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A big workout that gets you up close and personal with the glaciers.


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Map Key

7.1

Miles

11.4

KM

51%

Runnable

8,436' 2,571 m

High

4,688' 1,429 m

Low

3,951' 1,204 m

Up

3,951' 1,204 m

Down

21%

Avg Grade (12°)

74%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

This tough trail takes you right to the snout of the Bossons Glacier - the biggest vertical drop glacier anywhere. The glacier moves at 250 meters/year - so fast that the top of the glacier becomes the bottom is just 25-40 years.

Climb all the way up the ridge separating the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers and leave plenty of time to relax at the top of this exceptional panorama.

Need to Know

Free parking can be had at the base of the chairlift.

Description

This run already has a huge vertical gain, so cut off 1,000 vertical feet by taking the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons (also known as Telesiege du Glacier). This ancient lift is fun - your feet will almost drag on the ground as you slowly ascend over the local's gardens.

At the top of the chair, you'll arrive at the Chalet du Galcier des Bossons where it's worth checking out the photos of the glacial retreat and of artifacts from plane crashes high on the glacier.

A ton of switchbacks will get you to the Chalet des Pyramides where you can get a surprisingly cheap and good bite and drink. From here on, the trail is less traveled but still easy to follow. Get all the way to the edge of the glacier and enjoy the icy wonderland and the views in all directions.

History & Background

This was part of the route of first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Gabriel Paccard.

Also interesting are some airplane parts that emerged from the glacier 25-35 years after a crash on the Mont Blanc summit.

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#3044

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#24

in France

#3,044

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Photos

Incredible scenery on the Montagne de la Cote Trail.
Jul 7, 2016 near Les Hou…, FR
Steep running next to the Bossons Glacier.
Jul 7, 2016 near Les Hou…, FR
Right at the split of the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers
Jul 7, 2016 near Chamoni…, FR
Wonderful glacier views are the hikers' reward.
Jun 27, 2022 near Les Hou…, FR
Staring down the glacier.
Jul 11, 2016 near Les Hou…, FR
Look over there! A glacier!
Jul 7, 2016 near Les Hou…, FR

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