Overview
A legendary trail traces the highest French and Swiss mountains between Chamonix and Zermatt by way of glaciers, cool mountain tarns, and meadows full of wildflowers. It’s the Haute Route, pioneered in the mid-19th century by the British Alpine Club and today one of Europe’s favorite long-distance hikes. Our classic version, with 10 hiking days, features two overnights in remote hike-in lodges so we can savor alpenglow on the high peaks and enjoy alpine camaraderie with fellow hikers. At the start and finish, we explore two of the great mountaineering centers in the world—Chamonix, above which towers the highest massif in Western Europe, and Zermatt, dominated by the crooked spire of the Matterhorn.
The hiking was outstanding and all I hoped it to be! Really enjoyed the guides we had on this trip—their expertise, local knowledge, and passion for what they do really made the trip a blast! I would hike with any of them again anywhere.
— Michael M., Madison, NJ
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland
Departing Chamonix, we hike across the Col de Balme and descend through pine forests to the Col de la Forclaz. As we follow a forested trail used by shepherds for centuries, we take in sweeping views of the Rhone Valley on our way to Champex, a village in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais.
Days 4-7
Cabane Mont Fort / Val d’Arolla
From a mountain chalet that faces the enormous face of the 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 us down to Arolla, an ideal spot for an invaluable rest day (or more optional hikes!).
Days 8-9
Grimentz / Gruben
Our trail leads through a traditional area of the Valais and across two passes, both of which bring tremendous views of icy peaks, including the pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290')—it’s one of the most famous vistas in the Alps.
Days 10-12
Zermatt
A climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') grants superb views of the 14,000-foot-high peaks of the Mischabel Range. We then head to Zermatt, a town surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, including the mighty Matterhorn. One option on Day 11 is a hike to the Hornli Hut, where climbers set out to scale the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 12.
Ultimate Haute Route
Highlights
Highlights
Details
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 if you wish to skip a day's hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.
