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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
13 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • One of Europe`s great Alpine mountain walks
  • Trekking from Chamonix to Zermatt
  • The Walkers Haute Route
  • 2 days walking on the new `Europaweg`
  • A classic Alpine trekking holiday
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Trekking
Other: Hiking, Mountaineering, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, walking
$2465USD
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8 SPOTS AVAILABLE
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ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
SAVE 5%
Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn Trek

Considered to be the 'Walkers' Haute Route, this superb alpine trekking holiday takes a linear route across the spine of the European Alps and links together the famous small mountaineering towns of Chamonix, Arolla and Zermatt.
A classic walking holiday adventure in the Alps from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. Considered to be the 'Walkers' Haute Route, this superb alpine trekking holiday takes a linear route across the spine of the European Alps and links together the famous small mountaineering towns of Chamonix, Arolla and Zermatt. Generally much lower than the Classic Haute Route, this is an easier option for those people who still wish to explore the Alps whilst walking amongst incredibly beautiful alpine scenery. Trekking from France into the beautiful Swiss canton of Valais, passing spectacularly beneath 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, we are treated to amazing views of Mont Blanc itself. Traversing several high and challenging passes we enjoy mountain walking in the Alps at it's most delightful. Lower down, the walking leads through verdant alpine valleys with cascading streams, pretty hamlets and flower-strewn meadows. For the last 2 days, we're trekking on the recently opened 'Europaweg,' a valley-side walking trail which provides stunning views of the Matterhorn. Overnight accommodation on this great trekking holiday adventure in the Alps is provided in a variety of small hotels, atmospheric gites and spectacularly located alpine mountain refuges. Led by English guides and fully supported with access to luggage on all but three nights, our holiday offers the best chance of completing this challenging walking traverse.

Notes: Prices and itineraries shown for trips departing in 2013 may be subject to change although we will endeavour to keep any price increases for 2013 trips to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.
Day 1: Arrive in Argentiere
The group will rendezvous at the group hotel in Argentiere, just a few kilometres from Chamonix. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are awesome from the start! The guide will give an informal briefing about the days ahead, and will check out your clothing and gear. You will be able to decide whether you will need to pick up any further items of equipment before setting out in the morning. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal taken at our chalet. Meals included: Dinner (D)
Day 2: Cross Col du Balme to Col du Forclaz
After a filling breakfast, our trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petit Balcon Nord, to Le Tour at the top end of the valley. From here, we start our ascent to the Col du Balme (2186m / 7172ft) before heading down through the meadows of Tseppes into Switzerland and the Trient Valley. From Trient we have a 30-minute climb to the Col du Forclaz where we spend the first night in a gite. Walking Time - 5 to 6 hours. Distance - 12 kms (7.5 miles). Approximately 950 metres (3100 feet) of ascent and descent. (B, D)
Day 3: Trek to Champex
Don’t be deceived by the leisurely start to the Chalet des Glaciers, a small café next to the impressive Trient Glacier. From here it’s a long and steep ascent along the side of the glacier to the pass known as the Fenetre d’Arpette, which provides spectacular views across the Trient Plateau, one of the area’s largest glacier systems. An equally steep descent then takes us down through the Val d’Arpette to our accommodation in Champex. Walking Time - 6 hours. Distance - 14 kms (8.75 miles). Ascend - 1400 metres (4600 feet). Descend - 1200 metres (3940 feet). (B, D)
Day 4: Hike to the Mont Fort Refuge
A relatively late start by Alpine standards, as we leave the picturesque village of Champex, to meander through summer meadows into the Val des Bagnes, via Sambrancher and Les Chables. By taking the telepherique from Les Chables to Verbier (telepherique fare not included), we avoid the long haul and have the opportunity to take a breather and enjoy the spectacular views from the cable car. Should the cable car be closed (occasionally it is during the summer), we will take a taxi to Verbier. From Verbier it is just over an hour’s walk to the spectacularly situated Cabane du Mont Fort, our destination for the evening. Superb views across to the Mont Blanc Massif and to the Grand Combin. Walking Time – 5 to 6 hours. Distance - 24 kms (15 miles). Ascend - 1740 metres (5700 feet). (1300m / 4265ft of this ascent by cable car). Descend - 750 metres (2460 feet). No Access to Trek Bag (B, D)
