GRAND BALCON NORTH

HIKING & TRAIL RUNNING

LEVEL | BEGINNER
TERRAIN | MOUNTAIN PATH
TYPE | DAY ACTIVITY
DURATION | HALF/FULL DAY
KID FRIENDLY
PET FRIENDLY

Perfect for all

Embark on an exhilarating journey along the breathtaking trails of the Grand Balcon North, a spectacular route that stretches from the Montenvers Train Station to and from the Plan de l'Aiguille.

Accesible from the Chamonix Village through train, cable car or a hike up to the path, this adventure invites you to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Mont Blanc massif, with its expansive views of snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, and rugged terrain.

IN NUMBERS

FIGURES

DISTANCE — 6KM | 3.7Mile
ASCENT — 270m | 885 feet
DESCENT — 250m | 820 feet
LOWEST — 1,920m | 6,300 feet
HIGHEST — 2,316m | 7,590 feet

TIME

ACTIVITY — FULL DAY
- HALF DAY; POSSIBLE RUNNING ONLY
AVERAGE 1 WAY TIME
- HIKE — 2:00hr | 4:00hr
- MIX — 1:30hr | 1:50hr
- RUN — 45min | 1:10hr

LOCATION

CHAMONIX, FRANCE
- START POINT — CHAMONIX VILLAGE
- ROUND TRIP — YES

HIGHLIGHTS

HIKING AND RUNNING ON GRAND BALCON NORD

Embark on an unforgettable hiking or running adventure along the Mont Blanc Massif with ALPS Concierge. Visit our social media channels for breathtaking videos and stunning photos.

NOTABLE SPOTS

GARE DU MONTENVERSE

The Gare du Montenvers in Chamonix is a historic and picturesque mountain station, serving as the gateway to some of the most iconic alpine experiences in the Mont Blanc region. Here's how you can describe it:
GARE MER DE GLACE

France's largest glacier, cradled amidst towering peaks, features an additional cable car that descends directly into its icy depths.
SIGNAL FORBES VIEWPOINT

Signal Forbes is not just a spot for photography but also a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the vastness of the Alps. It’s a serene location where hikers often take a break to soak in the natural beauty.
AGUILLE DU MIDI

(3,842 m): Starting from Chamonix, this cable car ascends to the Aiguille du Midi, offering panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. It's a gateway for mountaineers aiming for Mont Blanc and features a glass skywalk known as "Step into the Void."
MONT BLANC

(4,809 m): The highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc's snow-capped summit is visible along parts of the trail.
ANNECY

Description goes here

- HIKING OR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
- COMFORTABLE CLOTHING: LAYERS RATHER THAN HEAVY CLOTHING
- HIKING POLES (OPTIONAL)
- HAT + SUNSCREEN
- MINI BACK-PACK WITH WATER BOTTLE OR CAMELBAK
- MONEY FOR:
  - RESTAURANT OR BAR
  - GIFT SHOP
- MONTENVERSE MER DE GLACE
  - RESTAURANT
  - SNACKS, COFFEE & SANDWICHES
- PLAN DE L'AGUILE
  - SNACKS, COFFEE & SANDWICHES
- AGUILLE DU MIDI
  - RESTAURANT
  - SNACKS, COFFEE & SANDWICHES
- SNACKS DURING HIKE
- 1 WAY — MODERATE WEEKLY EXERCISE
- 2 WAY — MODERATE DAILY EXERCISE
- HIKE FROM CHAMONIX — DAILY EXERCISE + EXPERIENCE
- TRAIL RUN — DAILY EXERCISE + EXPERIENCE
- IDEAL ADVENTURE FOR KIDS
- 1 WAY OPTION RECOMMENDED
- PLEASE CONTACT FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Grand Balcon Nord hike in Chamonix. However, there are important considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet:
- Leash Requirements: It's advisable to keep your dog on a leash during the hike. Certain sections of the trail are exposed, and the presence of wildlife, such as marmots, can be tempting for dogs to chase. Keeping your dog leashed helps prevent accidents and protects local fauna.
  Chalet La Foret
- Lift Access: Dogs are permitted on some of the lifts in the area, including the Plan de l’Aiguille cable car, which accesses the Grand Balcon Nord trail. Ensure your dog is comfortable with the lift experience, and always keep them on a leash while on the lift and in lift areas.
  Chalet La Foret
- Trail Etiquette: Be mindful of other hikers and maintain control of your dog at all times. Some hikers may be uncomfortable around dogs, and a well-behaved pet ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.
- Environmental Considerations: Always clean up after your dog to maintain the pristine condition of the trails. Carry sufficient water and a collapsible bowl, as natural water sources may not always be available.
We are our guides and we will be your companion and friend during this adventure.
Our objective is for you to have a seamless experience, where you can focus on the adventure itself and leave all the operational details to us. In this manner, you can focus on exploring the mountains, yourself, others and the flora & fauna of the Alps.
Please know that any guide, as a professional, should follow the following guidelines:
- Certifications
  - UIMLA/AMM certified for trekking; first aid qualified
- Skills
  - Safety management, navigation, group leadership, local knowledge
- Personality
  - Patient, motivating, adaptable, and passionate about the mountains
- Responsibilities
  - Safety, navigation, group management, storytelling, and logistics
- Language
  - Fluent in English, French, and Italian
- Fitness
  - Excellent physical stamina and strength

IN DETAIL

Our services are available for all types of groups, including solo travelers. Please note that our activity itineraries begin at the activity's starting point, not upon airport arrival. However, we also offer concierge services to assist you from arrival to departure. This includes support for a full itinerary—such as flights, airport transfers, and accommodations—whether this activity is part of a larger trip or you simply need additional assistance.

The starting point for this itinerary is Chamonix, Mont Blanc.