The Haute Route Hike
Chamonix to Zermatt
Hiking Trip Details
- Location: France and Switzerland
- Length: 13 days
- Grade: Strenuous and strenuous plus
- Accommodations: Mountain huts and hotels
- Group size: 5 – 12
- Dates: August 16 – 28, 2010
- Land Cost (US$): $3,350
Hiking Trip Summary
The Haute Route was established almost a hundred years ago as a high mountaineering route that linked together two of Europe’s premier mountaineering centers, Chamonix and Zermatt. It was then developed into a ski route and more recently a high-level mountain hike.
Few long distance hikes offer the variety and grandeur of landscape as this route. Beginning in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, the Haute Route winds its way through the Swiss canton of Valais. Taking in what is thought to be the greatest collection of four thousand meter peaks in all the Alps, it culminates at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. While Mont Blanc will remain in view for much of the hike, we will also become familiar with other equally impressive peaks such as the Grand Combin, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Pigne d’Arolla, Dent Blanche, and the Weisshorn. This hike is nothing short of fantastic!
As with all of Europe’s long distance footpaths, this route offers the experience of traveling by foot. Carrying everything we will need for the duration of the trip (extra bags sent ahead to Zermatt), we will hike beneath imposing peaks and glaciers of the Swiss Alps, wander though alpine meadows and larch forests, cross high, barren passes and descend into lush green valleys. We’ll picnic beside cool mountain lakes, stay in remote mountain huts, visit bustling Swiss villages, and relax in the tranquility of isolated old-world hamlets.
This is a strenuous route covering almost 177 kilometers (110 miles) and crossing eleven passes, many over 9,000 feet. While there will be some ambitious days, there will also be leisurely days. We’ve tried to incorporate as little alternative transportation as possible and have used it only when necessary to allow for a smoother day. Join us for this classic hike through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It is a wonderful journey!
Since 1987, Distant Journeys has been guiding hiking adventures in the Alps. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, personalized service and safety. This is a great hike and we encourage you to speak with our past participants. They will give you honest insight to our Haute Route.
Itinerary
Day 1: We rendezvous at the Geneva Airport at 1:00 pm for a group transfer to our hotel in Chamonix, France. This transfer is included in the cost of the trip. Welcome dinner and orientation.
Day 2: From the end of the Chamonix Valley, we begin our journey ascending to the Col de la Balme (7,230′). Magnificant views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and glaciers will grace us as we enjoy the first day of our hike. Our day will end in the quiet hamlet of Trient.
Day 3: There are two hiking options for today, one via the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and the other more difficult route up and over the ruggedly beautiful Fenetre d’Arpette. Our hike will conclude in the picturesque lakeside village of Champex.
Day 4: Morning transfer from Champex Lac to the gondola in Verbier. From Verbier, we take the gondola to gain easy elevation to Ruinettes from where we begin our hike to Cabane Louvie, where we spend the night. This narrow trail, called the “Sentier des Chamois”, leads us close by several clusters of chamois and bouquetin. In the distance rise the stunning Grand Combin (14,149′), draped with its numerous glaciers, and the Mont Blanc Massif.
Day 5: This is a day of great variety, the route rises to a high belvedere with expansive views of the Val de Bagnes and the Grand Combin before reaching the Col Louvie at 9,640′. From Louvie we traverse a landscape of barren rock with views of massive, remote mountains including the Rosablanche (11,000′), tumbling moraines, and drying glaciers before ascending to Col de Prafleuri (9,785′), our final col, and on to the Cabane Prafleuri for the night.
Day 6: From Cabane de Prafleuri, a short climb brings us to the Col des Roux with its views of the great triangular mass of Mont Blanc de Cheilon, and the green pastures of the Val des Dix with its five kilometer lake. Descending to the lake, we will follow its west bank, and, at the southern most end, begin our climb to Cabane des Dix, our overnight stop. This is a stunning hike.
Day 7: Leaving Cabane des Dix, a short, steep descent leads to the Glacier de Cheilon. Crossing this relatively “level” glacier presents no extra challenges and no special equipment is needed. After about 45 minutes we begin the rocky climb up to the Pas de Chevre. With the assistance of iron ladders (70′ high) secured to the cliff, we reach the col with its dazzling views of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Collon, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Dent Blanche and the distant Matterhorn. Descending from the col, the route soon becomes less demanding as it parallels a grassy moraine carved out by the long Tsijiore glacier. The hike concludes in the village of Arolla with a transfer to our hotel in Evolene.
Day 8: Transfer to a small hamlet above La Villa. Our morning will be spent climbing through green alpine pastures to the Col de Torrent (9,632′) with its magnificent views. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mont Blanc as well as the Berner Alps on the far side of the Rhone Valley. Descending to Lac de Moiry, we hike through pastures and farms and past the small picturesque mountain Lac des Autannes. From the dam at the north end of the lake, we’ll follow the stream La Gougre down the Val de Moiry to Grimentz, said to be one of the most attractive villages in the Valais.
