Classic Walking Tours
'The Walkers Haute Route' is one of the worlds great multi-day treks taking a linear route across the spine of the Alps and linking the famous mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt.
Although demanding at times, the Haute Route Trek is a non-technical trek suitable for those people who would like to experience walking in the alps without tackling any technically difficult routes.
The Haute Route passes beneath 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, crossing several high passes and traversing two small glaciers. The lower section of the trek takes you through green Alpine valleys and flower strewn meadows. The complete trek is on path and track with the occasional section of ladders / cables, which can be avoided by taking a longer route round if preferred. This itinerary includes 2 support days when luggage can be exchanged at your accommodation.
This trek is ideal for enthusiastic and fit walkers who are looking for a challenge without the use of technical equipment.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at the White Chalet
Stay at the White Chalet, in Argentiere where afternoon tea is served at 5pm and dinner is served at 7.30pm when your guide will join you for an informal chat and to answer any questions.
Day 2 - Argentiere - Trient via Col du Balme
After breakfast the trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petite Balcon Nord to Le Tour situated at the top end of the valley. From here we start our ascent up to the Col du Balme (2186m) before heading down into Switzerland where we spend the first night in a mountain refuge in the village of Trient (1300m).
Day 3- Trient - Champex (Via Fenetre)
An early start and spectacular views of the Trient Glacier as we climb to the Fenetre D'Arpette which provides stunning views of the Trient Plateau. It's all down hill after that until we reach the pretty village of Champex where we spend our third night.
Day 4 - Champex - Mont Fort Refuge
From Champex we travel along the side of the pretty valley Val des Bagnes to Le Chable via Sembrancher. From Le Chable we avoid a lesser interesting ascent and enjoy spectacular views by taking the cable car up the mountain side to Verbier. From Verbier it is just over an hour to our mountain refuge the Cabane du Mont Fort.
Day 5 - Mont Fort Refuge - Cabane de Prafleuri
Three mountain passes in one day, Day 5 is a spectacular day in the mountains. The trek stays high starting at 2394m it passes over 3 cols (Termin, Louvie and Prafleuri) all between 2,900m and 3000m before arriving at the Cabane de Prafleuri at 2624m.
Day 6 - Cabane de Prafleuri - Arolla
A short climb sees us at the Col de Roux from where we drop gently down towards the beautiful green waters of the Lac de Dix. With great views of the Mt Blanc de Cheilon and Pigne D'Arolla we continue along the edge of the lake to a spectacular suspension bridge. From here we can ascend by via ferrata ladders to the Pas de Chevres, or a longer scramblier path to the Col de Riedmatten before descending to Arolla and our bed for the night.
Day 7 - Arolla - La Sage/Villa
Past half way of the trek and day 7 is in comparison a rest day, with leisurely walks through the lower valley before heading up into the high mountains the following day. The start is a gentle ascent through woodland to Lac Bleu a favourite local beauty spot. From here it's a descent through wooded gorges to Les Haudres and an ascent which finishes this stage at the hamlet of La Sage.
Day 8 - La Sage – Zinal
Back into the high mountains, we make the long but not difficult climb to the Col de Torrent (2916m). From here we can see Lac Moiry to which we descend before ascending once more to the Col de Sorebois which provides spectacular views of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Zinal Rothorn. Finally we descend to our overnight at Zinal.
Day 9 - Zinal - Gruben Meiden
A steep but pleasant ascent through forest paths opens onto a superb track with breathtaking views of the Zinal, Rothorn and occassional sitings of our goal, the Matterhorn. We take a break at the Hotel Weisshorn before a leisurely trek to the Col at Meidpass, 2,790m before dropping steeply down to Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel.
Day 10 - Gruben Meiden - St Niklaus
After a night of luxury, day 10 is a trek to match. Starting through spacious woodland, over high pastures and stoney wildnerness, the trek opens up to some of the most spectacular views in the Swiss alps. The final pass is the Augstbordpass from where we descend steeply to the pretty hamlet of Jungen and on again into the Mattertal and the town of St Niklaus
Day 11 - St Niklaus – Europaweg
This is a recently created high-level walk on the east side of the Mattertal Valley. The route starts in Grachen (just above St. Niklaus) and climbs through grassy alps and between pretty hamlets towards the rocky ridge of the Grathorn (2273m.). The high point of today's route is at around 2700 metres, and offers fantastic views across to the Weisshorn. Our overnight stop is at the new Europaweg hut, situated on a steep hillside amongst huge boulders and tall pine trees.
Day 12 - Europaweg – Zermatt
Our final day of trekking takes us across an impressive mountainside, beneath the Dom and Taschhorn. After the first 45 minutes, we have our first views of the Matterhorn and soon thereafter Zermatt comes into view. 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 (and the first refreshment stop) is at Ottavan on a high alp above the village of Tasch we walk into Zermatt. At Zermatt there's time to enjoy a drink whilst admiring the impressive sight of the majestic Matterhorn. From here we transfer back to the White Chalet in Argentiere for a well deserved celebratory meal.
Day 13: Departure Day.
Changes to the itinerary are at the discretion of the Trekking Guide. These changes may be made due to weather conditions, conditions on the mountains, changes in accommodation, or fitness of the group.
Price: 1510.00 euro
Dates: 21st August - 2nd September
