About the Haute Route

History

The Haute Route is one of the world's most celebrated mountain treks and a milestone in the history of alpinism. The trek between Chamonix (France) and Zermatt (Switzerland) covers the high alpine terrrain of the central Alps. It was pioneered by members of the British Alpine Club with local guides in the 1860s and dubbed the "high level route" - this was translated into French as the "haute route." The famed ski traverse (winter Haute Route) was first completed in 1911. It remains one of the most popular ski tours in the world.

The excellent system of mountain huts allows for trekkers and skiers to spend the night in comfortable accommodations along the route. Situated high above the tree line, local associations and sections of the Swiss Alpine Club originally built the huts early in the 20th century to provide shelter and lodging for mountaineers.

Covering a distance of 180 km (110 miles) the ski touring Haute Route takes around 6 days and the summer "walkers'" Haute Route takes around 10 days. The record for completing the Haute Route (from Chamonix to Zermatt) is an amazing 21 hours and 11 minutes set by Lionel Bonnel and Stéphane Brosse on May 2, 2008.

Haute Route Ski Tour: Verbier Variation

Our Haute Route ski tour follows the moderate Verbier variation. You'll depart with the guided group from Argentière in the Chamonix valley and decend on the second day to Champex in Switzerland. From Champex the group transfers by private car to Verbier, a well-known ski town.

Once in Verbier you'll take a lift back up to high altitude and reach another mountain hut. The remainder of the tour to Zermatt remains at high altitude and you'll ski hut-to-hut. Highlights on this tour include the optional Rosablanche summit (10,945 ft / 3,336 m) and the Pigne d'Arolla (12,454 ft / 3,796 m). The last day the tour crosses several cols and decends the Stöcki glacier to Zermatt beneath the impressive and iconic Matterhorn.

Difficulty: To enjoy this tour you need to be in good shape and familiar with backcountry touring. You should be comfortable skiing black diamond runs (USA) or black runs (Europe) and familiar with techniques including kick-turns, stem-christies, and side-slipping. The tour is guided by a licensed, local mountain guide and by a ski instructor/guide. The first day of the tour also includes discussion about security in the mountains and glacier travel, so you don't need any previous experience with glacier travel to participate in the tour. If you have any doubts about your abilities contact us to discuss your interest in this classic alpine tour.

>>> Learn more about the huts

>>> Learn more about the Summer Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc

>>> Map of the Haute Route ski tour

Useful Travel Websites

Language

The main language spoken in the area is French, as well as German and Italian. German is the main language at the end of the Haute Route.

Money

The local currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). The Euro (€) is accepted in France and other European countries.

Telephone Calls

To dial internationally from Switzerland or France, dial: 00 + area code + telephone number. Hotel receptionists will help you make calls.

When calling Switzerland, you must dial the country code of 41 When calling France, you must dial the country code of 33.

Tri-band cell phones will work in most areas. You may also want to consider renting one or getting a global cell phone.

Electricity

Switzerland and France use 220 volt current with a European plug.

U.S. State Department Links