Mer de Glace from the Signal – Grand Balcon Nord Trail loop from Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi

Mountain hikes & routes

Mer de Glace from the Signal – Grand Balcon Nord Trail loop from Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi

Hard

5.0

(4)

hikers

Mer de Glace from the Signal – Grand Balcon Nord Trail loop from Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi

08:55

18.9km

1,300m

Mountaineering

Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 10.5 km for 149 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

6.66 km

Grand Balcon Nord Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A classic trail in the Chamonix valley — worth adding to your list. The Balcon Nord connects the Plan de l'Aiguille to the Montenvers station. Breathtaking views of the valley, needles and glaciers in all directions!

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Tip by

10.3 km

Le signal, panoramic view

Highlight • Other

The climb is not easy. Lots of rocks and it's slippery. But perfect for trail running downhill 😁.
The signal offers a magnificent view of the Mont-Blanc massif.

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Tip by

10.4 km

Mer de Glace from the Signal

Highlight • Other

Very beautiful view on the Mer de Glace, as well as on the valley of Chamonix. About 45 minutes from Montenvers station.

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Tip by

10.9 km

Grand Balcon Nord Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This epic trail leaves from Montenvers-Mer de Glace station. It forms a superb track which alternates between rolling earth single tracks and technical passages in the middle of the scree. …

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Tip by

12.2 km

View of the Mer de Glace

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here there is a hotel, a train station and a cable car. Excursion destination with a magnificent view of the glacier.

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Tip by

18.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.6 km

1.72 km

611 m

434 m

338 m

123 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

16.2 km

808 m

785 m

685 m

293 m

123 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,200 m)

Lowest point (1,030 m)

Weather

Saturday 10 October

3°C

-5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 6, 2024,Alpen Aguille du midi - Grand Balcon Nord - Mer de Glace - Montenvers

Nice walk. The gondola was fully booked. It is high summer, you must reserve in advance for the lazy variant of the route. Then we went up on foot and that was highly recommended. Alternate route and enjoy the view even more at the top. Lots of people there, but fewer than expected. Don't count on the train back to …

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