Index Chairlift to Lac Blanc to Flégère Gondola

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Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is one of the most popular day hike destinations in the Chamonix valley. The pristine lake nestled in a high alpine setting is a lovely place to picnic and relax. A convenient hut selling food and drink increases the hubbub here, but the fantastic views make it all worthwhile.

Swimming is forbidden in Lac Blanc - fines will be given! Double check the chairlift operating times so you don't get stranded.

From Chamonix valley, take the Flégère gondola up, and then able over west a few yards and ride the Index chairlift. The trail starts from the top of the Index lift. Head northeast (right) on a dirt road towards the base of the two short ski lifts named Floria. There may be some snow fields or a frozen pond or two here.

The trail is loose and rocky, but generally level here with a few steep downhill pitches. The terrain is benchy with rocky outcrops in this portion of the ski area. The route enters a large ampitheather-like bowl with towering peaks all around. Turn across a jutting point of the mountain and begin an ascent towards Lac Blanc. In turns gentle, sometimes steep, with a few switchbacks thrown in.

Before long, you reach the lake itself with numerous signs warning folks not to swim. This large, placid lake can be snow covered until late in the season. There can be wonderful reflections in the water of the snowy and dramatic Mt Blanc range. At this altitude, there are extraordinary views of the Drus and the Verte, not to mention their associated glaciers.

The mountain hut perched on the shoulder of the lake offers refreshments. It was destroyed by an avalanche.

The mountain refuge on the edge of the lake was destroyed by an avalanche and re-built in the 1990's but it has proven to be such a popular stop over with walkers (being on the Tour de Mont Blanc) that it was further extended in 2005 to offer more beds.

You might see ibex, chamois, marmots and deer.