Haute Route: Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
On the Europaweg
This is one of the world’s great multi-day treks, linking the famous mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt. We start this great adventure from the 300 year old hamlet of Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley. Although demanding at times the route provides a non-technical trek and is suitable for those people who would like to experience the very best walking in the Alps. This spectacular trip leads from France into the beautiful Swiss canton of Valais. En route, we pass beneath 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps. The lower section takes us through green Alpine valleys, pretty mountain hamlets and flower-strewn meadows. Throughout this 170 kilometre trek, we follow good paths and tracks over several mountain passes close to 3000 metres. Our trek ends at Zermatt, beneath the iconic Matterhorn. This trip is fully supported, staying in good standard hotels and mountain huts with showers and good facilities.
- The walkers Haute Route
- Chamonix to Zermatt
- Two days on the stunning Europaweg
- Superb views and trekking
- Luggage transferred for you
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Departures
Trip
Departure date
End date
Price
Status
MBM 1
Sat 7 July 12
Thu 19 July 12
£1495 or 1795 Euros
Places available | Make a Booking
MBM 2
Sat 14 July 12
Thu 26 July 12
£1495 or 1795 Euros
Trip Closed
MBM 3
Sat 28 July 12
Thu 9 August 12
£1495 or 1795 Euros
Places available | Make a Booking
MBM 4
Sat 11 August 12
Thu 23 August 12
£1495 or 1795 Euros
Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking
MBM 5
Sat 25 August 12
Thu 6 September 12
£1495 or 1795 Euros
Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking
View Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt in a larger map
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 a briefing about the days ahead, and will check 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.
Day 2 Cross Col du Balme to Col du Forclaz
Our trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petit Balcon Nord, to Le Tour at the top of the valley. From here, we start our ascent to the Col du Balme (2186m) which offers great views, before heading down through the meadows 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. Approximately 950 metres of ascent and descent.
Day 3 Trek to Champex
We begin with stroll along the Bisse, the ancient water way until we arrive at the Chalet des Glaciers, a small café next to the impressive Trient Glacier. From here it’s a climb 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. A descent then takes us down through the Val d’Arpette to our accommodation in Champex. Walking Time - 6 hours. Distance - 14 kms. Ascent - 1400 metres. Descent - 1200 metres.
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 Sembrancher and Les Chables. By taking the telepherique from Le Chable to Verbier, 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 can 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. Ascent - 1740 metres, 1300m of this ascent may be by cable car. Descent - 750 metres. No Access to luggage.
Day 5 Three cols to the Prafleuri Hut
This is one of the most spectacular days of the trek, traversing three high cols, with dramatic views throughout. At the start, the path winds along under 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), before we make the steep descent onto the edge of the Grand Desert Glacier. Finally, we cross the Col de Prafleuri (2987m) and descend to the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m) for the evening. Walking Time – 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 14 kms. Ascent - 885 metres. Descent - 740 metres. No Access to luggage.
Day 6 Via the Lac de Dix to Arolla
A short climb greets us today as we quickly gain the Col de Roux, overlooking the blue green waters of the Lac de Dix. A gentle descent then takes us to the lake shore which we follow to its end, with views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon and the Pigne D'Arolla. We make a steep ascent to the Col de Riedmatten where there are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix. It is then all descent to Arolla and our bed for the night. Walking Time - 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 16 kms. Ascent - 735 metres. Descent - 1360 metres.
Day 7 Arolla to La Sage
We are now approaching the half-way point of the trek and today is something of an easier day, involving a leisurely walk 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. Ascent - 215 metres. Descent - 550 metres.
Day 8 La Sage to Zinal
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), is long but not difficult. We descend to the Lac de Moiry, which makes a good lunch stop. Ahead we can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the Dent Blanche. The its onwards and upwards to 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. Walking Time - 9 hours. Distance - 18 kms. Ascent - 2000 metres. Descent - 1850 metres.
Day 9 Meidpass to Gruben
Only one Col to cross today! The first hour involves a steep but pleasant ascent on good forest trails with breathtaking views of the Dent Blanche. We then traverse the mountainside till we eventually climb to the col at Meidpass (2790m). From here, we drop steeply down to the quaint village of Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel. Walking Time - 8 hours. Distance - 19 kms. Ascent - 1315 metres. Descent - 1165 metres.
Day 10 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), 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. Ascent - 1070 metres. Descent - 1765 metres.
Day 11 Trek to the Europahutte
The exciting finale to this great trek takes two days and follows the 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 but these sections are safeguarded by chains. 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 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. NB Please 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 luggage.
