The Haute Route: Ski Tour the Alps

On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing

Overview

Winter Route - 8 Days Chamonix to Zermatt, Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

Season: March-May

Skiing the Haute The Haute Route (or "High Route") joins two of the great mountaineering centers in the world - Chamonix and Zermatt - one overshadowed by the highest massif in Western Europe (with the Mont Blanc or "White Mountain" at 15,781 feet), and the other by the most iconic, and probably the most elegant, of the Europe's alpine peaks (the Matterhorn at 14,692 feet). Accompanied by experienced Swiss or French mountain guides, you will experience a true winter adventure traversing a majestic landscape crowned by the greatest concentration of 4000 meter peaks in the Alps. All while staying in the excellent system of mountain huts with half board and welcoming interiors, you'll complete this high-altitude, winter adventure on what is considered among the most famous ski tours of the world.

Difficulty: Route with a continuous effort during 6 days or more, with a daily elevation gain exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and more than 6 hours of skiing per day. Descent grade: couloir or steep skiing, some slopes between 40 and 45° over more than 200m vertical. Good physical condition is required. Ski mountaineering/ backcountry skiing experience necessary

Summer Haute Route (by foot)

Season: July and August

The Haute Route can also be done during the summer months using the same system of mountain huts. The walking route takes longer to complete since descents are slower. It can take 12 days to complete the Chamonix to Zermatt trek, but departures from Verbier take only 7 days. We can provide custom itineraries and rate quotes depending on the number of days that you wish to spend on the route.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Greeting at Geneva airport and transfer to Argentière. Overnight in Argentière.

Day 2: Argentière - Trient

From Argentière we take the Grands Montets cable car (3295 m). Descent of the Argentière glacier and climb to Col du Tour. Night in Trient hut.

Day 3: Trient- Rosablanche (3336m) - Prafleuri

We continue the descent along the Trient glacier. Short climb to Col Ecandies and long downhill to Champex. Then we climb the Rosablanche summit (3336 m), and easy descent to the Prafleuri hut.

Day 4: Lake Dix and Col Roux

Lake Dix and climb to Col Roux. Night at the Dix hut (2928m).

Day 5: Dix - Pigne d'Arolla (3790m) - Vignettes

Today we reach the summit of Pigne d'Arolla. At 3790 meters, this is the highest point of the High Route. Excellent downhill of the Otemma glacier. Overnight in the Vignettes hut.

Day 6: Vignettes - Bertol

Crossing of the Col de l'Evêque (3386m) and downhill of the Arolla glacier to the Plan de Bertol (2600m). Then uphill to the Bertol hut. From the hut we have outstanding views of the Mont Miné glacier. Overnight in the Bertol hut.

Day 7: Bertol - Tête Blanche (3710m)-Chamonix

Today we reach the summit of Tête Blanche (3710m). From here we enjoy an amazing panorama of the Matterhorn. Then we have a long downhill on the Stöcki glacier to Zermatt. Once we reach Zermatt, congratulations! You have successfully completed The High Route! Transfer to Chamonix in the afternoon.

Day 8: Depart

Transfer to Geneva airport at the time of your choice.

*Optional Lodging: Lodging options before or after the route can be arranged for those who wish to spend extra time visiting the region or skiing.

Pricing

2010 prices

$2195 per person for groups of 3-8 people
$2795 per person for groups of 2 people

The price includes: 5 overnights in mountain hut with half board, 2 overnights in youth hostel, picnics from day 2 to day 7, rental of safety gear (helmet, rope, and harness), transfer from Zermatt to Chamonix, transfers Geneva - Argentière and Chamonix - Geneva, mountain rescue insurance, trip insurance, mountain guide for the entire route

The price does not include: Airfare, drinks, meals not specified, rental of any other mountain gear not specified, tips for guides, and any personal expenses

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