Refuge Leschaux to Montenvers

Chamonix

A hike back across the glacier from the wild Leschaux hut to the Montenvers train station

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 7.5 km
Ascent: 167 m
Descent: 690 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 1.8 km
High Point: 2.4 km
Gradient: 17˚

After enjoying the fine hospitality in the unlikely setting of the Leschaux Refuge over breakfast, it's time to set off on this wild hike across two of the big glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif. Whilst it's 'just' a walk, it's very much a glacier hike and you need to be sure footed and aware/prepared for the somewhat obvious crevasse danger on the glacier - particularly if there is any snow cover left.

View from Montenvers station on to the Mer de Glace

Description

Otherwise the walk is relatively straight forward and follows the flow of the Leschaux glacier with great views of the 'Envers' of the Chamonix Aiguilles out to the Mer de Glace and back to the Montenvers.

To get here you likely navigated the Montenvers ladders already but they are committing and if you're not very comfortable at heights, climbing steep ladders you might want to take a harness and a via ferrata set or even a rope to secure yourself and/or your partner.

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".