Day 12 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 you can relax and enjoy excellent views of the Matterhorn from the main street. Zermatt is a wonderful town to wander around and just take in the history and atmosphere.
Day 13 Departure
Price
Included: Fees of Professional guide. Hotel or gite accommodation for 9 nights (based on twin or triple rooms sometimes with a shared bathroom) and mountain refuge accommodation for 3 nights, all breakfasts and dinners, except dinner on the last night in Zermatt, and transfer of luggage between overnight accommodation (except for 3 nights spent in mountain huts). It includes the cable car between Le Chable and Verbier.
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food and miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, souvenirs etc. Dinner on the last night in Zermatt so that you are free to eat out and enjoy the atmosphere of the town. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights. Lunches are not included as we find that many people prefer to eat certain foods while walking and prefer to have the flexibility of choosing their own.
Accommodation and Meals
During this trip the group will spend 9 nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites, with good facilities (showers, restaurant, bar etc.), with all bedding provided. All accommodation is in twin rooms, either en-suite or with shared bathrooms. Occasionally single travellers will be in triple rooms, depending on availability. There are also three nights in mountain huts, where the accommodation is on a non-segregated, dormitory style basis. This type of shared accommodation is all part of an alpine mountain experience.
Returning from Zermatt
Services end after breakfast on Day 13 of the trip. The most convenient way of returning from Zermatt to Geneva is by train. To make a booking with Swiss Federal Railways, log on to www.sbb.ch , or telephone on 00 41 900 300 300. There is a station in Geneva Airport and there are several connections throughout the day.
Luggage
This trip is fully supported and clients are not required to carry sleeping bags or significant amounts of personal gear apart from what is required on a day's hike. On most of the trekking days, there will be vehicle support to carry your trek bags to the next overnight stop. There will be a total of three overnights where there will be no access to your luggage and you will have to carry a few extra items. To make things efficient during the luggage transfer process, and to prevent any losses, please keep luggage to a minimum. IE: A day sac whilst walking and one bag labeled clearly to transfer.
Spending money
The package price includes all accommodation, guiding and all meals. You should make an allowance for drinks, including bottled water. Note: bottled water, if bought in the huts, is very expensive. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. Please note that almost all of the route is in Switzerland and you should take most of your money in the form of Swiss Francs. You will need some Euros for the time that you spend in France. There are cash point facilities in Argentiere and in Zermatt. If you are intending to hire or purchase items of equipment, you should budget accordingly.
Minimum numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Insurance
Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for walking in the alps. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
You will meet the rest of the group at the Yeti Lodge in Argentiere on the evening of Day 1 of the trip itinerary for dinner. Details of how to reach the Lodge will follow upon booking. If you are in your own car then parking is available there.
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
Departures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBM 1 | Sat 7 July 12 | Thu 19 July 12 | £1495 or 1795 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| MBM 2 | Sat 14 July 12 | Thu 26 July 12 | £1495 or 1795 Euros | Trip Closed |
| MBM 3 | Sat 28 July 12 | Thu 9 August 12 | £1495 or 1795 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| MBM 4 | Sat 11 August 12 | Thu 23 August 12 | £1495 or 1795 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
| MBM 5 | Sat 25 August 12 | Thu 6 September 12 | £1495 or 1795 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
View Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt in a larger map
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 a briefing about the days ahead, and will check 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.
Day 2 Cross Col du Balme to Col du Forclaz
Our trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petit Balcon Nord, to Le Tour at the top of the valley. From here, we start our ascent to the Col du Balme (2186m) which offers great views, before heading down through the meadows 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. Approximately 950 metres of ascent and descent.
Day 3 Trek to Champex
We begin with stroll along the Bisse, the ancient water way until we arrive at the Chalet des Glaciers, a small café next to the impressive Trient Glacier. From here it’s a climb 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. A descent then takes us down through the Val d’Arpette to our accommodation in Champex. Walking Time - 6 hours. Distance - 14 kms. Ascent - 1400 metres. Descent - 1200 metres.
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 Sembrancher and Les Chables. By taking the telepherique from Le Chable to Verbier, 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 can 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. Ascent - 1740 metres, 1300m of this ascent may be by cable car. Descent - 750 metres. No Access to luggage.
Day 5 Three cols to the Prafleuri Hut
This is one of the most spectacular days of the trek, traversing three high cols, with dramatic views throughout. At the start, the path winds along under 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), before we make the steep descent onto the edge of the Grand Desert Glacier. Finally, we cross the Col de Prafleuri (2987m) and descend to the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m) for the evening. Walking Time – 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 14 kms. Ascent - 885 metres. Descent - 740 metres. No Access to luggage.
