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. We have access to luggage on most nights. A superb trek.
- The walkers Haute Route
- Chamonix to Zermatt
- 2 days on the stunning Europaweg
Download PDF version of this page
Departures
Trip
Departure date
End date
Price
Status
MBM 3
Sat 28 August 10
Thu 9 September 10
£1395 or 1605 Euros
Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking
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 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 group 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) 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. Approximately 950 metres of ascent and descent. (B, L, 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 a 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. Ascent - 1400 metres. Descent - 1200 metres. (B, L, 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, 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 (B, L, 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), 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 - 13 kms. Ascent - 630 metres. Descent - 462 metres. No Access to luggage (B, L, 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 Col de Riedmatten where there are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix and the imposing pyramids of Mont Blanc de Chelion and the Pigne D’Arolla. 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. (B, L, D)
Day 7 An easier 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 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. (B, L, 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), 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 - 9 hours. Distance - 18 kms. Ascent - 2000 metres. Descent - 1850 metres. (B,L,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 Dent Blanche. We then traverse the mountainside till we eventually climb to the col at Meidpass (2790m). From here, we drop steeply down to Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel. Walking Time - 8 hours. Distance - 19 kms. Ascent - 1315 metres. Descent - 1165 metres. (B, L, 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), 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. (B, L, 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 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. ** (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 (B, L, 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. There is time to look around Zermatt before we take the train to St.Niklaus and check into our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Services end after breakfast
Price
Included: Fees of Professional guide. Hotel or gite accommodation on 9 nights and mountain refuge accommodation for 3 nights, all meals, train from Zermatt to St. Niklaus, cable car or taxi from Le Chable to Verbier, transfer of luggage between overnight accommodation (except for 3 nights spent in mountain huts).
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food (that can be bought in the evenings or along the way), miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights.
Accommodation and Meals
During this trip the group will spend 9 nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites, and 3 nights in mountain huts with good facilities (showers, restaurant, bar etc.), with all bedding provided. The rooms are generally twin or triple rooms, with shared bathrooms. In exceptional circumstances you may have to share on a non-segregated basis, however, we always strive to provide segragated accommodation where possible. Some of the accommodation we use may be dormitory-style if that is all that is available. Single rooms are not available. This type of shared accommodation is all part of an alpine mountain experience.
Returning from Zermatt
This trek ends in Zermatt, followed by a short train ride to a hotel in St.Niklaus. Services end after breakfast on Day 13 of the trip. The most convenient way of returning from St Niklaus 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. When asked to select the station, use ‘Saint Niklaus VS, Bahnhof’ which is very close to the group’s hotel. There is a station in Geneva Airport and there are several connections throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 3½ hours and costs CHF 75.80 (approx £45).
Luggage
This trip is fully supported and clients are not required to carry sleeping bags or significant amounts of pernonal 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. £115 ($160, €125) should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses. 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 by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. More information on how to reach Chamonix at www.chamonix.com Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
Please note that this trip is run in association with KE Adventure Travel
Departures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBM 3 | Sat 28 August 10 | Thu 9 September 10 | £1395 or 1605 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
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 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 group 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) 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. Approximately 950 metres of ascent and descent. (B, L, 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 a 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. Ascent - 1400 metres. Descent - 1200 metres. (B, L, 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, 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 (B, L, 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), 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 - 13 kms. Ascent - 630 metres. Descent - 462 metres. No Access to luggage (B, L, 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 Col de Riedmatten where there are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix and the imposing pyramids of Mont Blanc de Chelion and the Pigne D’Arolla. 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. (B, L, D)
Day 7 An easier 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 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. (B, L, 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), 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 - 9 hours. Distance - 18 kms. Ascent - 2000 metres. Descent - 1850 metres. (B,L,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 Dent Blanche. We then traverse the mountainside till we eventually climb to the col at Meidpass (2790m). From here, we drop steeply down to Gruben Meiden in the Turtmantel. Walking Time - 8 hours. Distance - 19 kms. Ascent - 1315 metres. Descent - 1165 metres. (B, L, 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), 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. (B, L, 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 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. ** (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 (B, L, 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. There is time to look around Zermatt before we take the train to St.Niklaus and check into our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Services end after breakfast
Price
Included: Fees of Professional guide. Hotel or gite accommodation on 9 nights and mountain refuge accommodation for 3 nights, all meals, train from Zermatt to St. Niklaus, cable car or taxi from Le Chable to Verbier, transfer of luggage between overnight accommodation (except for 3 nights spent in mountain huts).
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food (that can be bought in the evenings or along the way), miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights.
Accommodation and Meals
During this trip the group will spend 9 nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites, and 3 nights in mountain huts with good facilities (showers, restaurant, bar etc.), with all bedding provided. The rooms are generally twin or triple rooms, with shared bathrooms. In exceptional circumstances you may have to share on a non-segregated basis, however, we always strive to provide segragated accommodation where possible. Some of the accommodation we use may be dormitory-style if that is all that is available. Single rooms are not available. This type of shared accommodation is all part of an alpine mountain experience.
Returning from Zermatt
This trek ends in Zermatt, followed by a short train ride to a hotel in St.Niklaus. Services end after breakfast on Day 13 of the trip. The most convenient way of returning from St Niklaus 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. When asked to select the station, use ‘Saint Niklaus VS, Bahnhof’ which is very close to the group’s hotel. There is a station in Geneva Airport and there are several connections throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 3½ hours and costs CHF 75.80 (approx £45).
Luggage
This trip is fully supported and clients are not required to carry sleeping bags or significant amounts of pernonal 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. £115 ($160, €125) should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses. 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 by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. More information on how to reach Chamonix at www.chamonix.com Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
Please note that this trip is run in association with KE Adventure Travel
