Argentière Glacier

Argentière Glacier is a large ice mass in the Mont-Blanc massif that descends through a wide valley carved between rocky peaks. The glacier displays deep crevasses and fractured ice formations along its surface, typical of fast-moving alpine glaciers.

The glacier advanced significantly during the Little Ice Age and reached far down the valley, but has been retreating since the mid-1800s. This long-term shrinkage reflects broader shifts in Alpine climate over the past 150 years.

The glacier's presence has influenced the development of mountaineering traditions in the region, shaping local guides' expertise and climbing techniques.

Access is easiest from the Grands Montets area or from the Argentière village, with marked trails available for different fitness levels. Summer months from June through September offer the best hiking conditions, as snow melts and pathways become more passable.

The glacier's lower section has broken into separate ice tongues, with one large tongue distinctly separated from the rest. This fragmentation allows visitors to observe how the ice splits and moves in different directions as it retreats.

Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

GPS coordinates: 45.96028,6.97944

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49