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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
14 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Ultimate high Alpine trek crossing from France to Switzerland
  • Trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, the complete Haute Route traverse
  • Climb the Pigne d`Arola and the Tete Blanche
  • Overnight in atmospheric high mountain huts
  • Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn the ultimate Alpine mountain holiday
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Trekking
Other: Hiking, Mountaineering, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, climbing, Walking Tour
$2960USD
Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.
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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!

Classic Haute Route - High Alpine Trekking

The ultimate and classic high alpine trekking holiday adventure along the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. Taking a dramatic and uncompromising line to explore the heart of the European Alps.
The ultimate and classic high alpine trekking holiday adventure along the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. Taking a dramatic and uncompromising line to explore the heart of the European Alps, this challenging high altitude alpine trekking holiday effectively links together Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Expert guidance is essential, on a walking route that crosses several high and testing alpine passes and traverses more than a dozen glaciers. During the course of the trekking, there is plenty of opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering and the skills required for safe walking on glaciated terrain (ice-axe and crampons required). Although not a particularly long trek , at 120 kilometres / 75 miles, it is genuinely Himalayan in scale. From the outset of the walking, at our comfortable French Alps chalet base in the Chamonix Valley, to our arrival at the famously picturesque ski-town of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, we accumulate more than 10,000 metres / 32,800 feet of ascent and descent. Offering a blend of amazing scenery and overnight stops at some of the very best Alpine refuges, the Classic Haute Route trekking holiday from France to Switzerland ranks among the world's greatest mountain walking adventures.

