High trail above Zermatt

The Haute Route connects Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland, crossing the most spectacular hiking trails in the French and Swiss Alps for one of the great mountains hikes of the world.

Photo by Martin N Johansen

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Hiking the Haute Route

Spectacular High Alps Traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt

*Early Signup Discount for 2010 Departures

Special Early Signup Discount of $250 per person to the first 6 signups on each 2010 departure when you sign up by March 15, 2010! *New sign-ups only.

The Haute Route is the celebrated high-level hiking traverse that follows glaciers, tarns, alpine meadows, and craggy mountain passes from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. This is where the sport of mountaineering was born in the 19th century and just a glance at the 360-degree panorama explains why: ten of the twelve highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the lofty spire of the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent route. As we cross high trails (and ten alpine passes!) from France to Switzerland, we stay in small hotels and two spectacularly situated hike-in lodges where we meet hikers and climbers from around the world. All departures feature up to three Trip Leaders, allowing for great camaraderie and an unparalleled level of service.

Highlights

  • Experience one of the world’s classic mountain traverses from Chamonix to Zermatt
  • Hike remote and pristine trails, mostly above treeline, and enjoy amazing mountain views
  • Discover the alpine cultures and cuisines of France and Switzerland

Details

  • 13-day trip begins in Chamonix, France, and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland
  • 10 nights in hotels and country inns, 2 nights in mountain lodges with hot showers
  • All meals included except lunches
  • 11 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 6,000-9,600 feet, van support (for luggage or tired feet), team of up to 3 Trip Leaders
  • All transport during the trip (cable cars, etc.)

Tour Costs

$5095 (12-14 members)
$5395 (9-11 members)
$5695 (6-8 members)

Single supplement: $575

Prices are for 2010 dates

Departures & Leaders

Jun 27-Jul 9, 2010  Nicos Caravellas
   Hashmat Singh
Jul 19-31, 2010  Sean Morrissey
   Leila Thompson, Tony Farina
Aug 2-14, 2010  Nicos Caravellas
   Richard Munro, Tony Farina
Aug 22-Sep 3, 2010  Richard Munro
   Daniel Windham, Rob Noonan
Sep 7-19, 2010  Sean Morrissey
   Mike Browder

*There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Hiking the Haute Route route-map

Days 1-4
Chamonix, France / Mont Blanc / Argentière / Champex, Switzerland

After arriving in Chamonix, we take a warm-up hike with spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. From Argentière, we ascend through woodlands to the Col de Balme, crossing the border between France and Switzerland. Hiking alongside the massive Trient Glacier, we ascend to the rocky notch of the Fenêtre d’Arpette (8,800'), then descend into the rugged Val d’Arpette.

Days 5-8
Mont Fort / Prafleuri / Arolla

We hike through green meadows to the magnificently situated Mont Fort Lodge, then head cross-country through one of the most remote areas in the Alps. We follow a little-used trail as we cross three alpine passes and the glacial wilds known as the “Grand Desert” to reach the Prafleuri Lodge. Next we hike over the Col des Roux where we may see ibex, and at the Col de Reidmatten (9,577'), we get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. We descend to Arolla, a tiny alpine village at the foot of a glacier.

Days 9-10
Grimentz / Gruben / Valais Canton

Ascending flower-filled pastures, we cross the Col de Torrent (9,570'), with stunning views including the Dent Blanche (14,290'). From the picture-postcard village of Grimentz, we hike in the shadow of mighty peaks to Gruben in the German-speaking part of the Valais.

Days 11-13
St. Niklaus / Zermatt

Our hike across the Augstbordpass (9,495') rewards us with some of the best views in all Switzerland. A spectacular descent brings us to Zermatt, below the crooked pyramid of the Matterhorn. Zermatt options include a hike to the Hornli Hut, starting point for climbing the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 13.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure