La Jonction via Montagne de la Côte

The Montagne de la Côte is a steep ridge separating the final tongues of the Bossons and Taconnaz Glaciers tumbling down from Mont Blanc and Le Goûter.
Historically, the route taken by Balmat and Paccard on their first ascent of Mont Blanc, this climb starts out pleasantly winding through the forest, then onto grassy slopes, and finally into a more mineral setting, ending in a very high-mountain glacial atmosphere.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.84 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to author: 10 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,636 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,639 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,577 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,135 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start: Chamonix, leave the RN 205 at the Bossons interchange and head South-East up the road towards Mont. Car park before the village (beyond, access reserved for local residents).

(S/E) Take the path heading South-East towards La Jonction. It climbs up through the forest with a few switchbacks and crossings until it reaches a carriage track which leads on the left to the top of the chairlift, at the foot of the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons.

(1) Take the good path that rises through the forest on pleasant switchbacks to a ridge top overlooking the terminal tongue of the Glacier des Bossons.

(2) A landslide cuts off the old passage: continue up a few hairpin bends, then the path drops down onto the slope of the Bossons glacier, down several wooden steps to head back down the slope towards the Chalet des Pyramides.

(3) Pass under the chalet-buvette and climb tightly upwards, first a damp, deep valley, then more open grassy slopes, to a sill (former concrete base) under the last projections of the Bec du Corbeau.

(4) Switch to the Taconnaz side and descend some 50 m downhill to a trail junction (the trail down to the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier is marked "dead end").

(5) Turn sharp left up a fairly steep grassy slope which leads to a new threshold on the ridge behind the Bec du Corbeau.

(6) Switch to the Glacier des Bossons side and, after a short descent, cross level with the hillside towards the Glacier to skirt a rocky bar. Beyond this bar, turn right to climb up a rockier area to a new grassy pass on the ridge behind Mont Corbeau.

(7) Switch to the Taconnaz side for a wide yaw, then climb up the now rockier ridge, following the yellow dots. The route quickly twists and turns up to a characteristic rock that served as shelter for the first Mont Blanc climbers.

(8) The ridge at the top of the terrain below the Jonction is now clearly visible, and the track quickly leads up to it.

(9) From the summit, after taking in the views, the descent is made by the same route. Once back in the forest, a number of trail variants are possible, all leading more or less directly back to Mont (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,138 m - Parking du Mont
  2. 1 : km 1.24 - alt. 1,412 m - Chalet du Glacier des Bossons
  3. 2 : km 3.52 - alt. 1,805 m - Turn towards Glacier des Bossons
  4. 3 : km 4.18 - alt. 1,890 m - Chalet des Pyramides
  5. 4 : km 5.3 - alt. 2,157 m - Bec du Corbeau ridge
  6. 5 : km 5.54 - alt. 2,120 m - Taconnaz crossroads
  7. 6 : km 5.8 - alt. 2,210 m - Threshold between Bec and Mont du Corbeau
  8. 7 : km 6.26 - alt. 2,294 m - Grassy threshold before a more rocky climb
  9. 8 : km 7.17 - alt. 2,522 m - Gîte in Balmat
  10. 9 : km 7.42 - alt. 2,576 m - La Jonction
  11. S/E : km 14.84 - alt. 1,138 m - Parking du Mont

Practical information

Start: Chamonix, leave the RN 205 at the Bossons interchange and head South-East up the road towards Mont. Car park before the village (beyond, access reserved for local residents).

Terrain: No particular technical difficulty, apart from the length and height difference, which require a good level of fitness.

Gears: An ice axe may be useful at the start of the season to get over snow still present.

Waymarkers: No orientation difficulties: directional signs at every junction, then yellow dots on the rockier final section.

Alternative start: You can park further down at the foot of the ski jump and take the Bossons chairlift, which takes you directly to (1) . On the way back, the chairlift stops quite early, so you'll have to walk down.

Refreshments: Two chalets along the way serve as refreshment stands.

In the nearby area

Immerse yourself in the heart of the glaciers descending from Mont Blanc without having to put on crampons.

The views across the Mont Blanc Massif are extensive.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 19 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 17019047

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The final section is a grade 1 climb. It is easier to follow the path on the way down than on the way up through the rocks (we lost sight of the yellow markers along the way😊).
It takes as long to climb up as it does to climb down (5 hours in our case)

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User 13616643

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

An exceptional hike! A must-do!
You need to be a good walker, but it's nothing insurmountable. The elevation gain is slightly overestimated; I recorded the hike on my GPS and it was around 1,450 metres.
There are some sections where you need to hold on with your hands before reaching the junction because the path gets a bit lost among the rocks, but it is well marked with yellow circles painted on the rocks.
We arrived at the junction at around 11:20 a.m., having left the Mont car park at 7:50 a.m. We took plenty of time to take photos.
Magnificent view of the Dôme du Goûter, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc du Tacul!
Walking sticks are recommended for the descent as it is long.

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Rochi1999
Rochi1999

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Many thanks for sharing this sublime itinerary, completed yesterday, 31 August 2025, under a stormy blue sky :-) 4 hours and 15 minutes of climbing with numerous photo breaks, 3 hours and 35 minutes of descent (I'm protecting my knees...) after an hour of contemplative picnic break at the summit, for a total of just under 9 hours.
Hiking poles and boots are definitely recommended!

