CHEMIN DE FER DU MONTENVERS
Railway to the Sea of Ice Glacier
The bright red Montenvers Railway starts from its own station at Chamonix Mont Blanc and in about 25 minutes climbs to the base of the Mer de Glace “Sea of Ice” Glacier at 6,276 ft (1,913 meters) and the Hotel de Montenvers station. This historic route was at the beginning of Alpine mountain tourism in the 19th century when the Grand Tour of Europe brought the likes of international travelers like Mark Twain to Chamonix. And the railway made visits to the glacier part of the attraction with a panoramic view of the peaks of Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses which frame the glacial ice flow. The first section of the rack railway line opened in 1908 and was completed in 1909. The railway originally was operated by steam locomotives line until it was electrified in 1953.
The Mer de Glace is France’s largest glacier at 7 kilometers long and 200 meters thick at its deepest. It is fed by the higher altitude glaciers of Leschaux and le Géant and advances at an average of 90 meters every year, and nearly 130 meters in some areas. The glacier got its name from some of the first English climbers who noted the ripple like formations like waves in the surface. In the summer months, you can watch teams of roped together mountaineers moving across the glacier on crampons, and in the sky above paragliders soaring on the decent from the famous Aiguille du Midi ridge (see Aiguille du Midi Cable). While underneath the ice, a visit to the Ice Cave, the “Grotte de Glace” offers a look into the very heart of the glacier. The first ice cave at the Mer de Glace was carved in 1946. Glacier ice caves need like Montenvers and several Swiss glaciers (see Mt Titlis and Klein Matterhorn) need to be re-sculpted each year as the ice slowly moves. The Glaciorum is a new exhibit of the history of man and glaciers. The Ice Cave at the Montenvers Mer de Glace can be entered either by a gondola ride or by foot, taking a walk of about 20 minutes. The cave and the gondola are closed in late autumn and early spring. From the gondola there is a stair of 398 steps to the ice cave entrance. The Crystals Gallery (Galerie des cristaux) featuring a collection of colorful crystalline stone forms from the Crystal Museum in Mont Blanc is also on the tour.
Hiking along the high mountain crags is possible from Montenvers to the Plan de l’Aiguille station of the Mont Blanc tramway via the Grand Balcon Nord hill-walking trail. Or return by foot trail down to Chamonix via the Les Planards or through the Les Bois village. There are two meal choices on the Montenvers rack railway trip, a fast food café at the rail station buffet or a sit down traditional Haut Savoie meal at the historic Grand Hôtel in Montenvers, built in 1880. The hotel which has been hosting Alpine and adventurers and mountaineers since the 19th Century retains its classic charm with just nine rooms and dormitory accommodation. During the summer months on Thursdays a music and meal package is offered at the hotel’s terrace restaurant. The Montenvers Rack Railway and the hotel are owned by th Compagnie Du Mont Blanc, the same company with operates the Mont Black Tramway and ski lifts (see Ski Chamonix Mont Blanc).
Traveling on Chermin de Fer Montenvers
A full trip on the Chermin de Fer du Montenvers from Chamonix, including a visit to the ice cave, on average lasts 2 to 3 hours, though in heavy peak times can take up considerably longer. Prices as of 2012 for the visit including the train and the gondola to the ice cave are €26.40 for adults over 16 for round trip. €22.30 for Youth 4 to 15 years old. A Family package is €79.20 If you want to hike back one way including the ice cave is €20.30 for adult and €17.20 youth. A Mont Blanc Multipass for various lifts in the area is available for €52.50. Tickets can be purchased online. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Montenvers Railway
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See Also:
AU COEUR de MEGEVE HOTEL
MONT BLANC SCENIC FLIGHTS
CHAMONIX ALPINE & CRYSTAL MUSEUMS
GORNERGRAT MATTERHORN RAILWAY
FONDATION PIERRE GIANADDA - MARTIGNY