Day 9: From Grimentz, we will transfer by bus across the valley to the village of St. Luc. After a short funicular ride, we’ll begin our hike up over the Meidpass (9,207′) from the French-speaking Valais into the German-speaking Valais. The descent down to the hamlet of Gruben in the Turtmanntal is like a hike into the past. Remote and relatively undisturbed, this valley affords a beautiful and restful stopover.
Day 10: Today we cross the last pass of the Haute Route, the Augstbordpass. During the middle ages, this was an important trading route from the Rhone Valley to Italy. It is a varied route through woodlands, pastures and stony wilderness and offers stunning views of the high mountain peaks including Balfrin, Nadelhorn, Lenzspitzen, Dom and Taeschhorn to the east and the Bruggenhorn, Bishorn and Weisshorn to the south. To the north and well across the Rhone Valley the Bietschhorn and the Breithorn stand tall and massive each rising well over 12,000′. The day will end in the village of St. Niklaus from where a short bus trip takes us to the picturesque village of Grachen, our overnight stop.
Day 11: From the hotel in Grachen, we start the day with a very pleasant 45-minute walk to the hamlet of Gasenried. Once in Gasenried, we begin the climb to the high belvedere and the famous Europaweg to the Europa Hut. This wonderful hike offers a completely different view of the mountains including the Weisshorn, which dominates the skyline. There are outstanding views of the Rhone Valley to the north and the Mischabel Range to the south. The Matterhorn will now be showing herself with some regularity.
Though the mountain scenery has been fantastic all along, some say this hike is the “jewel in the crown”. However, this is a strenuous plus day and the very rocky and rugged trail is open and exposed for many sections.
Note: It is possible to skip the hike to Europa Hut and the overnight at Europa Hut and travel independently to Zermatt, meeting the group the next night at the hotel in Zermatt for the farewell dinner. Please contact us for more details about this option.
Day 12: By now the mountains: the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Ober Gabelhorn, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn will be readily recognizable. After many days on the trai,l we begin the final and spectacular hike into bustling village of Zermatt. This is not a day to rush as the route continues to amaze. Farewell dinner.
Day 13: Individual departure from Zermatt. Please allow for travel time when making plans.
If you would like to spend an extra night(s) in Chamonix or Zermatt please let us know when you book your trip and we will make reservations at the same hotel.
Additional Information
Included
All accommodations, group transfer from the Geneva Airport on day 1, all breakfasts, all dinners except 1, all group transfers on ski lifts, buses and trains as described in the itinerary, luggage transfer for 1 bag per participant to Zermatt, guides, great hiking and memories.
Not Included
Air fare, lunches, 1 dinner, individual transfers from Zermatt, extra nights in Chamonoix or Zermatt, optional excursions, unexpected or unplanned transfers, extra luggage transfer costs, items not on set dinner menu, beverages, insurance, tips to guides/leaders, items of personal nature. (phone calls, laundry, postage, excess baggage charge, passport fees, etc.).
Luggage
This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a moderate sized pack with only the clothing and accessories you will need for the duration of hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it’s possible to keep your pack weight to 20 lbs. or les,s including lunch and water. Any extra luggage or belongings not needed on the hike will be in Zermatt when we arrive.
Accommodations and Facilities
Hotels: In Chamonix, Champex, Evolene, Grimentz, Grachen and Zermatt we stay at comfortable hotels with private baths.
Hikers’ Hotels or hostels: We spend two nights in hiker’s hotels or hostels, Trient and Gruben, They offer private double rooms with shared facilities. These hiker’s hotels offer simple, though comfortable accommodations.
Cabanes or Refuges: Louvie, Prafleuri, Dix and Europa. They are high mountain huts and have shared bunkrooms, called dortoirs, complete with blankets and pillows. The shared facilities include washing and bathroom areas. All have hot showers except Cabane des Dix.
Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels or refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.
Travel
It is easiest to fly to Geneva where we will rendezvous at 1:00 pm on the first day for transfer to our hotel in Chamonix. This is included in the cost of the trip. It is possible to fly to Zurich or Paris, be sure to allow for travel time.
Who would like this trip?
Our Haute Route is a great trip for strong hikers looking for a fantastic long distant route. It is a challenging and varied route including many passes over 9,000′. The accommodations include hotels as well as high mountain cabanes.
What makes this trip different
The owners and staff plan the trips, talk to prospective hikers on the phone carefully answering any questions or concerns. We want you to take a trip with us that is suited to you. All this allows for flexibility, value, personal attention and safety. We are very proud of our trips and our high return rate of hikers. Please ask us for a list of past participants as they will give you honest insight to Distant Journeys.
Meeting point
Day 1 at 1:00 pm at the Geneva Airport.
Ending Point
The hotel in Zermatt the last morning. From Zermatt it will take about 4 hours to reach either the Geneva or Zurich Airports. The earliest train departs Zermatt at 5:30 am arriving in Geneva or Zurich at about 9:40 am. Depending on your flight times it may be necessary to plan an extra night in either of these cities.
For a more detailed itinerary that includes elevation gain, loss and distance, or to register please call.
