Haute Route Adventure Planner

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Updates

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Welcome information

About this trip

It’s been a minute since we’ve done a hiking adventure…so we are super excited to be heading back to Europe, put on our hiking shoes, and stretch the legs again! We look forward to you joining us on our Haute Route Adventure!

The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is one of the most impressive multi-day tours in the Alps. The route is characterized by the rugged alpine terrain, long ascents and incredible high mountain scenery. Culturally the route has many highlights to offer as you pass in and out of many small mountain villages between the French and German speaking areas of Switzerland.

Ranked as one of the top 10 hikes of the world, the route is the perfect choice for experienced and physically fit hikers who are looking to challenge themselves. The route crosses over more than 11 high alpine passes close to 3000m above sea level. According to the Swiss Federal Office for Topography the route is situated in the wildest and remotest area of Switzerland, far away from crowded cities and noisy roads. The Haute Route offers quality time in unspoiled and authentic nature. En route you’ll pass by so many magnificent mountain lakes, you’ll spot many different animals such as ibex, marmots and you’ll get an insight in the simple but beautiful life of the local people. You’ll get to sample some culinary specialties- Switzerland is more than just cheese! You’ll try local dishes, beautiful locally grown and produced wine and maybe there is the chance to try the world famous saffron of the small Valaisan village Mund!

The Haute Route, is the name given to an epic route (with several possible variations) undertaken on foot between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland.

First charted as a summer mountaineering route by members of the English Alpine Club in the mid-19th century, the route takes between 8 – 12 days walking for the 180 km from the Chamonix valley, home of Mont Blanc, to Zermatt , home of the Matterhorn. Originally dubbed “The High Level Route” in English by members of the hiking club, the term was translated into French when first successfully undertaken on skis in 1911. Since then the French term has prevailed. While the term haute route has become somewhat generalized for any of the many multi-day, hut-to-hut alpine tours, the “Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route” remains the original.

Besides the high-mountain Haute Route, there is nowadays also a “Walker’s” Haute Route, which is an alpine hiking trail that follows a network of paths across the canton of Valais. The “Walker’s” route stays below 3000 meters and takes advantage of the popular mountain huts and small inns and hotels in the villages along the way. In the summer and early-autumn, this route is safe, entirely non technical (requires no ropes, crampons, or protection devices, unlike the high-mountain Haute Route) and while challenging because of its daily elevation gains and distances, is achievable by any experienced hiker in very good physical condition.

Travel Insurance

We have seen first hand the need for travel insurance. Whether it be flight cancellations, theft, sickness, or pandemic issues, we now require each guest to purchase this. It is a very affordable and could save you a lot of headaches! More Adventures uses InsureMyTrip, however, please use which ever company you are comfortable with. Please make sure you fully understand your coverage to ensure all aspects are covered. Our guides will need this information for confirming your hotel accommodation.

*This trip does require High Altitude coverage. InsureMyTrip does provide coverage up to 4,000 meters but be sure to verify coverage on the insurance certificate policy or you can call them at 800-487-4722 and any customer care rep can help.

Packing List

This is just a guide- more information to come

CLOTHING:

Base layers – Moisture wicking t-shirts, long sleeve thermal shirt, and lightweight thermal leggings (optional)

Mid-Layers – Fleece jacket or pullover/lightweight insulated jacket

Outer layers – Waterproof & windproof jacket with rainpants

Bottoms – Hiking pants and shorts

Underwear/socks – bring enough undergarmets for 1 week. At least 3 pairs of mositure wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Footwear – Hiking boots and camping shoes (for nights)

Accessories – Wide brimmed hat for sun protection, beanie or wool hat for cooler nights, gloves (for cold mornings)

GEAR:

Backpack – with raincover and gear storage

Hydration – Water bottle(s)

Snacks- Energy bars, nuts, gummy bears/swedish fish.

Safety – Personal first aid kit including blister treatment, bandaids, pain relief, etc.

Sun/Big Protection – High SPF for UV protection, lip blam and insect repellent

Trekking Poles – Check out our article on pole guides

Toiletries

MORE TO COME AS WE GET CLOSER! 

