Haute Route - Switzerland

Name: Haute Route - Switzerland
Brand: UTracks
SKU: HRT
Rating: 4.62 (13 reviews)

Forclettaz pass | Sue Badyari

Encountering snow on the Haute route, Switzerland | Sue Badyari

Trekkers on the Sorrebois pass, Switzerland | Sue Badyari

Alpine cabin along the Haute Route | Sarah Higgins

Picnic above Grimentz

Trekkers descend to Zermatt, Haute route | Sue Badyari

Views over Les Haudères, Swiss Alps | Sue Badyari

Group above Zermatt | Sue Badyari

Forclettaz pass | Sue Badyari

Trekkers on the Sorrebois pass, Switzerland | Sue Badyari

Picnic above Grimentz

Trekkers descend to Zermatt, Haute route | Sue Badyari

Group above Zermatt | Sue Badyari

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

7 days

Activities

guided alpine walk

Accommodation

2 nights mountain refuges
2 nights gîtes
2 nights hotels in dormitory style accommodation

Meals

6 Dinners
7 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1790 USD

Adult$1611USD

Overview

Trip Code: HRT

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 Verbier to Zermatt
Enjoy the culinary specialties such as Raclette
Share your walking 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 above Verbier in Switzerland, 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 with a hike along the Hornli Ridge. 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 up to 1000 metres per day, and a high level of fitness is essential.

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

This trip is graded challenging (5) and includes daily walks of 5 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. The highest altitude of the trip is under 3000m. There are some challenging stages during the walk 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 an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only with a good walking pace. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. 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 walking 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 walking 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 walk.

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Join Le Chable, trek from Verbier to Louvie (4hrs)

You will meet your guide in the morning to start your walk. From Le Chable we transfer to Verbier. The trek today takes you across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where you can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day we will have views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight we stay overnight in a mountain hut. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including clothing and toiletries for nights 1 and 2 - your luggage will be transferred to the 3rd nights hut. (+600m/1968ft)

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Louvie to Praz Fleury (7hrs)

An early morning start as we have a big day trekking across three alpine passes. You may encounter Ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. Follow a steep descent which 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/9727ft. Continue to the refuge Prafleuri where we stay overnight. (+910m/2985ft, -925m/3034ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Praz Fleury to Les Hauderes (7hrs)

Today we will walk up the banks of the Dixence River and then over the Riedmatten pass. We may get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and onto Les Hauderes where we will stay overnight in a Gite and be able to have a well deserved shower! (+714m/2352ft, -1327m/4254ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Les Hauderes to Grimmentz (5hrs)

A shorter day as we walk through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m). Ww walk the Moiry Valley and the Sorrebois pass (2800m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m). (+858m/2814ft, -841m/2759ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Grimmentz to Grüben (7hrs)

The route today takes us across the Anniviers Valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. We are now heading towards the Forclettaz pass (2871m) before we descend to the village of Gruben. Our accommodation tonight is in a hotel in the village of Gruben in the Turtmantal, a very narrow valley habitated only in summer. (+1090m/3576ft, -972m/3189ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Grüben to Zermatt, bus or train to Zermatt Valley (7hrs)

Today we will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m), enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. We will travel through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. We will either catch a bus or a train to Zermatt where we will overnight in a hotel. (+1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft OR -1400m/4593ft without cablecar)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Trek with views of the Matterhorn, trip concludes Zermatt (4hrs)

Our last walk 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 walking 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 4000m peak, Breithorn. 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.

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

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

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 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
2 nights accommodation in mountain refuges, 2 nights in gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis and 2 nights in hotel dormitory accommodation. Upgrade possible to 3 nights dorms and 3 nights double room - supplement applies
Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 1 to 3) – 15kg limit - must be a soft bag (not a hard suitcase). Extra costs apply to transfer excess luggage to Zermatt.
Experienced mountain guide

What's not included

Travel to and from the trail head
Drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Storage of luggage
Transfers
Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Items of a personal nature

Grading

challenging

Departure dates

Notes

DN1

option to upgrade to 3 nights dorms, 3 nights double rooms - supplement applies. No single room option available.

DN2

Walking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this walk.

DN3

Briethorn Ascent (4164m): on the last morning there is an option to ascend a technically straight forward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide (ratio of 5 -1) and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Lift ticket extra. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions on the day. Please register your interest when booking. Total cost approx EUR250 - subject to confirmation.

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

$1611USD

Options & Supplements*

double room supplement - 3 nights dorm/ 3 nights double where availableUSD$290

*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.