Argentiere Glacier and the Grand Balcon Nord

Aiguilles du Chardonnet and d Argentiere

Visit the Glacier d’Argentiere, an impressive spectacle of rock and ice flowing down a scenic valley rimmed by jagged peaks. An optional return route descends the Grand North Balcony accompanied by fine views of the Aiguilles Rouges and le Brevent.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

• Distance: 3.0 miles (round trip) to Argentiere Glacier
  6.9 miles (one way) to Les Tines
  
• Elevation: 6,470-ft. at Trailhead
  7,700-ft. at Argentiere Glacier
  3,750-ft. at Les Tines
  
• Elevation Gain: 1,230-ft. to Argentiere Glacier
  -3,950-ft. to Les Tines
  
• Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
• More Hikes in:
  Chamonix / French Alps

Why Hike Argentiere Glacier and the Grand Balcon Nord

This hike combines the trails to the Argentiere Glacier and the northern half of the Grand Balcon Nord (Grand Balcony North) for a scenic and interesting excursion. Start the trip in Argentiere with a ride up the Lognan/Grands Montets cable car to the middle station at Lognan.

The trail initially leads to the lower overlook featuring impressive views of the glacier’s crevasses and seracs. Waterfalls spill down slopes below the glacier’s retreating snout. The craggy slopes of Aiguille du Chardonnet tower overhead.

The path then ascends to and climbs along the top of the south lateral moraine where overlooks offers panoramic views of the Glacier d’Argentiere, an impressive river of ice flowing down a long valley rimmed by Aiguille de Chardonnet and Aiguille d’Argentiere to the north and Aiguille des Grand Montets to the south. Mont Dolent soars above the head of the valley.

Extend the day by returning to the lift station and then following the Grand Balcon Nord (Grand North Balcony) with grand views of the Aiguilles Rouges and le Brevent towering above west side of the Chamonix Valley. Finish the hike by descending to les Tines on the Valley floor.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:

Region Information:
French Alps

Other Hiking Regions in:
France