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.
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, 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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
