Are you looking for an unusual experience? The Ice Cave in Chamonix will not let you down! Located in the heart of the Mer de Glace, it connects the Leschaux Glacier and the Tacul Glacier. It welcomes you to enter the depths of the largest glacier in France.
Each year, the craftsmen who maintain the Ice Cave carve every detail of it out by hand to create the most idyllic setting and make your visit of the glacier unforgettable. Visitors of all ages can marvel at the various shades of blue the ice takes on and admire something completely unique. Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
VISITING THE CHAMONIX ICE CAVE
To visit Chamonix’s Ice Cave, hop aboard the iconic red cog train which departs from the center town of Chamonix. An awe-inspiring panorama of the Mer de Glace, the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses awaits you. This 20-minute journey will even take you inside the mountains as you pass through tunnels carved within the rock and viaducts leading to Montenvers-Mer de Glace at a height of 1913 m (6276 ft).
Once you get to Montenvers station, a cable car takes you to the top of a stairway to go down to your destination. However, the most athletic visitors can do the ascent on foot by taking a 20-30-minute pathway. Be sure to bring water, warm clothes, and a pair of hiking boots. Those who access the site via the cable car need to go down about 550 steps to finally reach the entrance of the Ice Cave!
There, you will attend a presentation describing the life of mountain dwellers at the start of the 19th century and see an exceptional connection of ice sculptures. Expect your visit to take 2 to 3 hours including the journey. Behold the stupendous lighting and sound effects that will awaken all your senses.
ACCESS TO THE ICE CAVE
Dates of access to the Mer de Glace vary depending on the season:
- Up to December 19, 2020
During this period, both the Ice Cave and the cable cars are closed.
- From December 19, 2020 to March 12, 2021
Daily departures every 30 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Last departure to visit the Ice Cave is at 2:00 p.m.
- From March 13, 2021 to April 30, 2021
Daily departures every 30 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Last departure to visit the Ice Cave is at 3:00 p.m.
OUR ADVICE FOR A DREAM HOLIDAY IN CHAMONIX
Make visiting the Chamonix Ice Cave even easier by staying at Le Morgane Hotel. Located at the foothills of the Mont Blanc, it is the ideal starting point for many of your adventures. Whether you are here on a romantic weekend in Chamonix, with your family or with a group of friends, Le Morgane Hotel offers convertible suites and rooms to provide the best comfort you may need. Before and after your hikes, you can also take full advantage of our hotel spa and wellness center.
Come visit the bowels of the Earth at the Chamonix Ice Cave for a unique experience!
