Chamonix Trails using Lifts or Trains
Some of the best views in Chamonix require that you climb 1000 meters or more in altitude so you can reach the plateaus above the valley. To make this easier, you can use the gondolas, cable cars, chair lifts and mountain trains that go up the mountains in and around Chamonix. This enables you to do some higher altitude trails that are still child and family friendly. Here is our list of the best lift and train assisted trails in and around Chamonix. We present two ways of findings these trails. Below we feature some pictures of lift assisted trails. If you see one you like, then click on it and it will show you where the picture was taken and which trails pass by that location.
Lift and Train assisted Trails in Chamonix
There are a large number of lifts and mountain trains operating in and around Chamonix. They definitely belong to some of the most spectacular ones in the world. Beyond their utility of enabling you to easily gain altitude, they are also just a fun ride sure to be enjoyed by you and your loved-ones. Most of these also end up on locations that have excellent infrastructure with easy access to refuges, snack bars and other points of interest. This is our list of the best lift and mountain train assisted trails in and around Chamonix.
Fantastic route with so much to offer and a great diversity of scenery and views. This trail can be done with children as long as they can handle the significant amount of downhill.
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
10.99km / 6.82mi
Les Houches
Bellevue Lift Station
With Lift
Elevation +
651m / 2135ft
Elevation -
1278m / 4192ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
3.5-6 Hours
2-3 Hours
Scenic Beauty
Length
Family Friendly, Snack Bar, Big Views, Glacier, Refuge, With Lift
The easiest way to reach Lac Blanc using the Flegere and Index lifts and then travers to the Lac Blanc before heading back to Flegere. A Family friendly way of visiting Lac Blanc
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
6.21km / 3.85mi
Argentiere
Index Lift Station
With Lift
Elevation +
178m / 583ft
Elevation -
667m / 2188ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
2-3 Hours
1-2 Hours
Scenic Beauty
Length
Big Views, Lake, Family Friendly, Refuge, Snack Bar, With Lift
Perhaps the most popular route in the Chamonix Valley taking you from the Montenvers station and the Mer de Glace over the Balcon Nord past the Lac Bleu to the Plan l'Aiguille lift station.
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
7.35km / 4.56mi
Chamonix
Montenvers Train Station
With Lift
Elevation +
471m / 1545ft
Elevation -
103m / 338ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
2-3.5 Hours
1-1.5 Hours
Scenic Beauty
Length
Big Views, Refuge, Snack Bar, Family Friendly, Lake, Glacier, With Lift
This is a short route starting at the top of the Bellevue lift and traversing Mont Lachat till you reach its summit. Nice views of the entire Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
3.88km / 2.41mi
Les Houches
Bellevue Lift Station
With Lift
Elevation +
311m / 1020ft
Elevation -
311m / 1020ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
1.5-2.5 Hours
45-75 Mins
Scenic Beauty
Length
Snack Bar, Big Views, Family Friendly, Dogs, With Lift
Beautiful family friendly trail at 2000 meters of altitude with amazing views of Mont Blanc with easy access thanks to the Flegere and Planpraz Gondolas.
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
5.64km / 3.50mi
Chamonix
Flegere Gondola
With Lift
Elevation +
314m / 1030ft
Elevation -
191m / 626ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
1.5-2 hours
45-75 Mins
Scenic Beauty
Length
Big Views, Family Friendly, Snack Bar, With Lift
A tough but beautiful trail that takes you from the Col des Montets upto Lac Blanc and from there you traverse the Aiguilles Rouges and visit Lacs Noirs and Lac Cornu
Length
Nearest Town
Starting Point
Route Type
16.45km / 10.22mi
Le Tour
Col des Montets
With Lift
Elevation +
1552m / 5091ft
Elevation -
1011m / 3320ft
Technical
Hike Duration
Run Duration
7-12 Hours
4-6 Hours
Scenic Beauty
Length
Refuge, Snack Bar, Lake, Big Views, With Lift
The Best Trails in Chamonix in other categories
We have many other categories for our selection of the best hiking and trail running trails in Chamonix. Just like this list, all these categories feature hand-picked trails which we feel are the best for that specific category. Have a look at any of these to find your perfect trail.
Lastly, we also have a page that showcases all the trails in our database in text format. This enables you to quickly compare trails and order them by length, elevation gain, name and starting point.