Transportation / Accommodation information

Transportation

Transportation planned in itinerary and cable car decents to Zinal and St. Niklaus

Luggage Transfer – The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is an epic hiking adventure crossing the heart of the Alps. A direct luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt with all the items you don’t need during the trek is included on this tour.

Notes about Accommodations – The accommodation along the way offers a charming and friendly atmosphere in a mountainous atmosphere. You will experience both: accommodation high up in the mountains far away from civilization or located in a typical mountain village or even a small town. The accommodation offers many services such as a hot shower and running water (private en-suite where possible otherwise shared bathroom on the floor). Also, towels are usually not provided so please bring your own towel (if possible fast drying). A single supplement might be charged, depending on group size and room availability.

For the nights in the mountain huts you’ll stay in bunk beds with pillows and blankets (a thin and light sleeping bag liner is mandatory for hygienic reasons), In every place there is electricity to charge your batteries and in the villages Wi-Fi for free.

Important Forms

Training

YOU MUST TRAIN FOR THIS HIKE, IT IS HARD! You have plently of time get your training in! We recommend you complete our 3 month training guide which can be found HERE. 

Trip Outline and Itinerary

Aug. 2nd – Pre Hike Day

Arrive Chamonix and explore on own. Welcome dinner in early evening to meet group and guide(s).

Aug. 3rd- Day 1 of Hike

Chamonix (Le Tour) > Trient

Your adventure through the heart of the Alps starts with a pick up at your hotel by your guide. Together with the rest of the group, you’ll take a short transfer to the departure point from where you’ll start the hike and your Haute Route trekking.

The first day is fairly easy and crosses from France into Switzerland. On a nice, gradually ascending trail you’ll climb up to the Aiguillette des Possettes, a peak high above the Chamonix valley which offers great views on the Mont Blanc and further over to the big Emosson lake on the Swiss side. From the summit an easy trail is leading over to the Col de Balme, the Franco-Swiss border. The hut on the pass is the perfect stop for a cold drink before you’ll tackle the descent to the small Swiss village Trient. The descent is fairly easy and brings you to the upper end of the village where you’ll spend the night in the company’s own refuge.

The dinner in the yurt with homemade drinks and food are an excellent finish for a first day full of good memories!

Aug. 4th – Day 2 of Hike

Trient > Champex-Lac (Verbier)

A challenging day is waiting for you! The second day of the Haute Route is the perfect test to see if you are ready for the next few days. You’ll ascend the Fenêtre d’Arpette a narrow mountain pass in the Trient valley.

After a rich breakfast you’ll take the easy road up to the Chalet du Glacier at the bottom of the big Trient glacier. Behind the chalet you can already spot the steep ascent through rugged terrain. Step by step you’ll make your way up to the notch. Shortly before the top the trail is very blocky and you’ll need to use your hands to get over the big boulders. From the top you’ll be able to enjoy nice views over the Trient glacier and with good weather conditions you can already have a first glance at the Matterhorn far in the distance! The descend into the lonely Arpette Valley is steep and difficult at first, but becomes easier the further down you go. At the end of the day you’ll get to the so called „Little Canada“, a small mountain resort (Champex-Lac). A refreshing swim in the crystal clear lake in the village center and an ice cream are a good finish for the second day. After a relaxing moment at the lake you’ll take a transfer to Verbier (or Le Châble) where you’ll spend the night.

