Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

The Cave

Dive into the heart of the glacier and discover an ephemeral work of art.
An ephemeral work of art that the Claret family has been maintaining and renewing for 3 generations (1st cave dug in 1946)

After reaching Montenvers from Chamonix, by cogwheel train, a new adventure awaits you: Take the gondola from Montenvers station to access the Mer de Glace glacier and visit the man-made ice cave.
In the bowels of the glacier: an original collection of ice sculptures. The cave has to be recut every summer because the glacier advances 70m every year.

Attention: Access to the cave is by stairs, about 170 steps.
No PRM access.

Other activities

The Temple of Nature

In 1779, Lord Blair, an English gentleman, finds himself caught in a storm in the Montenvers. The shelter under the stone was so uncomfortable that he had a hut built...

The bar des glaciers

Would you like to cool off after a descent of the Vallée Blanche or regain your strength after a long hike?The Bar des Glaciers is a must-see break before heading...

The shop

Don’t forget to visit the Montenvers shop before returning to the valley, where you can buy a souvenir of your excursion to this unique site!

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Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

Friday 14th August

Important: 

The ice cave closes at 1.00 pm because of the weather

During the summer season until 30 August, the service will run daily from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. 

  • 1st departure at 8.00am
  • Last ascent : 5.00 pm
  • Last descent : 5.30 pm

  • A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand. 
  • NB: Last departure for visiting the ice cave at 3.30 pm