71 m away
Grotte de Glace
A must-do visit to an ice cave carved in the Mer de Glace glacier.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.2 km
- Ascent
- 225 m
- Descent
- 225 m
Refuge du Charpoua from Montenvers
Aiguille du Midi
Chamonix
Ladders. Glaciers. Granite. Wild. An unforgettable journey back in time to a tiny refuge which despite only 8 places is still guarded.
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 219 m
- Duration
- 3-4 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.7 km
- High Point
- 2.8 km
- Gradient
- 29˚
A wonderful, wild hike away from the crowds to a very old, very small refuge. The views are amazing and the whole experience is unforgettable. There is no mountaineering on the route but getting down from the Montenvers train and up from the glacier are long metal ladders so a head for heights is needed. Note that the access from the Mer de Glace has changed - more information can be found here: https://www.chamoniarde.com/images/files/Acc%C3%A8s-Charpoua-2016.pdf.
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Difficulty
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Extreme Exposure
Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
Similar routes nearby
2.6 km away
Petit Balcon Sud Loop
A short loop on one of the best sections of the Petit Balcon Sud trail.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Ascent
- 235 m
- Descent
- 235 m
3.1 km away
Les Bois
The easiest hike in Chamonix.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Ascent
- 56 m
- Descent
- 56 m
3.6 km away
Petit Balcon Loop
A classic loop around the Chamonix Valley.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 702 m
- Descent
- 702 m
3.7 km away
Buvette de la Floria
A short and pleasant hike up to a picturesque little mountain hut.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.5 km
- Ascent
- 364 m
- Descent
- 364 m
4.1 km away
Lac Blanc from La Flegere
Hike to Lac Blanc from La Flegere on one of Chamonix's most famous hikes!
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.6 km
- Ascent
- 566 m
- Descent
- 566 m
4.1 km away
Tour du Mont Blanc: Flégère to Brévent
A stunning segment of the TMB following the Grand Balcon Sud trail.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Ascent
- 791 m
- Descent
- 178 m
4.2 km away
Grand Balcon Nord
Packed with incredible views—likely the best bang-for-your-buck hike in Chamonix!
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.2 km
- Ascent
- 186 m
- Descent
- 587 m
5.1 km away
Lac Cornu from Planpraz
Escape the crowds at Lac Blanc by hiking to Lac Cornu instead.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Ascent
- 538 m
- Descent
- 538 m
5.9 km away
Argentière - Lac des Chéserys - Lac Blanc - La Flégère
A tough hike which starts in forests and then brings you out into spectacular, open mountainous terrain.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 533 m
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Guidebooks in this area
14 routes · Hiking
Hike the World-Renowned Tour du Mont Blanc Route
5 routes · Hiking
Selected Hikes with the Best Views of Mont Blanc
12 routes · Hiking
Let Chamonix Blow Your Mind with These Must-Do Hikes
10 routes · Hiking
Top 10 Trails of 2021: Greg Heil's Best Hikes of the Year
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