Chamonix ice grotto back open

Following months of hard work at the ice grotto at the foot of the Mer de Glace below the Montenvers railway, the grotto is now open to the public.

The authorities gave the green light on Friday after more safety measures had been demanded after an initial visit nearly eight weeks ago. Guides worked round the clock to secure a rock band that threatened the entrance to the existing grotto was made safe.

The ice grotto attracts up to 280,000 visitors a year and is a major attraction in Chamonix, but the viability of the grotto is under threat with the continued retreat of the mer de glace glacier, meaning easy access from the steps and the bubble lift from the Montenvers railway station is becoming increasingly difficult.

To this end, a special meeting has been arranged on the 8th July to try and decide what can be done medium and long term about the situation.

In the meantime, you can enjoy a visit to the ice gotto carved every year into the base of the Mer de Glace, now open every day.