Balcons de la Mer de Glace – Guided Glacier trek Chamonix

Name: Balcons de la Mer de Glace – Guided Glacier trek Chamonix
Brand: CHAMEX
SKU: 3610

Experience a 3-day guided glacier trek in Chamonix along the famous Balcons de la Mer de Glace route. This alpine adventure takes you across high mountain trails, glacier terrain, and via ferrata sections in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, combining challenge, discovery, and unforgettable scenery.

Glacier treks in Chamonix

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VARIED ALPINE TERRAIN & GLACIER TRAVEL

Experience diverse mountain terrain including glaciers, high ridges, steep cliffs, and ladders in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif.

TWO REMOTE MOUNTAIN HUT NIGHTS

Spend two unforgettable nights in authentic, remote mountain huts deep in the Mont Blanc range, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.

EXPLORE THE WILDEST AREAS OF CHAMONIX

Discover some of the most remote and spectacular areas of the Chamonix valley, far from the main trails and immersed in true alpine wilderness.

Guided Glacier Trek in Chamonix on the Mer de Glace

Embark on a guided glacier trek in Chamonix on the Mer de Glace, one of the most iconic glacier environments in the Mont Blanc massif. This 3-day hut-to-hut adventure takes you deep into the heart of the French Alps, combining glacier trekking, high mountain trails, and spectacular alpine scenery.

Following the Balcons de la Mer de Glace route, you will explore glacial terrain overlooking the famous Mer de Glace glacier, with panoramic views of legendary peaks such as the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. The itinerary reveals some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Chamonix valley and the wider Mont Blanc region.

This Mer de Glace glacier trek in Chamonix is designed for active hikers who want a true alpine experience on glacial and high-mountain terrain, without requiring technical climbing skills. With a certified mountain guide, you will safely navigate glacier zones, rocky ridges, and via ferrata sections while learning about the alpine environment.

Perfect for adventure seekers, this guided glacier trek Chamonix experience combines discovery, safety, and immersion in one of the most spectacular glacier landscapes in Europe.

From: 950 €

Price per person

Advanced

Fitness level 3/5
Dates on demand
3 days hike
Available June – September
2 nights in mountain huts

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Rock Cairn on the Mer de Glace glacier marking the way to the Couvercle hut

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 to good level of fitness. Participants should have prior hiking experience and be comfortable walking for several hours per day on varied alpine terrain, including sustained ascents and descents. The route includes some steep and technical sections, as well as glacier travel and ladder climbs, so a good physical condition and sure-footedness are essential.

Equipment

Included or not

Technical gear

Mountaineering boots

Clothing

Warm hat

Clothing

Fleece or woollen layers

Clothing

Light puffer jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Clothing

Warm gloves

Clothing

Thin gloves with leather palms for better grip

Clothing

Sun hat

Clothing

Hiking trousers

Clothing

Shorts

Clothing

Long sleeve shirt

Technical gear

Climbing harness

Technical gear

Telescopic poles

Technical gear

Climbing helmet

Technical gear

Mountaineering crampons

Technical gear

30 litres backpack

Other essentials

Sunglasses

Other essentials

Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles

Other essentials

Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)

Other essentials

Headlamp with fresh batteries

Other essentials

Washbag and toiletries

Other essentials

Earplugs

Other essentials

Sleeping bag liner – lightweight

Included in price

Guide Fee

UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide – a fully qualified and experienced Chamex guide will accompany you for the duration of your trip.

Lift passes

The cost of any lift access that is required during the course for the itinerary described above.

Local Transport

Any local transport that is required during your course.

Mountain huts

2 nights in mountain huts with breakfast and dinner included.

Office Support

Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.

Not included in price

Food & Drink

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.

Accommodation in Chamonix

Accommodation in Chamonix is not included. We will be happy to help you find and book accommodation on request.

Personal Equipment

Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.