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Faustine M.
Faustine M.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A breathtaking panorama!
The first part in the forest is very pleasant. Then, with each change of mountain slope, there is a breathtaking landscape.
As a Chamonix resident, I hadn't taken the time to do it before.
Be careful not to forget your buildings, and good shoes are essential. A light jumper or windbreaker up there wouldn't go amiss
However, it doesn't take 4 hours and 50 minutes to climb up... or backwards then!!! Just kidding, everyone goes at their own pace!

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Farid Ladrem
Farid Ladrem

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A magnificent hike that is well worth the effort. Much of the route is through forest, which is pleasant for its coolness and shade, especially in summer.

A few technical sections require caution and concentration. Walking sticks are highly recommended.

Hiking boots are essential: I saw people wearing light trainers, which I think is very unwise given the nature of the terrain.

The descent is long and challenging after the effort of the climb, so take it very seriously.

Plan to start early in the morning to avoid the heat and have time to enjoy the summit.

Take a break every hour to avoid exhaustion.

There are no water sources along the entire route. Bring plenty of water. For my wife and daughter, 1.5 litres was enough, but I needed more than 3 litres.

A second pair of socks can really make a difference.

Remember to take good food for the summit.

In good weather, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.

The view from the summit is absolutely spectacular, breathtaking, a real reward, perfect for a long, contemplative break.

In summary: A challenging but fabulous hike. If you're well prepared, you'll come back with your head full of images and a real sense of achievement. Not to be underestimated, but a must if you're well equipped and in good shape.

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Y Mei
Y Mei
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Always superb views. Despite the crowds of trail runners running past you and hikers in a hurry and sweating, the path is varied and fun, with even a few hands on the rock in the last 200 metres. At the junction, you can still put your feet up on the glacier, but continuing towards the Grands Mulets is particularly chaotic. Note that there is no longer any real junction as the two glaciers are now separate and no longer mix.
Note: After the pyramids, there are two paths. Choose the one that goes up. At the various small passes, however, leave out the paths that try to follow the ridge (but the main path is well marked and there are warning signs).
As this is a fairly long walk, you'll need a headlamp in the off-season, as the woods are dark in the lower reaches.

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luluschnaps
luluschnaps

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very pretty walk, steeped in history
fairly easy trail despite the steep gradient
magnificent scenery
the proximity of the glaciers is quite impressive, despite their melting ...
done in 7 hours with breaks and not 10 as stated in the guidebook

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karkad
karkad

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The Jonction is as magnificent as ever, even if the glaciers no longer join! The difference in altitude is more like 1400 m from the Mont car park. No signposting problems, and quite a few people on the way back. But we keep coming back for more, landscapes like this !!!!

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Ccyl
Ccyl

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

One of the most beautiful hikes there is. Demanding with its 1700m D+, very comfortable with its forest trail, a little technical with a final straight section where you have to use your hands to climb, splendid with all its balconies overlooking the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers, spectacular with an imposing finish at the foot of the glaciers... Wah! The effort is well worth the show!

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Delachat
Delachat

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The Chalet des Pyramides was closed, as was the glacier restaurant at Les Bossons!

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cof
cof

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hello,
I set off at 8am from the Mont car park in the cool, 8°C weather. A pleasant climb through the forest for half of the route, with no difficulties apart from the difference in altitude. After the Chalet des Pyramides, we had to climb a few passages, nothing dangerous, but with dry ground, it was preferable... Today, it was a bit tricky because there was a lot of ice, but on the way back, no worries, the heat had done its job.
More shade for the rest, and it's not over yet, the difference in altitude is still significant but we're starting to enjoy the view. We reach the Gîte in Balma and the end is near. On arrival, the view of the two glaciers and the whole massif is breathtaking.
It's well worth the effort.
This is a fine walk, but it's quite long because of the difference in altitude on both the outward and return legs. If you're in normal physical condition and take your time, you can do it well. If you set off early, with dry ground and plenty of sunshine, it will be a good day out.
For the return journey, the same route but with lots of people on the way up.

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le dd
le dd

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

An exceptional hike that every hiker should do when in Chamonix. However, the route is very demanding and requires good physical condition. But the effort pays off as soon as you reach La Jonction. I didn't want to go down any more. Nature is really beautiful. I've seen some beautiful things in my life, but this is breathtaking. This hike brings you right up close to the high mountains and glaciers.
Thank you for this fabulous tour.
Le dd

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anthonymc
anthonymc

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A hike in the shade of the forest for the first half, then more open as you pass the Chalet des Pyramides. Quite long and demanding, but the junction offers a spectacle of glaciated high mountains like no other, accessible by a simple hike: Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Mont Blanc, Dôme and Aiguille du Goûter... a world of eternal snow and a glimpse of the first ascent of Mont Blanc (you get a better idea of how crazy the project is!).
Quite a few people were climbing on the way down (12 hrs), but it was a leisurely ascent for an 8 hrs start. Allow 4 hours for the ascent and 3 hours for the descent.

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RELACOM
RELACOM

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb hike with a diversity of landscapes and viewpoints. I really enjoyed it.
The finish at La Jonction wiped out all the effort of the climb in the blink of an eye.
A little-used route on 6 July, with a 6pm start and a 9.15pm finish.
I was alone at the Jonction to admire the glow of the glaciers and the Aiguilles in the light of the setting sun.
However, 2/3 of the descent by headlamp, you can't have everything.
I'd do it again with a very early start in the morning.
The Glacier des Bosson chairlift seems to save 200/250m of ascent.

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dudunad
dudunad

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

very nice hike, magnificent scenery all the way and a grandiose finish.

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