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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
13 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Experience one of the world’s classic mountain traverses from Chamonix to Zermatt 
  • Hike remote and pristine trails, mostly above treeline, and enjoy amazing mountain views 
  • Discover the alpine cultures and cuisines of France and Switzerland
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Hiking
Other: Local Culture & Cuisine
$6195USD
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TRIP MAP
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Hiking the Haute Route

No region is more immersed in mountaineering lore than the Haute Route, the high-level traverse that skirts along glaciers, tarns, meadows, and craggy mountain passes from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland.
The Haute Route is the celebrated high-level hiking traverse across craggy mountain passes from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. This route is where the sport of mountaineering was born in the 19th century and just a glance at the 360-degree panorama explains why: 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the crooked spire of the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent “high route.” Our spectacular hike crosses 11 glacier systems and 10 alpine passes, yet we never climb above 10,000 feet as we follow this famous trail below some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alps. Overnights are in small hotels, with two nights in hike-in lodges to feast our eyes on sunset panoramas of alpenglow on the high peaks. 

What the Trip is Like: The trip is rated Level 5+, Strenuous. Good hiking experience is essential. Most hiking is between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 9,700 feet. There is a good bit of up-and-down during the 6-8 hours of daily hiking, with 3,000- to 4,000-foot elevation gain and loss per day. These are challenging hikes, so all participants must be in top physical condition. Of course, trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle. 
Accommodations are in comfortable small hotels and inns, some with shared bath. A support vehicle will transport the group's luggage from day to day. We use many forms of transportation as we travel during the trip, so we ask that you restrict your luggage to one piece, plus your daypack/rucksack. 
You’ll carry just a daypack on most days, but on one three-day, two-night stretch, it is impossible for our support vehicle to reach our mountain refuges at night. For this period, you must carry in a daypack/rucksack the clothing and toiletries you need for those three days. There is no “group” gear to carry, and most medium-sized daypacks have enough room for extra belongings (a toothbrush, soap, and a fresh t-shirt will suffice for most people). 
We strongly urge you to “train up” for your trip. The best training for hiking is hiking, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling or other sports exercise (stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill). It’s important to take time to build up muscle and endurance prior to your trip. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule at least a couple of months before departure. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy and thoroughly broken-in. 
Altitude is not usually a problem for people on these trips. The itineraries are worked out to take you gently to higher altitude, giving you plenty of time to acclimatize. However, some people still find they get a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness in the huts are the most common problems. 
The hotels we stay in are rustic, well located for hikers, and continuously busy in the summer hiking season. Please note that these are hikers’ hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our Trip Leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. In a few of the hotels, there are shared bathrooms (no private baths). Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement may have to share a room for up to four nights during the trip.
Day 1: Chamonix, France
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland, and transfer to Chamonix, France. This charming old mountain town sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'), the highest mountain in western Europe. Chamonix has been a climbing and skiing center for over 100 years and is the mountaineering “capital” of Europe. It has a wonderful atmosphere and a well preserved Old Town with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafes. From near the center of town, the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car whisks visitors to 12,000 feet for stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. We have a trip briefing and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight at the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes, right in the center of Chamonix. The hotel is a historic property set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street....D 

Note: We offer a complimentary van transfer from the Geneva airport directly to our hotel in Chamonix; a booking form is enclosed with your confirmation packet. There are also connections by public bus or train from Geneva to Chamonix (allow about 3 hours), and you can take a taxi from the bus or train station to our centrally located hotel.
Lodging Grand Hotel des Alpes
Description A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. Along the Arve River at the back is the quiet garden terrace, a great place for a drink in the evening or enjoying a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a pool, steam room, and jacuzzi for soaking post-hike muscles. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Day 2: Chamonix / Warm-Up Hike
Today is free to rest and explore Chamonix if you wish, but most of the group will join the Trip Leaders for a 5-hour round-trip “warm-up” hike up to the Aiguilles Rouges (“Red Peaks”) across the valley from Mont Blanc. Spectacular views on today’s hike include the Aiguille Verte, all the “needles” (spire-like peaks) of the Chamonix Valley, and the incredible Mer de Glace, a curving glacier almost four miles long. We return by cable car from La Flegere, or have an option to continue hiking along the Grand Balcon to the cable car station at Planpraz. Overnight at..BLD.
