Hike the Haute Route in Seven Days

How to Do a Short Version of the Walker’s Haute Route

We’re often asked what the best options are for condensing or shortening the Chamonix-Zermatt Hiker’s or Walker’s Haute Route. Rather than following step-by-step the 15-day version outlined in Kev Ryynold’s Chamonix-Zermatt the Walker’s Haute Route, is there a way to do a shorter “Best of the Haute Route”? There is. Here’s how:

Determine Your Priorities 

Think about what you want to experience. Is it the small villages and hamlets like Trient, Arolla, and Gruben or is it the resorts like Chamonix, Verbier, Grimentz, St. Luc, and Zermatt with their wonderful hotels and fine cuisine? Do you want to spend most of your time above treeline near glaciers, passes, and alpine meadows, or do you prefer the valleys and forests? Do you want to stay in mountain huts or take a route that stays in small inns with a private room and en suite bathroom—or do a mix of both? Let us know your preferences and we can tailor an itinerary perfectly suited to what you want.

Be Flexible

Remember, the Haute Route isn’t a single point-to-point trail. Rather, it’s a network of trails through the Pennine Alps using a variety of passes and valleys stretching from Chamonix to Zermatt. So don’t get locked into thinking there is only one way to do it. The Haute Route is much more adaptable and flexible than the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Consider Luggage Transfers

The best way to hike light, cover longer distances, and enjoy the route is to have daily luggage transfers, so that you can hike with just a daypack. You can also take shuttles to bypass some of the stages. Luggage transfers become a very affordable option with a group of 4 or more. 

With a Small Group or on Your Own?

We have small-group guided tours departing every week throughout the summer. But if our schedule doesn’t match your schedule, we can arrange a custom or privately guided trip. You pick the dates and customize the itinerary as you want it.

Guided or Self-Guided?

We support both options. A guide makes great use of your time and they make the route come to life with their knowledge and experience. They also arrange lunches, trail snacks, and all transfers and shuttles, while still giving you personal options and flexibility. If you choose to do the Haute Route on a self-guided basis, we include all accommodations, most meals, shuttles, luggage transfers, and detailed daily directions.

Sample Short Haute Route Itineraries

Here are two 7-day Haute Route options to consider, although we’re happy to propose other variations—either longer or shorter.

 Verbier Start – This variation has the logistical advantage of operating entirely within Switzerland and can be easily accessed from either Geneva, Zurich, or Milan. It includes two hut nights:

1. Verbier to Louvie (Cabane de Louvie)
2. Louvie to Prafleuri (Cabane de Prafleuri)
3. Prafleuri to Arolla
4. Morning shuttle to La Sage. Hike La Sage to Grimentz
5. Morning shuttle to Zinal. Hike Zinal to Gruben
6. Gruben to St Nicklaus. Train to Zermatt
7. Day hikes in Zermatt

Chamonix Start. This variation bypasses the huts and can be fully supported with luggage transfers each night.

1. Chamonix to Trient
2. Trient to Champex. Afternoon shuttle to Grand Dixence
3. Hike Grand Dixence to Arolla
4. Morning shuttle to La Sage. Hike La Sage to Grimentz
5. Morning shuttle to Zinal. Hike Zinal to Gruben
6. Gruben to St Nicklaus. Train to Zermatt
7. Day hikes in Zermatt

Enjoy Great Zermatt Hiking

Finally, don’t cut your time short in Zermatt. We always recommend staying at least two nights in Zermatt. It’s the celebratory conclusion of the Haute Route and offers some incredible dayhike options. If you stay just one night in Zermatt you may never see the Matterhorn, whereas if you stay two nights you’re practically guaranteed some great excursions and hiking options with splendid Matterhorn views