Glacier des Bossons: access, chairlift and hiking from Chamonix
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published July 16, 2026 · Updated August 6, 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.
Key takeaways
- Glacier origin at around 4,300 m, between the Dôme du Goûter and the Roches Rouges
- Chairlift access from 1,050 m to 1,410 m (13 June – 13 September 2026, €17 adult round trip)
- On-foot access: 2.6 km round trip, about 1h20, 268 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 starts at 1,050 m and climbs to 1,410 m; it operates from 13 June to 13 September 2026, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, for €17 adult round trip. A hiking trail also reaches it, starting from the hamlet of Les Bossons: 2.6 km round trip, about 1h20 of walking, for 268 m elevation gain; fitter hikers can extend to the Chalet des Pyramides, at 2,589 m.
€17
Adult return fare, Bossons chairlift (2026 season)
Chamonix.com
1,410 m
Altitude of the chairlift's top station, from 1,050 m at the base
Chamonix.com
268 m
Ascent on the hike to the chalet (2.6 km, ~1h20)
Chamonix.fr
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.
F/PD — Two grades on the overall rating scale used in mountaineering, ranging from F to ED. F ('Facile', easy) means no technical difficulty, though mountaineering gear is still required; PD ('Peu Difficile', slightly difficult) corresponds to grade-3 climbing. This is the grade given today to the Grands Mulets route, which uses this same flank of the Glacier des Bossons.
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FAQ
How do you access the Glacier des Bossons?
By chairlift from Chamonix up to 1,410 m (13 June – 13 September 2026, €17 adult round trip), or on foot on a 2.6 km round trip (about 1h20, 268 m elevation gain).
Is there a child or family rate for the Bossons chairlift?
Yes: €12.80 round trip for children aged 5 to 14, free under 5, and €58.20 for the family pass (2026 season).
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.