Day 6 Via the Lac de Dix to Arolla
A short climb greets us today as we quickly gain the Col de Roux, overlooking the blue green waters of the Lac de Dix. A gentle descent then takes us to the lake shore which we follow to its end, with views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon and the Pigne D'Arolla. We make a steep ascent to the Col de Riedmatten where there are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix. It is then all descent to Arolla and our bed for the night. Walking Time - 6 to 7 hours. Distance - 16 kms. Ascent - 735 metres. Descent - 1360 metres.
Day 7 Arolla to La Sage
We are now approaching the half-way point of the trek and today is something of an easier day, involving a leisurely walk 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. Ascent - 215 metres. Descent - 550 metres.
Day 8 La Sage to Zinal
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), is long but not difficult. We descend to the Lac de Moiry, which makes a good lunch stop. Ahead we can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the Dent Blanche. The its onwards and upwards to 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. Walking Time - 9 hours. Distance - 18 kms. Ascent - 2000 metres. Descent - 1850 metres.
Day 9 Meidpass to Gruben
Only one Col to cross today! The first hour involves a steep but pleasant ascent on good forest trails with breathtaking views of the Dent Blanche. We then traverse the mountainside till we eventually climb to the col at Meidpass (2790m). From here, we drop steeply down to the quaint village of Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel. Walking Time - 8 hours. Distance - 19 kms. Ascent - 1315 metres. Descent - 1165 metres.
Day 10 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), 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. Ascent - 1070 metres. Descent - 1765 metres.
Day 11 Trek to the Europahutte
The exciting finale to this great trek takes two days and follows the 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 but these sections are safeguarded by chains. 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 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. NB Please 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 luggage.
Day 12 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 you can relax and enjoy excellent views of the Matterhorn from the main street. Zermatt is a wonderful town to wander around and just take in the history and atmosphere.
Day 13 Departure
Price
Included: Fees of Professional guide. Hotel or gite accommodation for 9 nights (based on twin or triple rooms sometimes with a shared bathroom) and mountain refuge accommodation for 3 nights, all breakfasts and dinners, except dinner on the last night in Zermatt, and transfer of luggage between overnight accommodation (except for 3 nights spent in mountain huts). It includes the cable car between Le Chable and Verbier.
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food and miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, souvenirs etc. Dinner on the last night in Zermatt so that you are free to eat out and enjoy the atmosphere of the town. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights. Lunches are not included as we find that many people prefer to eat certain foods while walking and prefer to have the flexibility of choosing their own.
Accommodation and Meals
During this trip the group will spend 9 nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites, with good facilities (showers, restaurant, bar etc.), with all bedding provided. All accommodation is in twin rooms, either en-suite or with shared bathrooms. Occasionally single travellers will be in triple rooms, depending on availability. There are also three nights in mountain huts, where the accommodation is on a non-segregated, dormitory style basis. This type of shared accommodation is all part of an alpine mountain experience.
Returning from Zermatt
Services end after breakfast on Day 13 of the trip. The most convenient way of returning from Zermatt to Geneva is by train. To make a booking with Swiss Federal Railways, log on to www.sbb.ch , or telephone on 00 41 900 300 300. There is a station in Geneva Airport and there are several connections throughout the day.
Luggage
This trip is fully supported and clients are not required to carry sleeping bags or significant amounts of personal gear apart from what is required on a day's hike. On most of the trekking days, there will be vehicle support to carry your trek bags to the next overnight stop. There will be a total of three overnights where there will be no access to your luggage and you will have to carry a few extra items. To make things efficient during the luggage transfer process, and to prevent any losses, please keep luggage to a minimum. IE: A day sac whilst walking and one bag labeled clearly to transfer.
Spending money
The package price includes all accommodation, guiding and all meals. You should make an allowance for drinks, including bottled water. Note: bottled water, if bought in the huts, is very expensive. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. Please note that almost all of the route is in Switzerland and you should take most of your money in the form of Swiss Francs. You will need some Euros for the time that you spend in France. There are cash point facilities in Argentiere and in Zermatt. If you are intending to hire or purchase items of equipment, you should budget accordingly.
Minimum numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Insurance
Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for walking in the alps. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
You will meet the rest of the group at the Yeti Lodge in Argentiere on the evening of Day 1 of the trip itinerary for dinner. Details of how to reach the Lodge will follow upon booking. If you are in your own car then parking is available there.
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
