Glacier des Bossons: access, chairlift and hiking from Chamonix
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Publié le 16 juillet 2026
The Glacier des Bossons flows directly from the summit of Mont Blanc, between the Dôme du Goûter and the Roches Rouges at around 4,300 m, down to the edge of the Chamonix valley — Europe's largest ice waterfall. It is reachable by chairlift or on foot from Chamonix, with no technical gear.
À retenir
- Glacier origin at around 4,300 m, between the Dôme du Goûter and the Roches Rouges
- Chairlift access up to 1,410 m (mid-June to mid-September, about €13 adult round trip)
- On-foot access: about 2.5 hours round trip, 500 m elevation gain
- Glacier chalet at the top of the chairlift, with an ice cave (paid access)
What is the Glacier des Bossons?
The Glacier des Bossons originates on the French side of Mont Blanc, between the Dôme du Goûter and the Roches Rouges, at around 4,300 m, and flows directly down toward the Chamonix valley. Its steep gradient makes it Europe's largest ice waterfall, visible from the valley with the naked eye.
How to access the Glacier des Bossons
The Bossons chairlift climbs to 1,410 m and operates from mid-June to mid-September, for about €13 adult round trip. A hiking trail also reaches it in about 2.5 hours round trip for 500 m elevation gain; fitter hikers can extend to the Chalet des Pyramides, at 2,589 m.
The glacier chalet and ice cave
At the top of the chairlift, the Glacier des Bossons chalet offers food and paid access to an ice cave carved into the glacier, on the same principle as the Mer de Glace ice cave at Montenvers.
The Glacier des Bossons and the history of the ascent
It was via this same north flank, at the level of the Glacier des Bossons, that Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard made the first ascent of Mont Blanc on August 8, 1786, on the route now graded F/PD of the Grands Mulets way.
À lire ensuite
FAQ
How do you access the Glacier des Bossons?
By chairlift from Chamonix up to 1,410 m (mid-June to mid-September, about €13 adult round trip), or on foot in about 2.5 hours round trip for 500 m elevation gain.
Where does the Glacier des Bossons come from?
It originates at around 4,300 m on the French side of Mont Blanc, between the Dôme du Goûter and the Roches Rouges, and flows directly down toward the Chamonix valley.
Why is the Glacier des Bossons called Europe's largest ice waterfall?
Because of its steep gradient over a large elevation drop between its origin at 4,300 m and the valley floor, creating a spectacular flow of seracs visible from Chamonix.
Can you visit an ice cave at the Glacier des Bossons?
Yes, at the glacier chalet at the top of the chairlift, on the same principle as the Mer de Glace ice cave at Montenvers (paid access).
What is the link between the Glacier des Bossons and the first ascent of Mont Blanc?
Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard took this north flank for the first ascent on August 8, 1786, on the route now graded F/PD of the Grands Mulets way.