Much Better Adventures

Adventures / Epic Treks

Trek the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

Follow a spectacular trail, hut-to-hut through the heart of the Alps

From

…
Gift This Trip

Trip Ref #9582

Adventures / Epic Treks

Trek the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

Follow a spectacular trail, hut-to-hut through the heart of the Alps

DURATION
9 nights
LOCATION
France, Switzerland
ANNUAL LEAVE
10 days off work
SEASON
Jul-Aug
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Chamonix, France
ACCOMMODATION
Mountain hut · Guesthouse · Hotel
DIFFICULTY
Tough

15 kilometres a day with 1500 metre ascensions? Prepare for a serious challenge that you’ll be talking about for years.

COVID-19 Information

Our local host has provided some important information about any changes to the trip, and additional safety measures in place, as a result of COVID-19.

Our COVID-19 Policy

Take on one of Europe’s toughest and most prestigious long-distance trails

Experience the remote wonders of the Alps as you trek to epic viewpoints and traditional mountain villages

Get a picture-perfect view of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains on the continent

Included

Guides

Experienced, English speaking guides

Accommodation

9 nights in mountain huts, guesthouses and B&B's

Meals

Munch on tasty food throughout

Not Included

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Travel to and from the start point

The Area

Logistics

Starts

Chamonix, France

08:00 on Day 1

Ends

Zermatt, Switzerland

17:00 on Day 10

Transfers

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Chamonix, France early on Day 1. You should arrive in Chamonix any time the day before the start date and book a hotel of your choice.

The trip ends at around 17:00 on Day 10 in Zermatt, Switzerland. Air travellers can take the train to the airport directly from Zermatt. We recommend you stay the night in Zermatt to celebrate the end of your trek (a completely car free town) or you can head straight to the airport for a late flight: it takes 3.5 hours to reach Zurich-Kloten and 4 hours to reach Geneva.

Travel options

You can fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) which is approximately one hour from Chamonix. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Airport (LIN) or Zurich Airport (ZRH) and travel on to Chamonix from there.

For those who wish to avoid flying, Chamonix is also accessible by train via the St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) station at the base of the valley which connects to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station. For example, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then connect to a number of direct lines or an overnight sleeper train from Paris to St. Gervais-les-Bains, then on to Chamonix Mont Blanc station.

You can also travel to Geneva by various train routes from other parts of Europe and travel on to Chamonix from there by bus. Geneva bus station is a 5 minute walk or short taxi ride from the central train station. There are various bus services from Geneva bus station to Chamonix, the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes. Your return leg at the end of the trip can begin at Zermatt train station for various onward train travel routes throughout Europe.

For those wanting to arrive a day early or extend their trip - your host is happy to help arrange pre or post trip accommodation on your behalf, with the price and style depending on availability and your budget.

What about all the carbon?

We mitigate 4x the carbon generated by all our customer flights annually through our partnership with Cool Earth.

Day 1

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Guesthouse · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 – Day 8

Guesthouse · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Expect hearty mountain style dishes, continental breakfasts and tasty lunches. Dinners vary, but usually consist of three courses, including soup or salad, stews, cheese fondue and Swiss and French delicacies for dessert.

Most dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan can be catered for: just let your host know in advance.

What is the accommodation like?

The Alps

You’ll stay in remote mountain huts, guesthouses and B&B's. Each one is unique but you can usually expect hot showers and running water (usually in a shared bathroom, sometimes with a time limit), bunk beds with a pillow and blankets (packing a thin and light sleeping bag liner is advisable for hygienic reasons), and a bar with cold drinks. They're basic but friendly, with a social and fun atmosphere, and usually electricity to charge your phone and free Wi-Fi.

Upgrades

For solo travellers or pairs wanting their own space, accommodation upgrades (twin or single rooms) can be booked on all the nights except the night in the Cabane du Prafleuri (Day 4) and the Europahütte (Day 9). The price for the upgrade is 38.00 EUR per person per night for a twin / double room (based on 2 persons in a room) or 58.00 EUR per person per night for a single room. Accommodation upgrades cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability: please request at the time of booking.

Day 1

Trek to Trient

Hiking

6hrs · 15km · 672m up

Head to Argentière and ascend the Col de Balme and over the summit of Aiguillette des Possette. Take in the views over Switzerland and get your first glimpse of of Mont Blanc in the distance. Head towards the Tete de Balme straddling the French/Swiss border and on to the picturesque village of Trient, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 2

The Fenêtre d'Arpette’s wild pass

Hiking

8hrs · 15km · 1274m up

Trek to the Fenêtre d'Arpette, a wild mountain pass known for its untouched beauty. Cross through the Arpette Valley and spend the night in the small Swiss mountain resort of Champex-lac.

