Hiking the Haute Route

Hiking the Haute Route

The Walker's Haute Route - Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

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 alpine hiking route.

Few long-distance hikes offer the variety and grandeur of landscape as does the Walker's Haute 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. As we leave Mont Blanc behind us, we will 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 rewarding experience of traveling by foot.  We will hike beneath imposing peaks and glaciers of the Swiss Alps, wander through 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. Join us for this classic hike through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the Walker's Haute Route. 

 

Hiking the Haute Route Itinerary

Show itinerary

Gouter and Glacier des Bossons
Pastries for the trail, Chamonix
Hiking along the Haute Route
Arriving at Cabane Prafleuri
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Lunch at Cabane des Dixs
Morning sun Lac Louvie
Taking a break on the Haute Route
Hiking toward the Matterhorn
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Additional Information

SOLO TRAVELERS

If you wish to have your own room, there is a single room supplement fee of $675. Please let us know at the time of registration if you would like a single room. Single rooms are limited.

If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we will match you with a roommate. If there is no one with whom you can share,  a “forced” single" fee of $400 will apply.

  • Note: Single rooms are not available at the cabanes – Louvie, Moiry - or at the hiker’s hotels at Trient or Gruben

 

INCLUDED

  • All accommodations
  • All breakfasts
  • All dinners except 2
  • All group transfers on ski lifts, buses, and trains as described in the itinerary
  • Luggage transfer for 1 bag per participant to Zermatt
  • Guide/s
  • Great hiking and memories!

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare, travel to Chamonix, lunches, 2 dinners, individual transfers from Zermatt, extra nights in Chamonix 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 a personal nature. 

LUGGAGE

This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a moderate-sized pack with all the clothing and gear you will need for the duration of the hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it’s possible to keep your pack weight less than 20 lbs., 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, Hotel du Barrage, 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/twin rooms with shared facilities. These hiker’s hotels offer simple, though comfortable accommodations.

Refuges or Cabanes: Two nights are spent in refuges or cabanes: Louvie and Moiry. They are situated high in the mountains. Each has its own charm, unique character, and spectacular view. Louvie and Moiry are comfortable cabanes. They have bunk rooms called dortoirs with 15 – 20 bunks per room, though Moiry has smaller bunk rooms with 4 – 6 bunks. There are blankets and pillows on each bed. There are shared, basic washing facilities including showers. These are wonderful places.

Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels or refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

TRAVEL

Geneva is the closest airport to Chamonix. We have detailed information regarding travel to Chamonix. 

MEETING POINT

Day 1 in Chamonix.

ENDING POINT

The hotel in Zermatt the last morning. From Zermatt, it will take about 3 1/2 hours to reach either the Geneva or Zurich Airports. The earliest train departs Zermatt at 5:40 am arriving in Geneva or Zurich at about 9:30 or 9:15 respectively. Depending on your flight times it may be necessary to plan an extra night in either of these cities.

WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?

Our Haute Route is one of Europe's great classic long-distance routes, traversing some of the most spectacular sections of the French and Swiss Alps. This a great trip for strong hikers who have always dreamed of hiking hut-to-hut and village-to-village between two of the Alps most iconic mountain peaks, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. A challenging and varied route including many passes over 9,000′, this is an authentic alpine experience with accommodations include comfortable hotels as well as high mountain huts (cabanes).

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to register or would like to receive more information, including a detailed itinerary (including elevation gains, loss, and distance), please contact us. We're also happy to supply a list of past participants willing to share their insights into this guided Hiking the Haute Route experience.

How to Reserve This Trip

A deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.

The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.

As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your trip start, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.

Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.

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Testimonials

“Grateful to be with such knowledgeable and personal guides to take all the stress out of a trip.  I was able to focus on being present in the moment while trying to take each day in.”

Laurie M., VT

"The guides were terrific.  Professional, personal, light-hearted, knowledgeable, worked well together.  Easy to be with”

Laurie M., VT

"This was a highly diverse group that, as sometimes happens, coalesced into a team of mutual support, respect, friendship, camaraderie, and laughter."

John B., CO

“I just wanted to drop you a line about our experience on the just completed Haute Route trip.  It was a wonderful trip with wonderful people.  Thank you!!  Despite the early snow that complicated the first few days, the experience was magical.  Even the adverse weather had its pluses, adding more adventure and excitement to the experience.  We were grateful that someone else was making the difficult decisions about route modifications due to the early weather conditions.” 

Robert W., CA

Length
11 days
Dates
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025

Land Cost
$5,175.00
+
$675.00
single room supplement
Trip Type & Rating
Guided: Hut Hike
Strenuous, Strenuous Plus
Group Size
6-12

Reserve Your Spot

How to Reserve This Trip

A deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.

The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.

As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your trip start, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.

Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.


Testimonials

“Grateful to be with such knowledgeable and personal guides to take all the stress out of a trip.  I was able to focus on being present in the moment while trying to take each day in.”

Laurie M., VT

"The guides were terrific.  Professional, personal, light-hearted, knowledgeable, worked well together.  Easy to be with”

Laurie M., VT

"This was a highly diverse group that, as sometimes happens, coalesced into a team of mutual support, respect, friendship, camaraderie, and laughter."

John B., CO

“I just wanted to drop you a line about our experience on the just completed Haute Route trip.  It was a wonderful trip with wonderful people.  Thank you!!  Despite the early snow that complicated the first few days, the experience was magical.  Even the adverse weather had its pluses, adding more adventure and excitement to the experience.  We were grateful that someone else was making the difficult decisions about route modifications due to the early weather conditions.” 

Robert W., CA