Overview

More Adventures Haute Route- YOU MUST TRAIN FOR THIS HIKE! 

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.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

Arrive in Chamonix and explore the town at your leisure. In the early evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your group and guide(s).

DAY 2 – CHAMONIX (LE TOUR) TO TRIENT

Begin your Haute Route adventure with a short transfer to the trailhead. Hike from Le Tour toward the Aiguillette des Possettes, enjoying spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Lake Emosson. Continue to the Col de Balme on the French-Swiss border before descending into the Swiss village of Trient. Spend the night at a mountain refuge and enjoy dinner in a traditional yurt with homemade food and drinks.

DAY 3 – TRIENT TO CHAMPEX-LAC / VERBIER

Take on one of the most challenging stages of the Haute Route, ascending the rugged Fenêtre d’Arpette mountain pass. Enjoy spectacular views of the Trient Glacier and, in good weather, a distant glimpse of the Matterhorn. Descend through the remote Arpette Valley to Champex-Lac, known as “Little Canada.” After time to relax by the lake, transfer to Verbier or Le Châble for the night.

DAY 4 – VERBIER TO CABANE PRAFLEURI / HOTEL BARRAGE

Take a cable car from Verbier to the trailhead and begin a spectacular high-mountain hike. Cross the Col de la Chaux and pass the beautiful Petit Mont Fort Lake before ascending to the Col de Louvie. Continue through the dramatic, moon-like Grand Desert landscape and past the remaining Prafleuri Glacier to the Col de Prafleuri. A steep descent leads to the Cabane du Prafleuri, where you’ll enjoy an authentic mountain hut experience, with the possibility of spotting ibex nearby.

DAY 5 – CABANE PRAFLEURI / HOTEL BARRAGE TO AROLLA

Hike to the Col des Roux for views over the impressive Grand Dixence Lake and dam. Follow the lake before ascending toward the Dix Glacier. The final section includes a steep climb and ladder, with your guide assisting as needed. From the Pas des Chèvres or Col de Riedmatten, descend along an easier trail to Arolla, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

DAY 6 – AROLLA TO LA SAGE

Enjoy a more relaxed day after several challenging hikes. Follow a scenic trail through a fairytale forest to Lac Bleu, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes on the route. Take time for photographs or even a refreshing swim before continuing through traditional villages and the home of the famous Hérens black cows. Arrive in La Sage in the early afternoon, with optional time to visit a local chapel, viewpoint, or sample regional cheese and sausage.

DAY 7 – LA SAGE TO ZINAL

Hike through alpine meadows to the Col de Torrent, enjoying spectacular views of surrounding 4,000-meter peaks. Descend toward the Moiry Lake and pass the Lac des Autannes, where you may enjoy a refreshing swim. Cross the impressive Moiry Dam before tackling the challenging ascent to the Col de Sorebois. Descend to the Zinal ski resort and take the cable car to Zinal, where you’ll have time to explore the charming town.

DAY 8 – ZINAL TO GRUBEN

Cross the Col de Forcletta from the French-speaking Valais region into the Swiss-German-speaking area. Hike through alpine meadows with views of neighboring villages before ascending to the pass. A remote descent leads into the rural Meid Valley and the village of Gruben, where you’ll spend the night at the Hotel Schwarzhorn.

DAY 9 – GRUBEN TO ST. NIKLAUS

Hike through the peaceful Gruben Valley toward the Augstbordpass, enjoying beautiful morning mountain scenery. Descend into the Augstbord Valley before crossing a dramatic trail built into a steep slope toward the Jungtal. Continue along a nature trail highlighting the local flora and fauna before reaching the alpine village of Jungu. Take the cable car down to St. Niklaus and your accommodation.

DAY 10 – ST. NIKLAUS TO EUROPAHÜTTE

Enjoy a spectacular day on the famous Europaweg. Hike from St. Niklaus toward Randa, then ascend through the forest and mountain trails to the Europahütte. Enjoy incredible views of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks, especially the Weisshorn, and keep an eye out for ibex near the hut.

DAY 11 – EUROPAHÜTTE TO ZERMATT

Complete your Haute Route adventure with an unforgettable final stage. Cross the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, nearly 500 meters long, and follow the Europaweg toward Täschalp. Enjoy increasingly spectacular views of the Matterhorn, with a lunch stop at the Europaweghütte. Depending on weather and trail conditions, your guide will select the best route into Zermatt.

DAY 12 – DEPARTURE

Departure day, or extend your stay to explore the region independently.