Lodging Grand Hotel des Alpes
Description A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. Along the Arve River at the back is the quiet garden terrace, a great place for a drink in the evening or enjoying a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a pool, steam room, and jacuzzi for soaking post-hike muscles. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Day 3: Argentiere / Col de Balme / Col de la Forclaz
Driving past Argentiere, with superb views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte, and the Chamonix granite needles, we continue to our trailhead to begin the Haute Route hike. We ascend through meadows where dairy cows graze and hike up through woodlands to cross the Col de Balme (7,230'), which marks the French-Swiss frontier. With wonderful vistas of Mont Blanc along the way, we descend into Col de la Forclaz, located right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland, for an overnight at a comfortable inn (private rooms with shared baths)...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 9 miles; ascent 3,000 feet; descent 3,050 feet 

The Haute Route: The magnificent high traverse from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, explores the terrain where alpinism and the sport of mountaineering were born in the 19th century. The original High Level Route was developed more than 100 years ago, primarily for ski-mountaineering expeditions. Over the years, another Haute Route evolved, a walking route that has become the quintessential walking experience across the European Alps—it never quite reaches 10,000 feet, requires no technical mountaineering skills, and yet rewards the walker with some of the most spectacular high mountain views in the Alps. There are constantly changing panoramas of high peaks, alpine meadows alive with wildflowers, picturesque old farms, and beautiful lakes.
Lodging Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Description Sitting right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland, this is a mountain accommodation with simple rooms and shared toilets/showers. The food is hearty and home-cooked and there’s a nice patio where we can relax and enjoy the views.
Day 4: Trient / Fenêtre d'Arpette / Champex
Ascend a steep footpath alongside the magnificent Trient Glacier to the rocky Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,750') before descending into the narrow glacial Val d'Arpette. This valley remains wild and rugged with an abundance of wildflowers, sparkling streams, and marmots with their shrill calls. Overnight at a hotel at the charming lakeside resort of Champex...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 8.5 miles; ascent 4,300 feet; descent 3,300 feet.
Lodging Hotel du Glacier
Description The comfortable Hotel du Glacier sits on the main and only street of the pretty little village of Champex. The same lovely couple has owned it for many years and they also run the restaurant, which has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is steps away from a picturesque mountain lake.
Day 5: Verbier / Refuge de Mont Fort
We hike from Champex to Sembrancher through lovely hamlets, enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive to the village of Verbier. In this famous ski resort, we restock with lunch foods for the next couple of days when the vehicle cannot reach us. Another cable car takes us to Les Ruinettes and then to our trail to Mont Fort Refuge (shared rooms and baths). This refuge at 8,060 feet has good views of the complete Mont Blanc Massif...BD Approximate hiking distance: 5.5 miles; ascent 1,600 feet; descent 1,500 feet.
Lodging Cabane Mont Fort
Description Sensational views are all around us at Cabane Mont Fort, a superbly located mountain lodge at 8,000 feet owned by the Swiss Alpine Club. The old stone building sits at the top of a plateau above the famed Swiss ski resort of Verbier. It has simple multi-bedded dorm rooms with shared toilets/showers. The whole of the Mont Blanc massif is in view here—the setting is truly dramatic and it’s a treat to savor the views from the beautiful sun deck.
Day 6: Grand Desert / Refuge Prafleuri
Today is a wild, rugged cross-country hike in one of the most remote areas of the Alps, following a little used trail that stays above 8,000 feet and crosses three alpine passes and the “grand desert,” skirting the glaciers and lakes of the Mont Fort and the beautiful Rosablanche mountains. Ibex and chamois are often seen near the remote Prafleuri Refuge, where we spend the night (shared rooms and baths). Today’s hike may be modified depending on snow cover...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 9 miles; ascent 2,800 feet; descent 2,200 feet.
