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La Jonction: A Complete Hiking Guide
If you read our Chamonix Complete Guide then you’ll know La Jonction isn’t to be missed. It’s a long, strenuous walk winding up an arête between the Glacier des Bossons and Glacier de Taconnaz. The end of the trail features the junction of the two glaciers with spectacular views of the glacial amphitheatre, the Dome du Gouter and the Aiguille du Midi.
La Jonction Route
Getting to La Jonction
Take advantage of the free bus travel (see here) and catch the number 2 from Chamonix Sud to Les Bossons. Once you arrive in Les Bossons, take the chairlift which will save you around 400m of ascent and 1-1.5 hours. The chairlift costs €13 (adult return) but we’d recommend checking it is operating beforehand so you can plan your day accordingly. If you would prefer to not take the chairlift, the trail is still well signposted from the village.
Disembark the chair lift and follow the signs for La Jonction. After approximately 5 minutes you will reach Chalet du Glacier des Bossons. Here you will enjoy a spectacular first glimpse of the terminus of the Glacier des Bossons. Unfortunately we arrived too early and the Chalet wasn’t yet open! There is a small exhibition on the glacier’s history at the chalet as well as two Air India crashes, the debris of which the glacier is continually revealing.
Step By Step Guide
After leaving Chalet du Glacier des Bossons, follow the well signposted trail for La Jonction. You will wind your way up a zigzagging trail through lush Pine Forest, with teasing glimpses of both glaciers on either side of the trail. As you gain elevation, you will pass vantage points which allow you to look down into the gaping crevasses. You may even hear the eery creaks and groans of the glaciers.
First Pit Stop
After just over an hour you will emerge from the trees at Chalet des Pyramids (1900m) where there is a toilet (an outdoor, self composting toilet – be warned!) and you can buy snacks and refreshments. However we strongly advise you purchase whatever supplies you need in Chamonix as the Chalet is expensive. From the chalet, the signpost indicates “La Jonction – 2h20”. The trail winds through a final wooded section which can become a little slippery so be aware of conditions underfoot. You then reach the concrete block showing the way to La Jonction in yellow paint. From here the trail opens up along a dusty and exposed section before winding up to a panoramic viewpoint.
You then drop down onto the Bossons side of the arete and enjoy a fairly horizontal section to catch your breath. Enjoy the views across the valley, you may even spot cable cars zooming to and from the Aiguille du Midi. From here you reach a rocky section which at first can appear intimidating to some. The easiest route is marked by yellow dots painted on the rock and there are metal steps to aid you in some sections. It’s a fun and straight forward little scramble.
Top Tip: It’s best to put the walking poles away for this section just in case you need your hands.
Once through the rocky section, follow the path before reaching ‘Gîte à Balmat’, a huge boulder which was the bivouac site for the first ever summiters of Mont Blanc.
Fun Fact: Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard were the first men to summit Mont Blanc in August 1786. They did so via La Jonction and bivouaced at Gîte à Balmat prior to their climb.
La Jonction
The final section is a straightforward stroll but be careful not to trip up over your jaw as the spectacular views open up in front of you. We recommend you enjoy a good break at the top, enjoy some lunch, rehydrate and take as many photographs as you can! We promise you will never have a more picturesque picnic in your life, with unrivalled views of the the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mount Maudit and the Dome du Gouter.
Descend by the same route.
Key Tips
- Take plenty of food and water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. This is a big hike and long day.
- Give yourself plenty of time. You want to enjoy ample time at the top whilst getting down in time for the last lift. We missed the last lift by 10 minutes and the extra 400m of descent really did leave us jelly-legged! Starting early also allows you to complete most of the climb before it gets too hot.
- Do not walk on the glacier. It may be tempting and you may see others do it but it is dangerous. The ice is hollow in places and can be prone to sudden collapse. You don’t want to have to call mountain rescue because you were trying to nail a new profile picture.
- Always check the weather forecast! You are on an exposed ridge so you do not want to get caught out in an afternoon thunderstorm.
Current Weather Forecast
- Do not attempt the trail if there is snow and ice on the ground. Parts of the path are narrow and exposed and there have been tragic accidents as a result.
- You may feel the effects of altitude so it’s a good idea to do another hike as a warm-up. We recommend Grand Balcon Nord as a perfect first day in Chamonix.
Thanks for reading our Hiking Guide to La Jonction. Hopefully this has helped you to plan your day, let us know your trip plans in the comments below!
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