Aug. 5th – Day 3 of Hike

Verbier > Cabane Prafleuri / Hotel Barrage

After a good breakfast you’ll walk together with your guide through the town center of Verbier to reach the cable car station. You’ll the cable car up to La Chaux (or Col des Gentianes depending on weather and season) from where you’ll start the hike. The trail is rugged, steep, long and remote but a true adventure in the high mountains. First you’ll ascent the Col de la Chaux, a narrow notch just in between the Mont Fort and Bec des Rosses. From the Col you’ll descend for a little bit and you’ll reach the crystal clear Petit Mont Fort lake which offers great opportunities to take photos. After a short break at the lake you’ll take the next stretch and climb up to the Col de Louvie. Up there the first big portion of the day is done and you’ll enjoy your well deserved lunch. From the pass you’ll take a short but steep descent over some loose rocks to reach the so called “Grand Desert” (= great desert), a rocky moon-like landscape. From there you’ll see some last remaining patches of the Prafleuri glacier. Over the open desert you’ll take a nicely ascending trail to the Col de Prafleuri. Once you’ve reached the Col de Prafleuri pass you can already spot the mountain hut where you’ll spend the night. A short steep and technical descent brings you down to the Letio d’Allèves plateau from where you reach the Cabane du Prafleuri soon. At the hut you’ll enjoy an authentic experience in a cozy atmosphere. With a bit of luck you’ll see ibex just outside the hut once it gets dark.

Aug. 6th – Day 4 of Hike

Cabane Prafleuri / Hotel Barrage > Arolla

After a cozy night at the mountain hut another great day is waiting for you. From the Cabane du Prafleuri you’ll walk a short bit up to the Col des Roux. From the pass you’ll enjoy nice views over the famous Grand Dixence lake (dam). After a short descent you’ll walk on an easy trail along the lake until you reach its upper end. From there a nice trail climbs up to the lower end of the Dix glacier. The last part of the uphill is steep and difficult and the final meters are climbed over a ladder. Your guide will be there to help and assist and to create a safe environment. From the Pas des Chèvres (or Col de Riedmatten) a nice and easy trail is leading down to Arolla. In Arolla you’ll spend the night in a nice and comfy hotel.

Aug. 7th – Day 5 of Hike

Arolla > La Sage

It’s half-time and so there is some time to take it easy for a day after a few long days before. After a nice and long breakfast you’ll head off to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes on the entire tour. From Arolla a nice trail leads up through a fairytale forest to the Lac Bleu (blue lake). Around the lake there are plenty of good photography opportunities and if you are brave enough you can also dip into the cold water and have a swim! From the lake an easy trail is leading through traditional villages. On the tracks of the famous black cows (Reines d’Hérens) you’ll walk through Les Haudéres and finally up to La Sage, where you’ll reach the hotel in the early afternoon. If you are still energized a short hike to a nice chapel with a viewing point is possible. If you are more interested in culture and food, local made cheese and sausage can be tried in the local grocery store just behind your hotel.

Aug. 8th – Day 6 of Hike

La Sage – Zinal

A long and challenging day is waiting for you. From La Sage a nice trail over open meadows is leading up to the Col de Torrent. Along the way up you’ll have magnificent views over many 4000 meter peaks. From time to time you’ll pass by an old farm building which are still used by the local farmers. The nicely maintained trail climbs gradually up to the mountain pass which is already visible from the bottom. Shortly before you reach the top, the trail gets quite steep.

At the top of Col de Torrent you’ll be rewarded with a nice panorama and good views of the Moiry lake. A nice trail is leading down to the Barrage de Moiry the next waypoint of your tour. Half-way down you’ll pass by the Lac des Autannes, another mountain lake where you can enjoy an ice cold swim. Once you reach the Lac de Moiry, you’ll cross its magnificent dam. At the other end there is a small restaurant where you can stop for nice and refreshing drink.

From the barrage another short but challenging climb up to the Col de Sorebois is waiting. Energized you’ll take the trail which ascends in many serpentines the top of the Col de Sorebois. A short descent brings you to the mid-station of the Zinal ski resort from where you will take cable car to Zinal. In Zinal you’ll have some time before dinner to check out the cute town center.

Aug. 9th – Day 7 of Hike

Zinal – Gruben

Day 7 of the Haute Route adventure brings you over the Col de Forcletta from the French speaking part of the canton of Valais to the Swiss-German speaking part. That means from now on you won’t be greeting with the French “Bonjour!” anymore but in the Valaisan dialect “Gütun Tag!”.

