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 Restaurant du Montenvers

LEGENDARY LUNCH FACING THE DRUS In the heart of the mythical Refuge du Montenvers, let yourself be carried away by the authenticity of a high-altitude restaurant. Enjoy lunch on the...

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 Glaciorium

An interpretation centre to answer all the questions that visitors ask themselves when they are faced with a glacier such as the Mer de Glace. The Glaciorium also responds to...

Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

Friday 17th July

Train services are running normally.

Gondola and ice cave are openned.

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