Ice caves, crampons, and a glacier that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie? Yeah, this one’s a must. We’ll start our day hike in Chamonix, hop on a classic red train straight out of a postcard, and before we know it, we’ll be hiking on the legendary Mer de Glace. Expect towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and some hands-on action with an ice axe. And just when you think it can’t get cooler—literally—we’ll head inside a frozen cave full of ice sculptures and crystals. If you’re up for a day of pure alpine adventure, you’re in the right place.
Step into a frozen world of adventure on this Mer de Glace day hike! Starting with a ride on the historic Montenvers train, we’ll climb high above the valley to reveal jaw-dropping glacier views. From there, we’ll gear up for a guided trek across the icy expanse. Our professional guide will help us navigate glacial formations, teach us mountaineering skills, and we’ll even explore an ice cave carved deep into the glacier. We’ll spend up to 6 hours in this icy landscape (the last gondola leaves at 4pm), so make sure you dress warm!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
To enjoy this Mer de Glace day tour, you’ll need a solid fitness level. You’ll hike from 1 to 3 km (0.5 to 2 miles) with up to 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation gain. Depending on the weather report and your fitness level, you’ll spend up to 6 hours exploring Mer de Glace. Beginners are welcome, but you should be able to hike 1.6 km (1 mile) in the rocks or in the snow to make the most out of this day tour.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A Mer de Glace day tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Mer de Glace day tour is Chamonix. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).
Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in Chamonix to board the Chamonix – Montenvers train. More details will be provided after booking.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To secure your spot, you’ll be asked to pay the full amount upon checkout.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
