Watch an icefall at the Glacier des Bossons

Published on July 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm

The Glacier des Bossons is one of the few stretches of ice around Chamonix. And while it's an exceptional sight, it's also unique in France. If you're staying in Chamonix, this is the place to be. It is 7km long and dates back to several centuries BC. A creation of Mother Nature, the Glacier des Bossons is constantly retreating and advancing, taking over the territory. So if you're curious to admire this giant of ice, hop on the chairlift and climb to the top to see the Glacier des Bossons in all its splendour.

Summary

The Glacier des Bossons through the centuries
Admire the Bossons Glacier
The Jonction walk

The Glacier des Bossons through the centuries

The Glacier des Bossons is an expanse of ice that falls from the summit of Mont-Blanc, at an altitude of 4,810 metres, and ends at an altitude of 1,420 metres. It is 7.3 km long and features numerous seracs, while crevasses are visible in certain steep areas. The Glacier des Bossons is renowned for the cascades of ice that form in certain areas.

The Bossons glacier is thought to have appeared during the last ice age, around 11,700 BC. However, it was in 9,700 BC that this glacier separated from the other glaciers. Its maximum advance was recorded in 1818, when it reached an altitude of 1,100 metres. Since then, the Glacier des Bossons has continued to advance and retreat. Finally, in 2015, a major avalanche was recorded in this area, bringing down more than 200,000 cubic metres of ice, which was dragged for a kilometre.

Glacier des Bossons, unobstructed view

Admire the Bossons Glacier

Today, the Glacier des Bossons is one of Chamonix's star attractions. To admire it, you can take the Glacier des Bossons chairlift to one of the surrounding peaks.

Practical info

Remember to check the opening and closing times of the chairlift, so you don't get stuck at the top. In addition, certain health restrictions may or may not be in place as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. To reach the summit, you'll need to leave from Les Bossons, a district of Chamonix. The chairlift rises to an altitude of 1,425 metres, your arrival point. From up there, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the seracs and the Glacier des Bossons.

Nearby isthe Chalet du Glacier des Bossons, which has a flower-filled terrace in summer, offering a magnificent view of various crevasses. Tablets are available for the more curious, should you wish to find out more about this glacier. Timelapses on the movement of the glacier over time, serac falls, the story of the discovery of a raft, a treasure and much more are on offer. There's plenty to keep the kids amused, while making them aware of the beauty of Mother Nature. Of course, you can also eat in this little chalet.

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The Jonction walk

During the summer months in particular, you can take advantage of this short hike to get closer to the gates of the mountain. La Jonction is the very last rocky spur before the glacier. If you follow this path, you'll reach the viewpoint at 2,589 metres above sea level.

Alpinist to the Glacier des Bossons

It's a 4.5 hour hike, but the gradient is almost insignificant. Younger visitors will have no trouble following this well-suited route, which never ceases to offer magnificent scenery. Make sure you wear the right footwear, though, as the heights are often synonymous with stony paths. During your short ascent, you can take advantage of the Chalet des Pyramides, at an altitude of 1,895 metres, to hydrate, and once you've reached the top, you can enjoy a view of the Glacier des Bossons and the Glacier de Taconnaz. For the record, this much-travelled trail was first used in 1786 by Doctor Paccard, who set out to climb Mont Blanc.

by Editorial Team

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