Alpine glaciers reach record melting levels

The Alps are experiencing unprecedented environmental changes, with record glacier melting, increased rockfalls, and severe droughts and high-altitude wildfires. The Regard d'Altitude network, monitored by geographers Jacques Mourey and Mathieu Le Touze, highlights the transformation of the terrain and the challenges climate change poses to Alpine communities and mountainous regions.

Mer de Glace sets new melting record

The Mer de Glace, a famous glacier in the Alps, has reached its highest level of melting in 2026. Despite the return of cold and precipitation, the effects of repeated heatwaves have not been mitigated. Western Europe just experienced its hottest summer on record, and the consequences for the Alpine massifs continue to unfold.

Swiss and French glaciers suffer significant loss

In Switzerland, glaciers experienced their second-worst year of melting after 2022, losing 5.5% of their volume in 2026. Similarly, in France, 2026 ranks as the second-worst year for glacier melting, following 2022. The Mer de Glace symbolizes the rapid disappearance of glaciers in the region.

Rockfalls increase dramatically in the Alps

Mathieu Le Touze reported a significant increase in rockfalls in the mountains this summer, with 119 recorded between May 1st and September 30th. This is nearly double the number from 2025 and 2024. Events include wildfires in areas like L'Argentière-la-Bessée and Pralognan-la-Vanoise, raising concerns about the impact of the Mediterranean climate on Alpine regions.

Future rockfalls may be more severe

With the return of cold and snow, rockfalls may become less frequent but more severe, as deeper ruptures cause larger volumes of rock to become unstable. Mourey warned that by the end of the century, glaciers may only remain at the summit of Mont Blanc or the Écrins range, with other massifs experiencing widespread deglaciation.

Mountain routes become inaccessible

Jacques Mourey noted that a quarter of the 100 most beautiful routes in the Mont-Blanc massif, as identified by Gaston Rebuffat, are no longer accessible today. Le Touze questioned whether high-altitude mountain ranges could become completely inaccessible in the coming years, suggesting that adapting without changing our relationship with the mountains may become complex.

Glaciers lose significant thickness

The Mer de Glace lost the equivalent of 3.6 meters in thickness, the Tré-la-Tête glacier lost 3.5 meters, and the Blanc glacier lost 1.5 meters. Mourey emphasized that it would take another glacial period for the ice to reform, making the melting definitive at a human scale.

Future ice retention uncertain

According to some models, by the end of the century, only the summit of Mont Blanc or the Écrins range may retain any ice, with other massifs experiencing widespread deglaciation. Le Touze lamented the potential rapid disappearance of emblematic glaciers, noting that the Mer de Glace could lose between 70% and 100% of its current volume by 2100.

Deglaciation poses new risks

Le Touze warned that deglaciation deposits unstable glacial and moraine materials, which can be mobilized during extreme weather events, similar to what was seen in Nepal. He noted that the system is moving toward an acceleration of material availability rather than stabilization.

Alpine agriculture faces water challenges

The agricultural sector is also affected by climate change, with some alpine pastures facing water shortages during the summer. In the Fribourg Prealps, many alpine pastures have reached the limits of their water reserves, with some requiring helicopter deliveries for water.

Urgent need for emission reductions

Mourey emphasized that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the only way to limit the damage, stressing the urgency of adapting territories that are already experiencing tangible consequences of climate change.