Swiss Alps - The Classic Haute Route
The ultimate Alpine trek from Switzerland to France
The classic high altitude glacial trek in reverse between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and although relatively short in length it is a serious and strenous proposition similar to Himalayan high altitude trekking. The route closely follows the original ski traverse of the Western Alps from Zermatt to Chamonix; 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 Zermatt we have a morning instruction session 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. This reverse routing offers a different perspective with the option of staying on a few extra days in Chamonix before you fly back home. On the route you will stay at Alpine mountain refuges, gites and the occasional hotel and will need to carry your personal equipment throughout the trek. This is one of the world's great mountain walking experiences and an excellent warm up for those with aspirations towards Himalayan high altitude trekking.
| What's included |
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- Experienced International Mountain Guide 1:6 ratio
- 2 nights Hotel /11 nights Dormitory Mountain Refuge
- 13 x breakfast and 12 x dinner
- Local buses to start and finish walks and baggage transfer to Chamonix
- Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane
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What's not included |
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- Flights and airport transfers from Geneva to Zermatt
- Personal expenses, lunch, daytime snacks and drinks
- Travel insurance
ITINERARY
| Day 1 |
Fly to Geneva and onward transfer to Zermatt and evening meal followed by equipment check and holiday briefing. |
| Day 2 |
Starting out from Zermatt we trek beneath the majestic North Face of the Matterhorn and up to the Schonbiel Hut. |
| Day 3 |
We ascend the Stockji Glacier taking in the easy ascent of Tete Blanche (12215ft) on our way to the Cabane de Bertol. |
| Day 4 |
We cross the Col de Bertol before traversing the Haute Glacier d'Arolla on our way to the Col de L'Eveque (11105ft) and our overnight accommodation at the beautifully located Vignettes Hut (10365ft). |
| Day 5 |
The day starts with a short glacial ascent before making our way to Pigne d'Arolla - the highest point on the Haute Route, before reaching the Cabane des Dix (9600ft). |
| Day 6 |
Today includes 4 cols: Col de Cheilon, Col de Mont Rouge, Col de Lire Rosa and Col de Tsofeiret on the way to the Chanrion Hut (8075ft). |
| Day 7 |
We set out on the steep descent to Lac de Mauvoisin, before ascending the Pierre a Vire on our way to the Col des Otannes and our stop at the Pannassiere Hut. |
| Day 8 |
Today we make our way via the Col d'Avouillons (8690ft) with excellent views of the Grand Combin as we head to our overnight stop at the Cabane Brunet (6900ft). |
| Day 9 |
We set off ascending via the old stone bergeries at Nicliri (8175ft) on our way to the Col de Lane (9950ft) and our overnight stop in Bourg St. Pierre. |
| Day 10 |
Today provides spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin as we climb to Pointe des Planards (9400ft) and adjacent Col du Neve de la Rousse (9025ft) before descending to La Fouly where we stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. |
| Day 11 |
From La Fouly we traverse along the eastern side of Val Ferret and into the Vallon d'Arpette de Saleina before making our ascent along a good path to our overnight stop at the Cabane d'Orny (9285ft). |
| Day 12 |
Today we have an optional ascent of Tete Blanche (11220ft) subject to prevailing weather conditions before crossing into France via the Col Superior du Tour (10790ft) on our way tomour overnight stop at the Albert Premier Hut (8865ft). |
| Day 13 |
After a strenuous and exhilarating trip our final day begins with a short walk to Le Tour where we descend by cable car before making our way to our hotel. |
| Day 14 |
Breakfast and onward transfer to Geneva for flight home. |
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RESERVATIONS -
please call or email to check latest availability
| Availability |
Mid June to Mid September |
| Spaces |
12 |
| Comments |
The finest must-do trek in Europe and one of the worlds great mountain walks. |
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INFORMATION
- Suitability: Adult Group
- Difficulty: Very demanding trek at altitude on ice and snow
- Technical difficulty: 4/5
- Duration: 14 days / 12 days trekking
- Maximum altitude: 3796m
- Ascent/descent: 10000m / 32800ft
- Group size: 6-12
DATES AND PRICES
June to September: £1595.00
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