Lodging Prafleuri Hut
Description Set in an isolated spot at 8,600 feet between Verbier and Arolla, the newly built Prafleuri Hut (or Cabane de Prafleuri in French) allows us to sleep high on the Haute Route rather than descending to the valley floor for the night. We sleep in multi-bedded dorm-style rooms with shared toilets/showers. Local ski guides Babeth and Paul are our welcoming hosts here. In the evening, graceful ibex can often be seen approaching the salt lick left out for them.
Day 7: Col des Roux / Col de Reidmatten / Arolla
From the Prafleuri Refuge, we attack the short but steep Col des Roux (9,197'), where ibex may be seen. Below the pass, we descend to the still waters of Lac des Dix, near which is a labyrinth of marmot dens. We hike along the lakeshore before ascending the Col de Reidmatten (9,577'), which may provide a brief glimpse of the Matterhorn. We also have stunning views across the Arolla Valley to Pigne D’Arolla, Mont Collon, and Mont Blanc de Cheillon, mountains with remarkable glaciers dominating our route. Descend to Arolla, a tiny village in the Val d'Arolla at the foot of several glaciers. Hotel overnight (private rooms with attached baths)...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 10 miles; ascent 2,500 feet; descent 4,300 feet.
Lodging Grand Hotel & Kurhaus
Description This historic Victorian stone hotel at 6,000 feet on the Haute Route trail sits apart from the little village of Arolla in a forest clearing. Built in 1896 and loaded with charm and character, it has been beautifully renovated with all the modern comforts. There’s a great downstairs bar with a crackling fireplace, an ancient wood-paneled salon, antique skis on the wall, and a wonderful terrace garden in front for enjoying a beer and views of Mont-Collon, Pigne d’Arolla, and other peaks we’ve been viewing from the trail.
Day 8: Arolla / Rest Day or Optional Hikes
Today is free in Arolla, with a chance to rest after the first week of hiking, or venture out on one of many optional day hikes...BD.
Lodging Grand Hotel & Kurhaus
Description This historic Victorian stone hotel at 6,000 feet on the Haute Route trail sits apart from the little village of Arolla in a forest clearing. Built in 1896 and loaded with charm and character, it has been beautifully renovated with all the modern comforts. There’s a great downstairs bar with a crackling fireplace, an ancient wood-paneled salon, antique skis on the wall, and a wonderful terrace garden in front for enjoying a beer and views of Mont-Collon, Pigne d’Arolla, and other peaks we’ve been viewing from the trail.
Day 9: Col du Torrent / Lac de Moiry / Grimentz
Driving to the villages of Les Hauderes and Villa, we pass through a very traditional region of the Valais Canton, where some locals still wear traditional Valais dress while working in the hay meadows. Hike up to the Col de Torrent (9,570') with stunning views up the Moiry Glacier to the Grand Cornier and Dent Blanche (14,290') mountains. This is one of the most outstanding vistas in the Alps. Descend to our hotel in the charming Valais village of Grimentz (private rooms with attached bath)...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 6 miles; ascent 3,800 feet; descent 2,200 feet.
Lodging Hotel Bella Tola
Description This family-run Belle Epoque hotel dating to 1859 is located near the village of St. Luc and offers the atmosphere of a country estate along with amazing mountain views. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed and there is a good restaurant with an outdoor terrace and cozy bar area. The hotel is a member of The Historic Hotels of Europe.
Day 10: Meidpass / Gruben
From Grimentz we have a choice of routes on which to cross the Meidpass (9,154'), with superb views of the Schwartzhorn, Gletschorn, and Weisshorn peaks. This brings us to the German-speaking area of the Canton of Valais, and after lunch by the Meidsee Lake, we make our descent to the remote hamlet of Gruben and our comfortable inn (private rooms, shared baths)...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 7 miles; ascent 2,050 feet; descent 3,200 feet.
