Mediterranean Bike & Boat SaleView Trips
Duration
10 days
Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Price

$2360USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CTZ

Trip highlights


  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst the highest peaks in Western Europe including the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche
  • Follow the historic route from the head of the Chamonix Valley to Zermatt
  • Enjoy culinary specialties such as Raclette
  • Share your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is steeped in mountaineering legend, a route first taken by British climbers at the end of the 19th century. We join this historic route using the 'trekkers version' from the head of the Chamonix Valley, where we are immediately immersed in the incredible mountain scenery. Skirting glaciers we ascend passes gaining breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the 4000m+ peaks of Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn. On reaching Zermatt we take in the instantly recognizable form of the Matterhorn and appreciate the scale of this mountain and its tumbling glaciers. Staying in a mixture of comfortable alpine huts, gîtes and hotels, we experience traditional European mountain culture and the camaraderie of our fellow travellers. Suitable for experienced trekkers, this route is rugged at times with considerable altitude gains of between 800m and 1300 metres per day, and requires participants to have a high level of fitness and endurance.

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Leaving from the village of Le Tour we take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. (+747m/2450ft, -928m/3044ft)

Meals:  L,D

There are two alternative routes between Trient and Champex. The first is the Bovine path which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m), with beautiful views. The other is the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite challenging. Our aim is to always take this trail except in bad weather. It is not as well defined as the Bovine route but, as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. The descent to Champex is steep, though you'll have the opportunity to have a hot shower at the lodge. The decision on which path will be taken is always at the discretion of the guide. (+1150m/3773ft, -800m/2624ft or +900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we have a short bus transfer to Bourg Saint Pierre in the Entremont valley. We then hike along a wonderful panoramic trail with views over the whole Mont Blanc range and Dents du Midi to reach the Cabane des Mille. Note: this morning, pack your overnight requirements for the next 3 nights into your day pack. This includes your sleep sheet, night wear, toiletries and a change of clothes. (+1105m/3625ft, -338m/1109ft).

Meals:  B,L,D

The trek today takes us across the Alp du Val de Bagnes to Cabane Brunet where we can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day there are views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. From Brunet we take a bus transfer to Fionnay where we commence hiking to Cabane de Louvie. Tonight we will stay overnight in a mountain hut. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including clothing and toiletries for day 5, as the luggage transfer is not possible today. (+722m/2368ft, -470m/1542ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

An early morning start as it's a big day trekking across three alpine passes. We may encounter ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. A steep descent leads to the Grand Desert, a moraine-strewn area of dry glacier. We will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9730ft. Continue to the refuge Prafleuri where we stay overnight. (+1100m/3609ft, -700m/2296ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will hike up the banks of the Dixence River and over the Riedmatten pass. We may get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and transfer by bus to Les Hauderes, where we will stay in a Gite and can have a well deserved shower! (+600m/1968ft, -1249m/4098ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After a bus transfer to Mayen de Cotters we have a shorter day hiking through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m/9575ft). We continue through the Moiry Valley and to the Sorrebois pass (2800m/9185ft) and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000+m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m). From Barrage Moiry we take another bus to our overnight stay at Saint Jean. (+858m/2815ft, -666m/2185ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Start the day with a short transfer to Saint-Luc. Today's route then takes us across the Anniviers valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. We leave the valley through the Meidpass (2790m), before descending to the village of Grüben in the Turtmantal, a narrow valley inhabited only in summer and where German is the main language. Our accommodation tonight is a hotel in the village. (+613m/2011ft, -972m/3189ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will trek via the Augsbord Pass (2894m/9495ft), enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. We will continue through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. We will either catch a bus or a train into the lively resort town of Zermatt, where we stay overnight in a hotel. (1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last hike is along a trail facing the Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn with a superb panorama of the 4000m peak Monte Rosa (4634m). The Matterhorn is steeped in a history of human dramas. The first attempt to reach the summit was made in 1857, with the first successful attempt made by Edward Whymer in 1865. After a few hours hiking we will return to Tasch /Zermatt where our tour will end early afternoon. (+443m/1453ft, -443m/1453ft) Note: This morning you have the option to ascend a technically straight forward peak, Breithorn (4164m). This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions. Please register your interest when booking. Price between €110 - €420 per person depending on number of participants, subject to change and paid locally.

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation. Dorms will usually accommodate between 8 and 20 people, with separate mattresses. Upgrade possible to 4 nights dorms and 5 nights double rooms - supplement applies, limited availability (must request at time of booking).
  • Luggage transfer by minibus - 15kg limit (except day 4 & 5 - you need to carry your overnight gear from day 3 to day 6)
  • Experienced mountain guide
  • Internal transfers between hikes by minibus
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from the trail head
  • Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Storage of luggage. Note: limited availability, on request: transfer your 'main' luggage (not needed for the trek, also max 15kg) Chamonix-Zermatt - fee applies, must be booked and pre-paid - please ask your consultant. Otherwise you will need to store it in Chamonix at your pre-tour hotel and collect it after the trip.
  • Transfers not noted as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

challenging  

GRADE 5 - Daily hikes of 4 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only with a good walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and make the trip more challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance hiking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this hike.


Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Hiking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this hike.
Note:
Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.
Note:
Option to upgrade to 4 nights dorms and 5 nights double - supplement applies, very limited availability, on request only. No single room option available.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2360USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Main luggage drop from Chamonix to Zermatt - per 15kg bagUSD$80
  • double room supplement - 4 nights dorm / 5 nights double where possibleUSD$400
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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