The breaking down of the ice was done with a pickaxe; the ice was then moved out on a sledge. With the help of his brother-in-law, Claret created the first room inside the glacier with a surface of about 50m2.
In around 1953, the ice cave started to take on the form we know today.
The “grottus” or “cave workers” became experts on sculpting the ice cave and it’s interior. The cave consists of a rough cavern transformed into an apartment with living room including chairs, couches even beds with pillows…all sculpted in ice and touched up daily.
In 1971, Jean-Marie Claret, mountain guide, took over the work of his father.
Today, electric machines have replaced the ice picks and the cave continues to improve as the years go on. Sine 2000, colorful lights and music have been added to the ice cave.
