The summer Haute Route Trek is one of the world’s greatest multi-day treks. The route links two renowned alpine mountaineering centres, Chamonix in France, home to Mount Blanc and Zermatt in Switzerland, home to the Matterhorn. The path passes through breathtaking alpine scenery and you will enjoy stunning mountain panoramas every step of the journey. Spectacular views are standard on this trek and it is a great stepping stone for the trekker to experience the High Alps and its glaciers. The summer haute route trek is for hill walkers and trekkers keen to get higher in the mountains and experience some higher altitude. The hiking route follows a network of well-marked and signposted trails that stays below 3000m and takes advantage of the popular mountain huts and small inns and hotels in the charming villages along the way. In the spring, summer and fall, the route is safe, entirely non-technical and while challenging because of its daily elevation gains and distances, is achievable by any hiker in reasonably good physical condition.
Summer Haute Route Itinerary
Day 1: CHAMONIX
Upon arrival into Geneva airport you are met and transferred to your accommodation in Chamonix. This evening there is a welcome dinner and briefing.
Overnight Hotel (Dinner)
Day 2: TRIENT
You start by taking a short bus ride to Montroc where you ascend to the Col du Balme via the beautiful Aiguillette des Possettes. Crossing the border into Switzerland and descend to the Swiss village of Trient.
Distance: 14km Height Gain: +1,100m Descent: -1,000m
Overnight Village Hotel / Mountain Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: CHAMPEX-LAC
Depending on weather or how you feel after day one, you have a choice of two routes today. (1) Via Bovine: Making an early ascent to the Col de Forclaz just above Trient you then continue to climb steadily to the Alpage Bovine 1987 meters and enjoy fabulous views over Martigny and the Swiss Valais. A long yet steady descent is then made to the picturesque village of Champex-Lac. Distance: 18km Height Gain: +950m Descent: -750m (2) Via Fenetre d’Arpette: Leaving Trient you climb steeply to the Fenetre d’Arpette. A tricky descent over boulders leads you to pastureland and to the picture postcard village of Champex-Lac.
Distance: 14km Height Gain: +1,400m Descent: -1,200m
Overnight Mountain Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: CABANE DU MONT FORT
Descending into the Orsiere Valley and through the Swiss villages of Sembrancher and Chable. From Chable you take the cable car to Les Ruinettes within the Verbier ski area an hour walk after that will take you to our destination for the night.
Distance: 17km Height Gain: +350m Descent: -500m
Overnight Mountain Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: CABANE DE PRAFLEURI
Making your way to our destination via 3 mountain cols, Col du Termin, the rocky Co de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri. Traversing below the Grand Desert Glacier you pass a series of small tarns before ascending once more to the Col de Prafleuri and descending steeply to the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Distance: 14km Height Gain: +850m Descent: -1,400m
Overnight Mountain Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: AROLLA / LES HAUDERES
Passing over the Col des Roux you descend to the Lac Dix and contour its shore for several kilometers before rising again to the Col de Riedmatten. From the col you descend to a small alpine village of Arolla. On arrival in Arolla you take a bus a short distance to Les Hauderes.
Distance: 17km Height Gain: +850m Descent: -1,400m
Overnight Village Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: ZINAL
You climb steadily to the Col du Torrent, descend to Lac de Moiry before climbing again towards Col de Sorebois. Descend steeply through the ski area where you take the cable car to Zinal and our accommodation for the next two nights. Option to take the bus from the barrage to Zinal to shorten the route and reduce the height gain and descent.
Distance: 18km Height Gain: +2,000m Descent: -900m
Overnight Village Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: GRUBEN
A steady climb through woodland to the high mountain pastureland passing the remote Barnueza Alpage. You reach the Col du Forcletta and then descend to the small village of Gruben.
Distance: 14km Height Gain: +1,200m Descent: -1,000m
Overnight Village Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: ST NIKLAUS
Another steep climb leaving Gruben to high level pastures to the Augustbordpass. Descending steadily towards Jungen you take the little cable car to St Niklaus and get in to your accommodation for a shower and farewell dinner.
Distance: 16km Height Gain: +1,100m Descent: -1,000m
Overnight Village Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: ZERMATT / DEPART
This morning there is an excursion into Zermatt by train. You explore and get some photos of the Matterhorn. Later you take the train back and are transferred to the Geneva airport for departures.
(Breakfast)