French Alps - The Classic Haute Route
The Ultimate Alpine Trek from France to Switzerland
This is the classic high altitude glacial trek between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn and although relatively short in length it is a serious proposition similar to Himalayan high altitude trekking. The route closely follows the original ski traverse of the Western Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt; crossing several alpine passes and over a dozen glaciers and involves rock scrambling, snow slope climbing and use of ropes, crampons and ice axe. Starting out from Chamonix we trek up to the Albert Premier Hut, the first of many alpine refuges we will be staying in during the trip. We then have an afternoon of instruction in glacial travel using ropes, ice axe and crampons - essential skills necessary for our traverse. After this we start out on the Haute Route, crossing glaciers and passes and staying overnight at high mountain refuges. On the way we take in the ascents of the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m) and the Tete Blanche (3429m), fairly easy alpine peaks which provide superb panoramas of the Matterhorn and the summits of the Swiss Mischabel chain.
On this challenging walk you will receive expert guidance from our International Mountain Guide and have the opportunity to learn about essential mountaineering skills necessary for safe walking on glaciated terrain. This route covers a distance of 120km (75 miles) walking up to 8 hours per day with some extra long days and steep ascents on some of the sections and provides dramatic scenery in the very heart of the European Alps.
On the route you will stay at Alpine refuges, gites and occasional hotels and will need to carry your personal equipment throughout the trek. This trek is one of the world's finest and an excellent warm up for those with aspirations towards Himalayan high altitude trekking.
What's included
- Experienced International Mountain Guide 1:6 ratio
- 2 nights hotel accommodation
- 11 nights dormitory accommodation in mountain hut
- 13 x breakfast and 12 x dinner
- Local buses to start and finish walks
- Baggage transfer to Zermatt
- Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane
What's not included
- Flights and airport transfers from Geneva to Chamonix
- Mountaineering equipment
- Personal expenses, lunch, daytime snacks and drinks
- Travel insurance
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INFORMATION
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Suitability: Adult Group
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Difficulty: Very demanding trek at altitude
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Technical difficulty: 4/5
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Duration: 14 days / 12 days trekking
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Maximum altitude: 3796m
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Ascent/descent: 10,000m / 32,800ft
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Group size: 6-12
DATES AND PRICES
June to September: £1595.00pp
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| ITINERARY |
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| Day 1 |
Fly to Geneva and transfer to Chamonix, evening meal, equipment check and briefing. |
| Day 2 |
Our day begins with a cable car to Le Tour followed by a short walk to the Albert Premier Hut (8865ft) where we practice our snow and ice skills. |
| Day 3 |
Crossing into Switzerland via the Col Superior du Tour (10790ft) we have an optional ascent of the Tete Blanche (11220ft) subject to prevailing weather conditions and overnight stay at the Cabane d'Orny (9285ft).
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| Day 4 |
The day begins with a fairly easy descent on a good path into the Vallon d'Arpette de Saleina followed by a traverse along the eastern side of Val Ferret to La Fouly where we stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.
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| Day 5 |
We climb to the Col du Neve de la Rousse (9025ft) and adjacent Pointe des Planards (9400ft) for spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin followed by overnight stay in Bourg St. Pierre.
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| Day 6 |
After a long and easy ascent to the Col de Lane (9950ft), we descend via the old stone bergeries at Nicliri (8175ft) to our overnight stop at the Cabane Brunet (6900ft).
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| Day 7 |
Today offers excellent views of the Grand Combin as we make our way via the Col d'Avouillons (8690ft) to our overnight stop at the Pannassiere Hut.
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| Day 8 |
After our ascent to the Col des Otannes, we then descend the Pierre a Vire to Lac de Mauvoisin followed by a steep ascent to the Chanrion Hut (8075ft).
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| Day 9 |
Today includes 4 cols: the Col de Tsofeiret, Col de Lire Rose, Col de Mont Rouge and the Col de Cheilon, on the way to Cabane des Dix (9600ft).
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| Day 10 |
After an early start we reach Pigne d'Arolla (12450ft) - the highest point on the Haute Route before a short glacial descent to the beautifully located Vignettes Hut (10365ft).
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| Day 11 |
After climbing to the Col de L'Eveque (11105ft) we then descend onto the Haute Glacier d'Arolla before crossing the Col de Bertol (10720ft) to reach the Cabane de Bertol.
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| Day 12 |
We begin the day with an easy climb to the snow covered peak of Tete Blanche (12215ft) before descending via the Stockji Glacier to the Schonbiel Hut located immediately beneath the Matterhorn.
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| Day 13 |
After the rigours of a strenous and exhilarating trip we finish with a gentle walk down to Zermatt nestled beneath the majestic North Face of the Matterhorn where we lunch before making our way to our local hotel.
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| Day 14 |
Breakfast and onward transfer to Geneva |
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RESERVATIONS - please call or email to check latest availability
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| Comments |
One of the worlds great mountain walks requiring good stamina, a high level of fitness and previous mountaineering experience traversing steep ascents and descents. |
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