From Zinal a short but steep ascent brings you up to a nice traversing trail towards the Barneuza farm. This first part of the hike is easy and you’ll walk through alpine meadows with great views over to the neighboring villages such as Grimentz or St-Jean. After a relaxing stroll you’ll tackle the gradually ascending trail to the Forcletta pass. From the top of the Col de Forcletta a remote and lonely descent brings you into the rural Meid-Valley and the village Gruben. In Gruben you’ll spend the night in the one only hotel Hotel Schwarzhorn. Their nice terrace is inviting for a nice glass of Swiss wine or a refreshing Frappé

Aug. 10th – Day 8 of Hike

Gruben – St. Niklaus

A spectacular day is waiting for you and finally you’ll be reaching the Matterhorn Valley. You’ll start your day directly behind the accommodation and take the nice trail through the light forest towards the Augstbordpass. The sleepy Gruben valley has a magnificent atmosphere and you’ll enjoy the first sun rays of the day whilst your ascending further up to the pass. From the Augstbordpass you’ll descend on a nice trail into the Augstbordtal. After a nice lunch break you’ll take a blocky traverse over a magnificent trail built into a steep slope over to the Jungtal. The last part of the hike follows along an interesting nature trail with many information about the local flora and fauna. Happy but tired you’ll reach the small alpine village Jungu from where you’ll take the cable car down to St. Niklaus. From the bottom a short walk through the village brings you to your accommodation for the night.

Aug. 11th – Day 9 of Hike

St. Niklaus – Europahütte

After more than a week of hard work, it’s time for a little bit an easier day so that you’ll have enough energy reserves for the last and final day. It is time to finally hike the famous Europaweg which traverses high above the Matterhorn Valley into Zermatt. The first part of the hike from Grächen is not doable anymore, because the trail traverses some dangerous slopes where many landslides and rockfalls happened in the past. Instead of getting into trouble you’ll take the nice valley hike from St. Niklaus to Randa. Along the way you get to see some traditional Swiss villages and many animals. In Randa you can stop for a coffee and a snack in a local bar before you take the steep zig-zag trail to the Europaweg. On your way up you can already take a glance at the famous Europa-Bridge which you’ll be crossing the following day. 

The nice trail leaves Randa and brings you up to Chüebodmen (a small hamlet) and later to the Europaweg. Once you’ve reached the Europaweg you’ll take a short traverse to reach the Europahütte where you’ll spend the night. The Europahütte, a basic hut for hikers and mountaineers high up on the trails with amazing views on all the 4000m peaks and especially the Weisshorn. If you’re lucky you can see some ibex right on the terrace of the hut in the evening, so make sure your camera is ready!

Aug. 12th – Day 10 of Hike

Europahütte – Zermatt

The last day of the Haute Route trip is filled with highlights. On this stage you’ll walk over the longest suspension bridge (almost 500m long) in the world, you’ll see many famous peaks such as the Weisshorn, the Dom and finally the Matterhorn. After the breakfast you’ll take a short descent to the bridge. The Charles Kuonen Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world and the crossing will definitely raise your heartbeat. After crossing the bridge you’ll walk along the Europaweg to the Täschalp. Along the way you’ll have magnificent views on the famous Matterhorn, which will get closer with every step you’ll do! At the Alp you’ll stop by the Europaweghütte for lunch. Don’t forget to try some of their cake! Energized you’ll takle the last part of your Haute Route adventure. Depending on the weather conditions your guide will choose one of the many trails into Zermatt.

Aug. 13th – Post Day Hike

Departure Day

Departure Day or Stay longer and explore on own!

What's Included

  • Transportation planned in itinerary and cable car decents to Zinal and St. Nikalus
  • Accommodations – dorimitory style
  • Meals (breakfast, lunchs and dinners)
  • Mountain Guide – Full qualified Internationa Mountain Leader (IML)
  • 1 Night Pre Trip in Chamonix in shared accommodations
  • 1 Night Post Trip in Tasch/Zermatt in shared accommodation with final meal
  • Luggage Transfer – max of 15 kg per unit per person

MISCELLANEOUS

Food

During the trekking, you will have the chance to taste the great variety of local specialities. The accommodations offer always half-board with your stay which includes a breakfast and a three-course dinner. The breakfast contains always coffee / tea, bread, butter and jam. Depending on the location of the accommodation there is also orange-juice, cereals, yoghurt, fruits, cheese and meat available for breakfast.  The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty and the plates are quite big. A typical menu could be a soup for the starter, a main course with meat, vegetables and a side dish (rice, polenta, pasta) and a dessert which can be for example vanilla pudding, crème brulée or fruit salad. For the dinner only tap water is included, soft drinks such as wine or beer are on your own charge.