Lodging Hotel Schwarzhorn
Description In Gruben, a classic stop on the hikers’ Haute Route, the stone-built Hotel Schwarzhorn is the only accommodatin in this tiny mountain hamlet. Nestled in the remote Turtmanntal Valley, it has basic rooms with in-room sinks and shared toilets/showers across the hall. We hike the Haute Route trail right to this hotel in the afternoon, and hike out the next morning, no van transfer required!
Day 11: Augstbordpass / St. Niklaus / Zermatt
A long and gradual climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') lends us superb views eastward over the Mischabel Range—a 14,000-foot-high mountain range between Saas Fee and Zermatt. We descend on a contouring trail to the charming hamlet of Jungu, where a cable car takes us down to St. Niklaus. We then connect with the private cog railway to Zermatt and our centrally located hotel (private rooms with attached baths)...BLD Approximate hiking distance: 8 miles; ascent 3,500 feet; descent 3,000 feet.
Lodging Hotel Alpenblick
Description A small, comfortable, modern hotel, the Alpenblick has a peaceful and quiet location about a five-minute walk down to Zermatt’s main street. It's also close to the aerial cable car to the Klein Matterhorn. The place is family-run and offers us a warm welcome, spacious rooms, and a good restaurant with Swiss specialties.
Day 12: Zermatt
We have the day free to explore the most famous of all alpine centers, Zermatt, the terminus for the Haute Route from Chamonix. This unique mountain village, surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, is steeped in the lore of alpinism and dominated by the crooked pyramid of the Matterhorn. Automobiles are not allowed in town; access is only by train and on foot. For those feeling energetic, one of the Trip Leaders will be available to lead a local hike or help you with the many options that Zermatt offers, including a hike up to the Hornli Hut, starting point for ascents of the Matterhorn (14,684'). We gather for a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in hotel...BD.
Lodging Hotel Alpenblick
Description A small, comfortable, modern hotel, the Alpenblick has a peaceful and quiet location about a five-minute walk down to Zermatt’s main street. It's also close to the aerial cable car to the Klein Matterhorn. The place is family-run and offers us a warm welcome, spacious rooms, and a good restaurant with Swiss specialties.
Day 13: Zermatt / Depart
Our trip ends after breakfast in our Zermatt hotel today. Most trip members transfer to Geneva on their own by train, or depart for other destinations in Europe...B
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Roger W.
Flawlessly operated and run. This trip is obviously very well thought out.
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Anne W.
Everything clicked smoothly to make this the best vacation I've ever had. This was my first trip of this kind and I could tell early on that WT is a well-oiled wheel—a very smooth operation.
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Audrey van C.
Five stars for trip design and quality of Trip Leaders. So fantastic I doubt that any other trip could match it. Every day was special—even the rest days!
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Jon Van C.
This was an experience of a lifetime. The scenery is mind-blowing. Outstanding Trip Leaders, hard-working, meticulous, good fun.
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Maryann M.
I love the hiking and the scenery, but I particularly appreciate the feeling on WT trips that I am traveling with friends—both the Trip Leaders whom I have now known for years in some cases, and the new friends I’ve made along the way.
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Lorraine B.
We enjoyed our experience immensely and have taken away many fabulous memories. One of the highlights of the trip for us was the fabulous group of people -- and the many laughs we had along the way.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Expert leadership of at least two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders (and sometimes three, depending on group size)
  • Accommodations in hotels, inns, and refuges 
  • All meals included except 3 lunches Van support and luggage transfer 
  • Land transportation, transfers between overnight stops 
  • Cable cars, funiculars, and cog rails to and from trail heads for scheduled hikes
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International airfare 
  • Airport transfers 
  • Any meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure 
  • Airport departure taxes 
  • Optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff
  • Additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors 
  • Pre-trip expenses such as immunizations (if any) 
  • Travel insurance, or passports and visas 
  • And other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, 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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