The Gare des Glaciers Trail is one of the steeper, longer trails to the Grand Balcon Nord Traverse Trail. Like the Grand Balcon Nord, the route is accessed from Chamonix's town center. A quick traverse south gains access to the direct line up to the old Aiguille du Midi Tram Stations. What sets this trail apart from the other trails to the Balcon Nord is both the angle and clean views of Mont Blanc and it's glaciers.

Once at the highpoint at the ruins of the old station, the route turns sharply north to head back to the Plan de L'Aiguille and the Aiguille du Midi mid-station. But first, a rock glacier crossing.

WARNING: As of June 2022, all maps still show an old trail leading to a steep drop off the moraine, where ropes lead down to the rock glacier. This is NO LONGER the route. Instead, pay attention for a trail leading left (west) and down the moraine where it crosses the rock glacier further down where the talus has settled and a trail leads through the debris.

Once off the rock glacier, climb back up to the Midi mid-station. At this point, you have numerous options. You can continue along the Grand Balcon Nord to make your day much longer, drop back to town, or have a fun lunch at the Refuge du Plan de L'Aiguille just below the tram station. The route we present takes you back to town.