Overview
No trail in the Alps is more immersed in lore than the Haute Route, the celebrated high-level hiking traverse 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: 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent “high route.” Our unique way of hiking this famous route brings nonstop alpine panoramas as we cross seven dramatic passes, including the Col de Torrent (9,570'). Our team of Trip Leaders makes this a wonderfully fun mountain adventure, and we combine well-paced hiking days with overnights in charming hotels.
Another great WT adventure! Great combination of demanding hikes, beautiful vistas, good food and drink, and great travel companions. We were fortunate to have three accomplished leaders, any of whom could have led the trip on their own.
— Bob F., Bethesda, MD
Days 1-2
Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland
From Chamonix, we ascend through meadows where dairy cows graze as we hike up through woodlands to cross the Col de Balme (7,230'), which marks the French-Swiss frontier. From Col de la Forclaz (5,026'), we hike into alpine meadows with sweeping views of the Rhône Valley and descend to the Swiss hamlet of Champex d’en Haut.
Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland - Days 1-2
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Day 1 (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 2 (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 3-4
Grande Dixence / Arolla
Our hike over the Col des Roux (9,197') reveals the summits and glaciers of the Valais Alps, where some locals still wear traditional dress. When we cross the Col de Riedmatten, we’ll have breathtaking views across the Arolla Valley to Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Collon, and the west face of Mont Blanc de Cheilon, with remarkable glaciers framing our route.
Grande Dixence / Arolla - Days 3-4
Grand Hotel Kurhaus
Day 4 (1 night), 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 5-6
St-Luc / Gruben
A hike through the traditional Valais canton and over the Col de Torrent rewards us with superb vistas of the towering limestone pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290'). Entering German-speaking Switzerland by crossing the Meidpass (9,154'), we make our way down into the peaceful hamlet of Gruben.
St-Luc / Gruben - Days 5-6
Hotel Bella Tola
Day 5 (1 night), St. Luc, SwitzerlandThis family-run Belle Epoque hotel dating to 1859 is located near the village of St. Luc and offers the atmosphere of a country estate along with amazing mountain views. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed and there is a good restaurant with an outdoor terrace and cozy bar area. Its spa facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, steambath, and massage rooms. The hotel is a member of The Historic Hotels of Europe.
Hotel Schwarzhorn
Day 6 (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 7-8
Zermatt
After our climb to the top of Augstbordpass (9,495'), we catch a cable car and local train to car-free Zermatt. Surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks, this classic alpine town is famed for its awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 8.
Zermatt - Days 7-8
Parkhotel Beau Site Zermatt
Day 7 (1 night), 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.
Hiking the Haute Route
Highlights
Highlights
Details
7 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.
