The Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt with Wanda

Walking above Zermatt

Group above Zermatt | Sue Badyari

A moment of reflection, The Matterhorn | Christina Dott

Best Climber in Zermatt, Switzerland | Jonathan Dixon

Descending from Col de Torrent on the Alpine Pass Route in Switzerland | John Millen

Typical Swiss scenery Switzerland - Matterhorn Mtn (Zermatt) | Christina Dott

Walking the Haute Route in Switzerland | Sarah Higgins

Duration

12 days

Activities

10 day guided alpine walk

Accommodation

9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
2 nights hotel

Meals

9 Dinners
10 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

Overview

Trip Code: SOG5112

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

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

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Chamonix

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Meet guide and group in Le Tour and walk to Switzerland (6hrs /+814m, -740m)

Leaving from the village of Le Tour or Chamonix you 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. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient. Continue to your refuge for overnight accommodation. (+814m/2670ft, -740m/2428ft)

Meals: L,D

Day 3
Cross the Fenetre d’Arpette and continue to Champex (7hrs/+1300m, -1000m)

Walk via the “Fenêtre d’Arpette” (2665m/8743ft) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and is quite challenging. In adverse weather conditions this pass is not recommended and we will use an alternate route. The trail is not as well defined as the lower 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 will have the opportunity to have a hot shower at your lodge. (+1300m/4265ft, -1000m/3280ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Short transfer to Bourg St Pierre and walk through Entremont Valley (7-8hrs /+800m)

Short bus transfer to Bourg Saint Pierre in the Entremont valley. Follow a wonderful panoramic trail with views over the whole Mont Blanc range and Dents du Midi to reach the Cabane des Mille. (+800m/2625ft).

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Continue trek to Louvie (7hrs /+600m, -700m)

The trek today takes you across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where you can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day you will have views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight you will overnight in a mountain hut. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping sheet, clothing for day 5 and toiletries as there is no luggage transfer possible today. (+600m/1968ft, -700m/2297ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Louvie to Praz Fleury (7hrs /+910m, -525m)

An early morning start as you will 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. You will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9730ft. Take a final steep climb to the refuge where you will overnight. (+910m/2985ft, -525m/1722ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Praz Fleury to Les Haudères (7hrs /+714m, -1327m)

Today you will walk up the banks of the Dixence River and then over the Riedmatten pass. You may get your first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and onto Les Hauderes where you will overnight in a Gite and be able to have a well deserved shower! (+714m/2343ft, -1327m/4353ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Les Haudères to Grimmentz via the Torrent Pass (2919m) (6hrs /+858m, -841m)

A shorter day as you walk through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m/9575ft). Walk the Moiry Valley and the Sorrebois pass (2800m/9185ft). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m/14,290ft), Zinalrothorn (4221m/13,850ft), Obergabelhorn (4063m/13,330ft) and Weisshorn (4504m/14,775). (+858m/2815ft, -841m/2759ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Cross the Forclettaz Pass (2871m) to Grüben (7hrs /+1090m, -972m)

The route today takes you across the Anniviers Valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. You are now heading towards the Forclettaz pass (2871m/9420ft) before descending to the village of Grugen. Our accommodation tonight is in a hotel in the village of Grüben in the Turtmantal, a very narrow valley habitated only in summer where German is the main language. (+1090m/3576ft, -972m/3189ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Grüben to Zermatt Valley (7hrs /+1075m, -990m)

Today you will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m/9495ft) enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. You will travel through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. You will either catch a bus or a train to Zermatt where you will overnight in a hotel. (1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Trek along the flanks of the Matterhorn (4hrs/+443m, -443m), return to Zermatt

Today you will follow the Hornli Ridge on the flanks of the Matterhorn. The ridge follows a beautiful and exposed line between the steep east and north faces of the peak. The Matterhorn is steeped in 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 along the flanks of the Matterhorn you will return to Zermatt for your overnight accommodation. (+443m/1453ft, -443m/1453ft)

Meals: B,L

Day 12
Trip concludes

Your trip concludes today in Zermatt.

Meals: Nil

Inclusions

What's included

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 and duvets (you will need to bring a sleeping sheet and earplugs).
2 nights hotel
Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 4 & 5) – 15kg limit
Experienced mountain guide
Internal transfers between walks by minibus

What's not included

Travel to and from the trail head
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Storage of luggage
Transfers
Travel insurance - mandatory

Grading

This trip is graded challenging (5) and includes daily walks of 4 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. 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 a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. 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.

Departure dates

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

$USD

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.