Day 3

Le Chable

Hiking

6.5hrs · 15km · 800m up · 1034m down

Enjoy a late start and then pass quaint houses, old farms and quiet villages as you make your way to Orsieres. Climb up to Le Chable - the stage's final stop, where you’ll stay tonight.

Day 4

Cabane de Prafleuri

Hiking

6hrs · 11km · 500m up · 1283m down

Wake up bright and early and take the cable car from Le Chable to Verbier. Reach the outer edge of the Mont Fort glacier, the start of today’s trek and walk along the Col de Louvie before traversing a high circuit surrounded by glaciers and serrated rock faces. Keep going to the Cabane de Prafleuri, a mountain hut and tonight's destination.

Day 5

Mont Blanc de Cheillon

Hiking

7.5hrs · 16km · 1171m up · 612m down

Pass the impressive Lac des Dix dam, before climbing up the Col de Riedmatten, passing between the Val d'Hermence and the Val d'Arolla. Once in Arolla, it’s time to rest up and recover at a nice local guesthouse.

Day 6

The world from 3000m up

Hiking

6.5hrs · 13km · 600m up

Set off on one of the toughest days so far as you hike toward the high point at Col de Torrent. Descend to the Val de Moiry, passing the Lac the Moury, stop for a rest and then continue down the track to the Corne de Sorebois. From there, take the gondola down to Zinal, where you’ll lay your head for the night.

Day 7

The big 4000’s

Hiking

5hrs · 17km · 617m up

Trek to Anniviers and walk up the Col de la Forcletta and the famous Turtmanntal. See the first of the Alps 4000m peaks, including those in the Matterhorn Valley and then make your way through meadows and farmland to Gruben for the night.

Day 8

The Augstbord Pass

Hiking

6hrs · 14km · 739m up · 873m down

Time for one of the most epic sections of the entire trip. Climb through the Augstbord Pass to reach the quintessential Swiss Alps village of St. Niklaus, where you'll check into a warm and cosy hotel.

Day 9

Europahütte

Hiking

7hrs · 13km · 875m up

Catch the local bus from St. Niklaus to Gasenried and begin your approach to the famous Europahütte, home to one of the greatest views of the Matterhorn Valley and the mighty Matterhorn itself. From there, you'll follow the trail as it winds its way down to tonight’s accommodation, the Hotel La Reserve.

Day 10

Trek to Zermatt

Hiking

7.5hrs · 15km · 1041m up

Follow the trail as it hugs the Matterhorn, before finishing your trek in the lovely mountain village of Zermatt. Celebrate - you’ve earned it.

Please Note

All our adventures take place in wild places. Things can go wrong in wild places. Your perfectly planned itinerary may change a bit (or a lot) if the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or a volcano erupts. Usually though, changes make it all the better.

15% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Runner's Need, and Cycle Surgery.

What do I need to bring?

KIT

  • 35 to 40-litre backpack, with raincover
  • Sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
  • Minimum 2-litre bottle or flask
  • Toiletries and a personal first aid kit
  • Walking poles

CLOTHES

  • Hiking clothing for all weather and plenty of layers
  • Hats, gloves and neck gaiter or a scarf
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, suncream
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
  • Swimwear
  • Strong and waterproof leather hiking boots with a high ankle
  • Lightweight shoes (e.g. sneakers, sandals) for the huts/evening

You need to be physically fit and able to walk for at least 15 kilometres a day with some challenging 1500 metre ascensions.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

During the summer in the Alps (June – September) we experience usually fair and quite warm weather. It is often sunny and the temperatures can reach 30° Celsius, although it is a dry heat. The weather in the mountains can be sometimes quite unpredictable and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change.

You will be hiking in different altitude levels so there will be a significant change between the valley ground and the high mountain passes. On a rainy day temperatures can drop quite low and it is necessary to have a good rain jacket and sometimes even a hat and a pair of gloves. If you stick to the kit-list, you will be ready for anything.

Afraid not. You will be carrying all you need for your trek so the key is to pack light!

We’ve teamed up with the guys at World Nomads to offer insurance designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. To get yours sorted, click here.

We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book the trip, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

All of our group adventures are especially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded.

"I cannot recommend this highly enough! The people on the trip were amazing. Easily the best trip I've ever been on!" Charlotte, 2019, Trustpilot.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

From …
Transferrable Deposits

Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.

Free Date Changes

Free date changes up to 31 days before departure.

Similar Trips

From

…

Why Us?

Here’s why we’re rated the UK’s ‘Best for Experiences’

PROPER
ADVENTURES

All our adventures get you out of the city to explore the wilder side of our world

EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES

Get places you wouldn’t yourself. Our guides know where to go, what to do and how to stay safe

HASSLE
FREE

Route planning? Transport? Accommodation? Equipment? It’s all taken care of

SMALL GROUPS
OF GOOD PEOPLE

Join a diverse global community, bound by a shared love of the outdoors