Notes: Prices and itineraries shown for holidays departing in 2013 may be subject to change, although we will endeavour to keep any price increases to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.
Day 1: Arrive in Argentiere
Rendezvous at our hotel/chalet in Argentiere, which is just a few kilometres from Chamonix. Situated beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are awesome from the start! Here you will be welcomed and made to feel at home. At 7.00pm we will be joined by our guide and have an informal chat about the trip. KE Land Only package services begin with an excellent 3-course dinner. Meals included: Dinner (D)
Day 2: Cable car and hike to the Albert Premier Hut
In the morning, there is the chance for the guide to check out your clothing and gear and to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment, before setting off. The first stage of our trek takes us from Argentiere to the Albert Premier Hut (2702m / 8865ft) and includes the opportunity for us to practice our snow and ice skills. We start out by way of a short cable car ride from Le Tour to the Col du Balme. From here, it's a comfortable 2-hour walk to the Albert Premier Hut, which we aim to reach by mid afternoon. The nearby Glacier du Tour is a great place to practice snow and ice skills. There are great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Chardonnay on the walk to the hut. (B, D)
Day 3: Cross the Col Superior du Tour and descend to la Fouly
An early start from the hut allows us to make use of the best snow conditions underfoot, whilst the snow is still frozen. Today we cross over into Switzerland, by way of the Col Superior du Tour (3289m / 10,790ft). If conditions and weather allow we will make an ascent of the Tete Blanche (3421m / 11,224ft) which provides us with fantastic views of the Mont Blanc range on one side and of the peaks of Switzerland to the other. We then drop down to cross the Trient Plateau and stop off for lunch at the Trient Hut. We then descend the Orny Glacier to our overnight stop at the Cabane d’Orny (2831m / 9288ft), The afternoon is free to relax and sit in the sun. 6 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 4: Descend to the valley and La Fouly
If we are up early enough, we can expect a good sunrise view from the hut. After breakfast, we are faced with a big descent on a pleasant path which zig-zags down into the Vallon d'Arpette de Saleina. At about 1350 metres (4400 feet) elevation, we leave this valley and make a gentle traverse on the east side of Val Ferret to La Fouly, where we overnight in a hotel. This is a good place to stock up on lunch supplies. 5 to 6 hours walking. Approx. 1450 metres (4750 feet) of descent and 300 metres (1000 feet) of ascent. (B, D)
Day 5: Trek to Bourg St. Pierre
From the hotel, we start out easily on a road which peters out into a track. Higher, this becomes a steep zig-zag trail which leads up the Col du Neve de la Rousse (2752m / 9029ft). This is not a well-travelled route and there are great opportunities for spotting alpine wildlife, including marmots, chamois and bouquetins (ibex). There is also a chance to take a swim in the clear waters of a small lake, the Gouille du Draggon. From the pass, we ascend to the summit of the Pointe des Planards (2866m / 9403ft), from the summit of which there are excellent views back to the Mont Blanc range and towards the Grand Combin. We then make a long, gentle descent to Bourg St. Pierre, where we overnight in a gite. Here, there is the opportunity to buy snacks and this is also the last chance for a shower. We will briefly have access to our trek bags this evening and this will allow us to get a change of clothing and to offload any superfluous items of gear. 6 to 7 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 6: Trek to the Cabane Brunet
Today starts out with a long and easy-angled 5-hour ascent to the Col de Lane (3033m / 9951ft), passing many picturesque bergeries and pretty summer pastures. A final, short, steeper section of rocky footpath takes us up to the pass. Descending, we cross a short snow-slope to reach a glacial moraine footpath which leads us to down to the old bergeries at Nicliri. An ever improving path leads us to the Cabane Brunet at a height of 2103 metres (6900 feet). 8 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 7: To the Pannossiere Refuge
Today we can have a relaxed and leisurely breakfast, before setting off on the 4-hour walk to the Pannossiere Refuge. From right outside the hut a scenic marked path traverses the hillside easily to Les Plans. From here, we climb a steep, zig-zagging footpath to cross the Col d’Avouillons. Then dropping steeply down past a lake, we cross the Glacier de Corbassiere to reach our overnight halt at the Cabane de Pannossiere (2669m / 8757ft). This is a private beautifully maintained hut with great views of the Grand Combin. A short day of 4 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 8: Cross the Col des Otannes to the Chanrion Hut
A slightly earlier start today. We begin the day by climbing up to the Col des Otannes, where we find fantastic views southwards across heavily glaciated terrain (the upper part of the Corbassiere Glacier) to the lofty summit of the Grand Combin. We then descend to pick up a long traversing footpath, the Pierre a Vire, which eventually drops us down to the broad track leading along the south side of the Lac de Mauvoisin. A section of easy walking leads us to the eastern end of this reservoir, where we cross the bridge near Le Lancet. There is a sting in the tail, as we are now faced with a steep climb of around 300 metres (1000 feet) to the Chanrion Hut (2462m / 8077ft). This hut is located on summer pastures and there are bergeries nearby, where it is possible to buy cheese. There are plenty of mountain tarns if you fancy a swim. 7 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 9: Cross 4 cols to the Cabane des Dix
We have 4 cols to cross today and leave behind the greenery of the lower Alps, to ascend to the rock and ice of the high glaciated environment. We leave the hut and trek to the Col de Tsofeiret. We soon find ourselves amongst more rugged mountain scenery, with the spectacular Brennay Glacier stretching away from us. On the climb up to the second col, the Col de Lire Rose (3115m / 10,220ft), we leave the footpaths behind. Here, edelweiss (the Swiss national flower) can commonly be seen and it is also usual to see groups of ibex on the slopes. We take a break at the col to put on our harnesses and have a bite to eat. From here we cross the glacier, which is completely covered in boulders and scree, and ascend to the next col, the Col de Mont Rouge (3325m / 10,909ft). We normally need to put on our crampons here, as there is a steep snow slope to be negotiated. Beyond this pass, we cross the upper part of the Gietro Glacier to reach the Col de Cheilon. A short glacial descent then takes us to our overnight stop at the Cabane des Dix (2928m / 9606ft), a hut with a deserved reputation for good food. There is a basic shower at this hut. We arrive in time for lunch. 5 to 6 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 10: To the Vignettes Hut, via the Pigne d’Arolla
A 5 a.m. start today, as we ascend to the highest point of our route. We make a short descent from the hut onto the Glacier de Cheilon, which is initially bare of snow. Before beginning our ascent of the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m / 12,454ft), we rope up and put on crampons. The start of the route crosses dramatically crevassed glacial terrain, leading up to the Col de la Serpentine. We take a short rest here to admire the stunning view of the Matterhorn and the Dent d’Herons. From here, we cross a short, but steep, ice slope. This is the crux of the route, giving us access to the easier upper slopes of the Pigne d’Arolla. This is an excellent 360 degree viewpoint. A short glacial descent takes us to the impressively situated Vignettes Hut (3160m / 10,367ft), which we usually reach in time for lunch. 6 to 7 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 11: Trek to the Cabane de Bertol
Today we cross beneath the north face of the Petit Mont Collon on glaciated terrain to reach the Col de L’Eveque (3386m / 11,109ft). This takes 3 to 4 hours. From here, we descend onto the Haute Glacier d’Arolla, traversing snow slopes and then bare glacier. At the snout of the glacier, we pick up a trail leading towards a bergerie on the eastern slopes of the valley. Beyond this, we are faced with a 600 metre (2000 foot) ascent to the Col de Bertol (3268m / 10,722ft). Our overnight halt is at the Cabane de Bertol, which is spectacularly located at the col. Access to the hut is via an exciting series of ladders - a sting in the tail! There are good views eastwards from the hut - of the Matterhorn and the Dent Blanche. 7 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 12: Ascend the Tete Blanche and descend to the Schonbiel Hut
This is our crux day and involves another early start. (Note: we do need good weather to climb the Tete Blanche and then make the descent down the heavily crevassed Stockji Glacier). We descend the ladders from the hut, rope up and start the long, gentle ascent of the Mont Mine Glacier, heading for the easy snow peak of the Tete Blanche (3724m / 12,218ft). This takes 3 to 4 hours and as a reward for the ascent we are treated to even more impressive views of the Matterhorn. We descend by way of the complex and heavily crevassed Stockji Glacier to our exit point at the Stockji (a rocky island in the middle of this glaciated terrain). Here, we pick up a narrow trail which traverses steep slopes, leading to an improving alpine path on a moraine on the north side of the valley. Finally, we cross the huge rock-covered glacier below the Smutt Ridge of the Matterhorn and pick our way up to the Schonbiel Hut, a welcoming hut in green meadows, with a mountain shower at your disposal. We take lunch at the hut and have the afternoon on the sunny terrace, spotting climbers on the Matterhorn. 6 to 7 hours walking. (B, D)
Day 13: Trek down to Zermatt
Today, we make the easy 4-hour walk down to Zermatt. From the rugged high mountain scenery, we soon find ourselves amongst pleasant woodland and pretty hamlets. This is a splendid walk, with the towering north face of the Matterhorn in full view and gives us time to reflect on the journey just undertaken. Arriving in Zermatt in time for lunch, we can pause to reflect on the trek that we have just completed, whilst enjoying a drink and the impressive sight of the majestic Matterhorn. After booking into our hotel in Zermatt there is time to look around or relax before dinner. (B, D)
Day 14: Services end after breakfast
KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. (B)
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Professional guide or guides on a 1:6 ratio
  • Hotel or chalet accommodation in Argentiere for 1 night and in Zermatt for 1 night
  • Mountain refuge or gite accommodation for 11 nights
  • All cable car fees
  • All meals except lunches.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Snacks and lunches
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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