Deluxe Haute Route

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Geneva Switzerland, Chamonix

On arrival in Geneva, you will head for Chamonix, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, via shuttle. We'll take the cableway to the 3842m summit of Aiguille du Midi (or similar mountain excursion) for stunning views of the French and Italian Alps. Welcome dinner, orientation, and hotel accommodations in the heart of the village. (D)

Ascent: 200 feet | Descent: 200 feet | Distance: 2-4 miles around town (may vary)

Day 2 – Col de la Forclaz, 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. Lunch is either at a working alpine farm or situated by a small glacial river. We arrive for an afternoon in the idyllic lakeside resort of Champex, Switzerland. (BSD)

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

Day 3 – Champex to Sembrancher, La Sage

Departing Champex, we descend into woods and encounter century-old hamlets and villages before arriving at scenic stone-walled village of Sembrancher where our shuttle will take us to lunch in Evolène, a nearly untouched Swiss village nestled in the Val d'Hérens. An afternoon hike takes us along the valley floor and then up to our hotel in La Sage. (BSD)

Ascent: 1000 feet | Descent: 2500 feet |  Distance: 9 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Lac de Moiry, Grimentz

We'll enjoy a gradual and relaxing ascent over the Col de Torrent. We start at Mayens de Cotter, a 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 5 – Grimentz to St. Luc

A steep forest ascent leads above treeline to offer views of the Val d'Anniviers and the crown of four 4,000-meter peaks, including the Matterhorn. We typically enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch, perched high above the valley floor. We'll descend back to St. Luc through a cascade-lined trail through the forest. Evening in St-Luc at the exquisite Hotel Bella Tola. (BSD)

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

Day 6 – St. Luc rest day

Take a day to rest and enjoy the spa, pool, and sundeck at the hotel Bella Tola, or join us for a shorter hike for the day. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy lunch on their own. (BD)

Variable Stats depend on hike chosen. Possible Ascent: 750 feet | Descent: 2000 feet | Distance: 5 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – 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 you arrive in the quiet seasonal hamlet of Gruben where we’ll spend the evening. (BSD)

Note: We 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 8 – Augstbordpass Zermatt

Crossing the final pass of the trip, the legendary and strenuous Augstbordpass, we’ll have sweeping views of Dom, the highest peak entirely within Switzerland, Weisshorn, and the crevassed curves of the Aletschgletscher. We descend into Jungen, an exciting gondola ride takes us 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 9 – 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 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 10 – Depart from Zermatt

You can continue an onward journey or return to Geneva or Zurich for homebound flights. (B)