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Chamonix (Mont Blanc)

Cable Cars to 3,842 m Facing Mont Blanc

Plan this trip
3 daysIdeal stay₹11,720From / night₹2,980Food / day₹8,840Entry

The mountain town under Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest peak. The Aiguille du Midi cable car climbs to 3,842 m for a close view of the summit; the Montenvers rack railway runs to the Mer de Glace glacier; in summer the trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc, in winter some of the Alps' most serious skiing. The Mont Blanc Express train runs up the valley from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet and on to Martigny in Switzerland; the Mont Blanc Tunnel leads to Courmayeur in Italy. Geneva airport is about 1 h 15 by transfer coach.

Highlights

  • Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m
  • Step Into the Void glass box
  • Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace
  • Hike to Lac Blanc
  • Paragliding from Plan Praz
  • Skiing at Les Grands Montets
  • Mont Blanc Express railway
  • Fondue and raclette

Things to do

  • Aiguille du Midi cable car (go early, clear mornings)Jan–OctMorning · 3h 30m
  • Montenvers rack railway and the Mer de Glace ice caveAfternoon · 3h
  • Hike to Lac BlancJul–SepMorning · 5h
  • Tandem paragliding over the valleyMorning · 2h
  • Mont Blanc Express to VallorcineAfternoon · 2h 30m
  • Ski or snowshoe dayDec–AprMorning · 6h

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Chamonix (Mont Blanc)via GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Chamonix (Mont Blanc)via Klook

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When to go

Best time: June – September (summer), December – April (ski season)

Worth knowing

Aiguille du Midi Closed for Maintenance

The Aiguille du Midi cable car is closed from 2 November to 18 December 2026 for its annual maintenance; many other lifts open only with the ski season in mid-December. The Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace usually keeps running; check before you go.

Worth knowing

Alpine Winter: Snow, Chains and Closed Trails

Winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory in Haute-Savoie from 1 November to 31 March, and hire cars from Geneva need them fitted. Summer hikes (Lac Blanc, the Grand Balcons) are under snow and avalanche-prone; the high cable cars stop in strong wind. Pack for -10 °C at altitude.

Heads up

Between Seasons: Some Lifts Shut

Between the ski and summer seasons (May to mid-June, and October to mid-December) several of Chamonix's lifts, mountain huts and restaurants close for maintenance. Check what is open before planning a mountain day.