Balcons de la Mer de Glace – Glacier trek
TREK THE GLACIERS, CLIMB VIA FERRATA, SLEEP IN 2 HIGH MOUNTAIN HUTS
Embark on an unforgettable glacier trek in the awe-inspiring Mont Blanc range with us. Our adventure will take you on a hut-to-hut journey through stunning mountain tops and crevasses of this iconic region. You will be passing by the legendary peaks such as the needles of the Drus and grandes Jorasses.
With such panoramic views, this hike promises to be an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Our hut to hut glacier trekking experience is designed for hikers seeking adventure on challenging terrain, without requiring technical climbing skills. Join us and discover the stunning beauty of this iconic region, as we explore some of the most picturesque and panoramic landscapes of the Alps.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Meet your guide in Chamonix and take the red cogwheel mountain train to Montenvers station (1913m).
Walk downhill to reach the famous “Mer de Glace” glacier and walk along the ice and moraines to reach steep rock with ladders.
Climb the ladders and climb a small bendy trail to reach the Couvercle hut (2687m), located at the base of Moine and Dru peaks, where we’ll spend our first night.
Enjoy panoramic views of Grands Jorasses and Mont Blanc.
Distance: 6.6 km | Ascent: 970m | Descent: 180m | Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Day 2:
Leave the Couvercle hut after breakfast and hike on the Talèfre and Leschaux glaciers. You will need crampons here as the ice babe slippy.
Climb new ladders to reach the Leschaux hut (2431m), where we’ll spend the night.
Have time to explore the area on a little afternoon trek.
Distance: 3.4 km | Ascent: 235m | Descent: 455m | Hiking Time: 3 hours
Day 3:
Enjoy breakfast at the Leschaux hut before heading back towards the Montenvers train station.
Descend the Leschaux glacier to the Mer de Glace glacier to reach the Montenvers station. This is a good place for lunch. Walk along the Grand Balcon Nord in the afternoon to reach the Plan de l’Aiguille lift and, if time allows, take the lift to the top of the Aiguille du Midi to enjoy the panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range before descending back to Chamonix.
Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 690m | Descent: 830m | Hiking Time: 6 hours
Level requirements
This trek requires a moderate fitness level.
Hikers should have previous hiking experience and be comfortable walking for several hours each day, including uphill and downhill sections. The trek involves some steep and challenging sections, as well as walking on glaciers and climbing ladders, so participants should be in good physical condition and able to handle these conditions.
Equipment