Day 5: Cross 3 cols to the Prafleuri Hut
This is one of the most spectacular days of the trek, traversing 3 high cols, with dramatic views throughout. At the start, the path winds along under dwarfing cliffs, with views of the Grand Combin and Mont Fort, en route to Col Termin, the first col of the day. A dramatic path then takes us to the Col de Louvie (2921m / 9583ft), before we make the steep descent onto the edge of the Grand Desert Glacier. Finally, we cross the Col de Prafleuri (2987m / 9800ft) and descend to the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m / 8609ft) for the evening. Walking Time – 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 13 kms (8 miles). Ascend - 630 metres (2066 feet). Descend - 462 metres (1516 feet). No Access to Trek Bag (B, D)
Day 6: Via the Lac de Dix to Arolla
A short and very steep climb greets us today as we quickly gain the Col de Roux, overlooking the milky waters of the Lac de Dix. A gentle descent then takes us to the lakeshore which we follow to its end, admiring the great views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon and the Pigne D'Arolla. We make a steep ascent to the base of the Col de Riedmatten where we have the option of climbing the col or taking the spectacular Pas de Chevres ladders to an alternative col. There are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix and the imposing pyramids of Mont Blanc de Chelion and the Pigne D’Arolla, then it is all descent to Arolla and our bed for the night. Walking Time - 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 16 kms (10 miles). Ascend - 735 metres (2410 feet). Descend - 1360 metres ( 4460 feet). (B,D)
Day 7: An easy day to La Sage
We are now approaching the half-way point of the trek and today is something of a recuperation day, involving a leisurely walking through woodland to Lac Bleu, a favourite local beauty spot. From here, there is an easy descent through a beautiful gorge to Les Hauderes where we take lunch. A final short climb completes this stage at the small farming hamlet of La Sage. Walking Time - 4 hours. Distance - 11 kms (7 miles). Ascend - 215 metres (700 feet). Descend - 550 metres (1800 feet). (B, D)
Day 8: Across two passes to Zinal
No rest day today! We have an early start as today’s walk involves crossing two high cols. The first ascent to the higher of the two, the Col de Torrent (2912m / 9554ft), is long but not difficult due to the good underfoot conditions. We descend to the milky waters of Lac Moiry, that makes a good lunch stop. Ahead we can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the Dent Blanche. Of more concern will be the imposing Col de Sorebois, a climb which is shorter but steeper than the ascent to the Torrent, but again presents no real problems. From here, we have spectacular views of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Zinal Rothorn. Although it’s steeply downhill from here, the hotel at Zinal is at least a further 2 hours away and makes a welcome sight after the hardest day of the trip so far. Walking Time - 8 hours. Distance - 18 kms (11.25 miles). Ascend - 2000 metres (6560 feet). Descend - 1850 metres (6070 feet). (B,D)
Day 9: Cross the Meidpass to Gruben
Although there is only one col to cross today, it is at the end of a long day. The first hour involves a steep but pleasant ascent on good forest trails with breathtaking views of the Zinal Rothorn. We take a picnic lunch before a leisurely trek to the col at Meidpass (2790m / 9150ft). From here, we drop steeply down to Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel. Walking Time - 7 hours. Distance - 19 kms (11.875 miles). Ascend - 1315 metres (4310 feet). Descend - Height Loss - 1165 metres (3820 feet). (B,D)
Day 10: Cross Augstbordpass to St. Niklaus
A superb trek today, as we start out through open woodland, then high pastures and rocky upland wilderness. The trek soon opens up to some of the most spectacular views in the Swiss Alps. Our final pass is the Augstbordpass (2894m / 9495ft), beyond which we descend steeply to the pretty hamlet of Jungu and on again into the Mattertal and the town of St. Niklaus. Walking Time - 7 hours. Distance - 16 kms (10 miles). Ascend - 1070 metres (3510 feet). Descend - 1765 metres (5790 feet). (B,D)
Day 11: Trek to the Europahutte
The exciting finale to this great trek takes two days and follows the so-called Europaweg to Zermatt. This is a high-level walk on the east side of the Mattertal Valley. There is some considerable exposure in some places on the Europaweg and though these sections are safeguarded by chains, it is not for the fainthearted. Anyone who has a problem with exposure can opt to take an alternative, less spectacular route. The Europaweg starts in Grachen (just above St. Niklaus) and climbs through grassy alps and between pretty hamlets towards the rocky ridge of the Grathorn. Today we have our first views of the Matterhorn, yet still distant at this point. The high point of today’s route is at around 2700 metres (8860 feet) and offers fantastic views across to the Weisshorn. Our overnight stop is at the Europahutte, situated on a steep hillside amongst huge boulders and tall pine trees. 7 hours walking. ** (clients should be aware that this route is subject to occasional stone fall which could lead to sections being closed and diversions could be possible). No access to Trek Bag (B,D)