During the day we provide a rich, healthy and daily fresh prepared lunch-pack for you. We try to offer you a big variety of lunch packs so that it does not get boring after 10 days. Our lunch packs consist usually one big unit such as a sandwich, a wrap, a salad and of course a selection of fresh fruits, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, juice, crackers, cakes etc. If you have any food restriction (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc.) please let us know as soon as possible. It is no problem to arrange the meals and lunch packs according to your preference when we know this in advance.

 

Weather

During the summer in the Alps (June – September) we experience usually fair and quite warm weather. It is often sunny and the temperatures can reach up to 30° Celsius, although it is a dry heat. The weather in the mountains can be sometimes quite unpredictable and meteorological situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change. Another fact is that you will be hiking in different altitude levels, so there will be a significant change between the valley ground and the high mountain passes. On a rainy day temperatures can drop quite low and it is necessary to have a good rain jacket and depending on the season even a hat and a pair of gloves. If you stick to our equipment list, you will be ready for any weather situation. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any questions about this topic.

Trail/Conditions

From the moment you start the trekking we highly recommend you to have a valid travel, medical & mountain evacuation insurance, which is a very important factor in case of an accident. You will need full travel & holiday insurance suitable for a trekking holiday. This will need to be organized by you before the trek starts. It is essential that you have the correct insurance in case of a medical emergency on the mountain, as rescue can be costly. Rescue in France & Italy is usually not charged, depending on the circumstances. In Switzerland however you will always be asked to pay and this could be several thousand Swiss francs, especially if a helicopter rescue is necessary. The cost of hospitalization and subsequent care is normally the most expensive part of any accident if you do not have the correct cover and are hospitalized without insurance. The cost could easily reach an immense level. It is your responsibility to take out the correct level of insurance and we accept no responsibility for any costs that occur as a result of inadequate insurance. If you have any questions about this topic please do not hesitate to contact us.

Currency

Along the Haute Route you will travel through France (1 day) and Switzerland (9 days). It is always worth to have some Euros (EUR) and some Swiss Francs (CHF) in cash with you, if you would like to buy some drinks and souvenirs along the way. All of the places in Switzerland accept Euros but it is sometimes better to have some Swiss Francs as the conversion rate at the shops is quite bad. In the bigger villages (Chamonix, Champex, Verbier, Arolla, Zinal, St. Niklaus, Zermatt) there are also ATM cash machines. Most of the places also accept the most common credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express), but please bear in mind that there might be a small commission fee or a minimum amount

Cancellation Policy Reminder

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined accordingly:

For International Retreats:

  • A $699 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.

Cancellation :Please understand that the Non-Refundable deposit  CANNOT be refunded due to the upfront costs we have to pay.

  •  If the cancellation occurs 176 days or more prior to trip start date, a refund will be issued in the way the funds were originally received, less the non refundable deposit.
  •  If the cancellation occurs 175 days or less prior to retreat start date, a credit to a future trip will be issued less the non-refundable deposit and $150 admin fee.
  • If a cancellation occurs within 90 days of adventure start date, a credit will be issued for 50% of the funds received, less non-refundable deposit and $150 Admin fee.
  •  If a cancellation occurs 89-30 days of an adventure, a 25% credit will be given to a future adventure.
  •  Less than 30 days prior to retreat start date funds are forfeited. No credits issued. Please let us know what your travel insurance company requires for reimbursement.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip, and fill any gaps that wouldn’t be covered by your primary health insurance or other insurance you may have. It’s not meant to be a substitute for health insurance and won’t cover non-essential overseas medical treatment, such as routine exams.

Travel Insurance by InsureMyTrip

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