Overview
The celebrated Haute Route is a spectacular high-level hiking traverse across the French and Swiss Alps from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. Ten of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the crooked spire of the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent “high route,” along with plentiful glaciers, cool mountain tarns, and meadows full of wildflowers. Our wonderful version of this classic route provides a nonstop panorama of stunning alpine scenery and a quintessential hiking experience of the Alps. Perfectly paced hiking days are complemented by overnights in charming hotels in delightfully quaint villages, with two nights in hike-in lodges to savor sunset alpenglow on the high peaks. At the start and finish of our Haute Route, we enjoy full days in the two greatest mountaineering centers in the world—Chamonix, above which towers the highest massif in Western Europe, and Zermatt, dominated by the spire of the Matterhorn, the most recognized of all mountains.
Superbly organized and flawlessly delivered. Our guides were very experienced and went way out of their way to ensure this was a 'best ever' experience. Can't praise WT or our guides enough. We loved the entire experience. Thank you so much!
— Robin F., Bellingham, WA
Days 1-3
Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland
Departing Chamonix, cross the Col de Balme and descend through pine forests to the Col de la Forclaz. Following a forested trail used by shepherds for centuries, we take in sweeping views of the Rhone Valley as we head to Champex.
Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland - Days 1-3
Grand Hotel des Alpes
Day 1 (1 night), Chamonix, FranceA truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. The quiet garden terrace along the river is a great place for a drink in the evening or a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a pool, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Day 2 (1 night), Trient, SwitzerlandSitting right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland, this is a mountain accommodation with simple rooms and shared toilets/showers. The food is hearty and home-cooked and there’s a nice patio where we can relax and enjoy the views. Depending on availability, trip members may have to share rooms on this night.
Hotel du Glacier
Day 3 (1 night), Champex, SwitzerlandThe comfortable Hotel du Glacier sits on the main and only street of the pretty little village of Champex. The same lovely couple has owned it for many years and they also run the restaurant, which has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is steps away from a picturesque mountain lake.
Days 4-7
Cabane Mont Fort to Val d’Arolla
From a mountain chalet set facing the enormous Mont Blanc massif, we take a “secret” trail past lakes and glaciers and cross three alpine passes en route to the remote Prafleuri Refuge. An ascent of the Col de Reidmatten (9,577’), with its dazzling mountain-and-glacier vistas, brings you down to Arolla, an ideal spot for an invaluable rest day (or more optional hikes!).
Cabane Mont Fort to Val d’Arolla - Days 4-7
Cabane Mont Fort
Day 4 (1 night), Verbier, SwitzerlandSensational views are all around us at Cabane Mont Fort, a superbly located mountain refuge at 8,000 feet owned by the Swiss Alpine Club. The old stone building sits at the top of a plateau above the famed Swiss ski resort of Verbier. It has simple multi-bedded dorm rooms with shared toilets/showers. The whole of the Mont Blanc massif is in view here—the setting is truly dramatic and it’s a treat to savor the views from the beautiful sun deck.
Grand Hotel Kurhaus
Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Arolla, SwitzerlandThis historic Victorian stone hotel at 6,000 feet on the Haute Route trail sits apart from the little village of Arolla in a forest clearing. Built in 1896 and loaded with charm and character, it has been beautifully renovated with all the modern comforts. There’s a great downstairs bar with a crackling fireplace, an ancient wood-paneled salon, antique skis on the wall, and a wonderful terrace garden in front for enjoying a beer and views of Mont-Collon, Pigne d’Arolla, and other peaks we’ve been viewing from the trail.
Days 8-9
Grimentz / Gruben
Our trail leads through a traditional area of the Valais canton and across two passes, both of which offer tremendous views of icy peaks, including the Dent Blanche (14,290’)—this is one of the most outstanding vistas in the Alps.
Grimentz / Gruben - Days 8-9
Hotel Alpina
Day 8 (1 night), Grimentz, SwitzerlandThe Alpina is a modern chalet-style hotel with wonderful flower-box-filled balconies attached to all the guest rooms. The hotel blends in well with its surroundings on the edge of the historic part of Grimentz, an ancient and undiscovered Swiss hamlet of tiny cobbled streets and classic wooden chalets. The dining/breakfast room has great mountain views.
Hotel Schwarzhorn
Day 9 (1 night), Gruben, SwitzerlandIn Gruben, a classic stop on the hikers’ Haute Route, the stone-built Hotel Schwarzhorn is the only accommodation in this tiny mountain hamlet. Nestled in the remote Turtmanntal Valley, it has basic rooms with in-room sinks and shared toilets/showers across the hall. We hike the Haute Route trail right to this hotel in the afternoon, and hike out the next morning, no van transfer required!
Days 10-12
Zermatt
A climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495’) grants superb views of the 14,000-foot-high Mischabel Range. We then head to Zermatt, surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, including the mighty Matterhorn. Options on Day 11 include a hike to the Hornli Hut, where climbers set out to scale the peak. Depart on Day 12.
Zermatt - Days 10-12
Parkhotel Beau Site
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandWe enjoy famous Swiss hospitality at this traditional century-old hotel, with its understated Old World elegance and wonderful views of the Matterhorn. Cozy guest rooms are modern, clean, and spacious. The large pool area has fantastic windows looking out to the Matterhorn, and there are also Jacuzzis, saunas, steam room, and massage treatments available. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the main shopping area.
Classic Haute Route
Highlights
Highlights
Details
10 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 6,000-9,600 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.