Day 12: A final day’s walk to Zermatt
Our final day of trekking takes us across an impressive mountainside, beneath the Dom and Taschhorn. There are sections of this new path which have been cut into the hillside and even a couple of tunnels. The first habitation that we encounter today is at Ottavan on a high alp above the village of Tasch. After another 7 hour day, we arrive in Zermatt, where we can reflect on the trek that we have just completed, whilst enjoying a drink and the impressive sight of the majestic Matterhorn. After checking into our hotel there is time to look around Zermatt before we go out for a celebratory meal. (B,D)
Day 13: Services end after breakfast
KE Land Only package ends after breakfast. (B)
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Kenneth Keene
The level of challenge was exactly what I wanted. This was my fourth and best visit to Switzerland. Made new friends among all the other clients with whom I hope to share another trek in the future. Getting to know a new leader and new trekking mates is always a highlight for me. Our group bonded very well. The well balanced ebb and flow of the trek route as well as the evening meals and accommodations helped to promote this opportunity.
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Graham Hilton
The trip was more challenging than the Tour du Mont Blanc (as per your notes) but rewarded the effort with excellent variety of walking and scenery. Accommodation was always at least one step up from similar priced trips with other companies. Hotel de la sage was excellent. Europahutte less so. Luggage transfer is a major benefit. Elaine led the trip with a calm confidence, and was instrumental in establishing a good team spirit and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable trip.
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Cindy Sim
Our local agent, Judith is excellent. She is organised, efficient and very helpful and supportive. She ensured that the group needs were taken care of. And she is great to be in company with.
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Melanie Murphy
I really enjoyed the trek. The Swiss have put together a wonderful trail system, and the Europeans really know how to do a mountain hut. They're great! One of the highlights for me was the two days on the Europawegg. Spectacular!
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Tracy Wilson
The standard of hotel accommodation was really high, a lot better than we had expected actually. Some of the rooms we were given were amazing - it was just a shame that we weren't in them a bit longer! The mountain refuges were surprisingly high quality too - and were certainly an experience! The food was always delicious and plentiful - just what we needed to keep us going! Every day was a personal challenge, in terms of the trekking and the different types of terrain encountered along the way - but we enjoyed all the challenges. It was lovely to come back to another gorgeous hotel night after night - the thought of entering that room after a hard day's trekking made it worthwhile! The rest of the group and the trek leader made it so much more enjoyable - we all got along together so well, there was a lovely easy atmosphere throughout.
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Stephen Curl
Keith was a great leader for this trip. He has done it so often. He contributed in many ways to the success of the holiday. His style was very direct with an emphasis on the risks/difficulty of the trek, which was entirely appropriate in the circumstances.
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John Edwards
Most enjoyed the route, as determined on a day to day basis by the leader. The views were incredible. The leadership of the group by Emma Jack in all respects - speed of walking, local knowledge, enthusiasm, the ability to impart confidence in those for whom the trip was quite a challenge.
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Patricia Coxhead
I booked at the last minute and information from the website and over the phone from office staff were very good. I most enjoyed the route we walked and the accommodation. Joy was a great trek leader and Judith provided excellent logistical support which meant that everything ran very smoothly. The holiday matched and excelled expectations.
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Stuart Townsend
Great leader. Well paced. Good group. Just what I expected.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • A professional guide
  • All accommodation as described in the trip dossier
  • Transfer of luggage between overnight accommodation (except for 3 nights spent in mountain huts)
  • Meals as detailed in the meal plan
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Airport transfers
  • Cable car or taxi to Verbier
  • Travel Insurance
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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