Grand Balcon Nord: Signal Forbes and Montenvers: hiking in France
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Grand Balcon Nord: Signal Forbes and Montenvers

Distance
16.9 km
Time
8 h 4 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

Grand Balcon Nord leads from Plan de l’Aiguille toward Montenvers on the mountain side of the Chamonix valley. The path first passes Plan de l’Aiguille refuge, then crosses below the Blaitière and Nantillons moraines. At Signal Forbes, the outlook changes: the walk turns toward Mer de Glace and descends to Montenvers station. The crossing connects mountain houses, glacial traces and a named lookout summit. This selected version includes additional returns along some paths, making it a substantial mountain outing. Begin with the descent plan: the Montenvers train and the lift to the start keep their own schedules.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 99% · Gravel 1%

Surface is defined for 100% of the route.

Dirt 99% · 16.7 km
Gravel 1% · 0.22 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Signal Forbes gives the crossing between two mountain stations a clear focal point. Plan de l’Aiguille refuge and Montenvers show different sides of walking above Chamonix, while the moraines recall the landscape’s glacial origins.
Length
17.0 km
Elevation gain
1857 m
Surface
Dirt 99%
Grand Balcon Nord: Signal Forbes and Montenvers: route photo

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
This is a substantial mountain day with additional returns. Children need experience of similar walks and confidence on rocky paths. Complete dog and bicycle permissions are unconfirmed. Lift and train operating times must be checked separately.

Nearby

The descent to the Mer de Glace ice cave needs a separate visit and current-access check. Lac Bleu near Plan de l’Aiguille is also an additional outing. An ascent to the upper Aiguille du Midi station is outside this walking crossing.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
The official guide confirms access to Plan de l’Aiguille by the Aiguille du Midi cable car and return by the Montenvers train. Valley links include Chamonix Sud bus stop and Chamonix Aiguille du Midi railway station. Check tickets, schedules and the walking connection between valley stations.
By car
Reach the valley approach in Chamonix, then use the cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille. Do not assume car access along the mountain walk; after the Montenvers train, allow a town walk back to vehicle storage.
Parking
The official itinerary identifies Grépon parking in Chamonix for the valley approach. Confirm conditions and extended storage beforehand. Visitor car parking along the mountain crossing is unconfirmed.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Plan de l’Aiguille refuge the named mountain house on the first part of the crossing.
Signal Forbes the lookout summit before the turn toward Mer de Glace and descent to Montenvers.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1857 м.
SurfaceDirt 99%, Gravel 1%.
Риски Exposed rocky sections require steady footing and a time margin. The official guide warns about snow patches in the steep gullies of a shortcut: choose the main crossing through Signal Forbes and check conditions beforehand. Do not descend onto the glacier without separate preparation and appropriate guidance.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Time for the route 6–8 h
With stops | 8–10 h This covers all passages between Plan de l’Aiguille and Montenvers, including returns along some paths. The direct Grand Balcon Nord is considerably shorter. Add transport and waiting separately; the full outing may not fit between the first ascent and last train, so shorten it or arrange another return plan in advance.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
The published window is mid-June to late October in suitable weather without dangerous snow. Actual access also depends on the cable car and train. Postpone the ordinary walking crossing after snowfall or during thunderstorms.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain boots, poles, warm layers and rain protection.
Water and food for a long day; confirm refuge service beforehand.
A detailed offline map, headlamp, spare power and a return plan after the mountain transport day ends.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

The official guide confirms access to Plan de l’Aiguille by the Aiguille du Midi cable car and return by the Montenvers train. Valley links include Chamonix Sud bus stop and Chamonix Aiguille du Midi railway station. Check tickets, schedules and the walking connection between valley stations

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 16.9 km, moderate.

Discussion

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