credit card and cash (EUR and CHF)

Where does the tour Mer de Glace Glacier Hike start

The tour starts at Montenvers train station, located in the center of Chamonix.

Here are the best ways to get to Chamonix:

✈️ By plane: the closest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Milan, and are less than two hours from Chamonix. The best option is to fly into 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, as well as direct access from Italy.

Questions & Answers

  • How much does a train ticket to Montenvers cost?

    Transportation to Montenvers can be purchased separately or included in some of the passes offered in Chamonix. The approximate price is 40€.

  • How big are the groups?

    Groups in shared service are a maximum of 6 people.

  • What type of equipment is provided?

    Technical equipment can be rented in nearby sports stores. You will need ice axe, climbing harness, hiking boots, hiking pole, crampons and helmet. In addition to suitable boots and warm clothing.

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