Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Chamonix

Arrive in the beautiful Chamonix Valley and enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Aiguille du Midi (or similar mountain excursion) on the world's highest vertical ascent cable car. Group orientation and dinner. (D)

Ascent: 200 feet | Descent: 200 feet | Distance: 2 miles (may vary)

Day 2 – Trient to Champex

Our first day on the trail instantly captures the sweeping views, forests, and alpine meadows which we'll find throughout the Haute Route. We ascend Alp Bovine for commanding views up the Rhone Valley. We enjoy a picnic lunch beside a stream cascading from the eastern flanks of the Mont Blanc range. Evening at our lakeside hotel in Champex-Lac. (BSD)

Ascent: 2653 feet |  Descent: 2837 feet |  Distance: 8.2 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Champex to Verbier

A gentle descent through valley farms, orchards, vineyards and traditional Swiss farming villages before arriving at the exclusive alpine resort of Verbier on the sunny eastern side of Mont Blanc. (BSD)

Ascent: 1244 feet | Descent: 3427 feet | Distance: 10.9 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Verbier to Cabane de Louvie

Today’s route ascends steeply above the Val de Bagnes along the Sentier des Chamois with commanding views of the Bagnes valley below. We’ll arrive at the Cabane de Louvie on the shore of the beautiful Lac de Louvie with dramatic views of the Grand Combin. Excellent wildlife viewing is expected. Evening in a group dormitory.  (BSD)

Ascent: 2253 feet | Descent: 2099 feet | Distance: 6.7 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Cabane de Louvie to Cabane de Prafleuri

Today the terrain becomes rugged and we cross two challenging passes, Louvie and Prafleuri, the highest pass on the Hiker's Haute Route. We’ll dip into a rocky glacial section and ford a runoff stream—a perfect setting to study glacial retreat. This evening we stay at the lively Cabane de Prafleuri (group dormitory). (BSD)

Ascent: 3609 feet | Descent: 2247 feet | Distance: 10 miles (may vary)

Day 6 – Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla

A crossing of the Col de Roux brings us to the Lac de Dix. Contouring the lake and crossing the runoff of the Cheilon Glacier we ascend the Pas de Chevre where we have our first views of the Matterhorn before descending into Arolla.(BSD)

Ascent: 2768 feet | Descent: 4907 feet | Distance: 11.5 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – Arolla to Grimentz

We'll enjoy a gradual and relaxing ascent over the Col de Torrent. We start at Mayens de Cotter, a May pasture just above treeline. The views are spectacular. Snowcapped peaks like Dent Blanche (14,380) are nearby as we descend into meadows of wildflowers before arriving at Lac de Moiry. We’ll stay in the ancient village of Grimentz one of the most picturesque and historic villages in the Alps and a favorite of hikers on the Haute Route, where we’ll stroll the cobblestone paths and visit the mill on the Marais. (BSD)

Ascent: 2868 feet | Descent: 2228 feet | Distance: 6.3 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – Grimentz to St-Luc

A forest ascent leads above treeline to offer views of the Val d'Anniviers and then a crown of four 4,000-meter peaks, including the Matterhorn. We'll either enjoy lunch at the picturesque Hotel Weisshorn or a wonderful picnic lunch, perched high above the valley floor. (BSD)

Ascent: 2886 feet | Descent:1325 feet | Distance: 9.5 miles (may vary)

Day 9 – St-Luc to Gruben

A funicular speeds our ascent to a point above the treeline. As we pass the Lac de l'Armina and ascend the Meidpass where we leave the French-speaking region of Valais and enter the German-speaking Turtmanntal. Hiking along sparkling mountain streams we arrive in the quiet seasonal hamlet of Gruben where we’ll spend the evening. (BSD)

Note: You will spend this evening in a 1-star hotel. You will have a private room, but shared bathrooms. Also, there is no elevator and you may need to carry your luggage up a few flights of stairs. 

Ascent: 2271 feet | Descent 3418 feet | Distance: 7.1 miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Gruben to Zermatt

Crossing the final pass of the trip, the legendary Augstbordpass, we’ll have sweeping views of Dom, the highest peak entirely within Switzerland, Weisshorn, and the curves of the Aletschgletscher. As we descend into Jungen, an exciting gondola ride takes you to the valley floor, where the train to Zermatt awaits. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own. (BS)

Ascent: 3550 feet | Descent: 3100 feet | Distance: 8 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Zermatt

After a week on the Haute Route, Zermatt is a celebratory destination. There are great hikes and views in all directions. You won't want to miss the best dayhikes Zermatt has to offer, including including an ascent to the Riffelsee where the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in still waters. Other possibilities include walks to quaint villages like Zmutt and Findeln, or panoramic hikes along the Höhbalmen overlooking the north face of the Matterhorn. (BSD)

Variable stats depending on hike chosen. Possible Ascent: 1900 feet | Descent: 1900 feet | Distance: 6 miles (may vary)

Day 12 – Zermatt to Geneva

We say goodbye and continue an onward journey or return to Geneva or Zurich for homebound flights. (B)