Haute Route : Chamonix – Zermatt

Activity details

Haute Route : from Chamonix to Zermatt

Embark on the legendary Haute Route Valais, a mythical journey connecting Chamonix to Zermatt through glaciers and high mountain passes. This multi-day glacier trek offers a full immersion into the heart of the Valais Alps.

Cross vast glaciers, traverse high passes, and enjoy stunning panoramas at every step. Each day concludes with a warm evening in a cozy mountain hut. The highlight of the adventure is the ascent of Tête Blanche at 3,706 meters, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Dent d’Hérens and the famous Matterhorn.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for lovers of vast landscapes !

Your outing

Day 1 : Le Tour – Refuge Albert 1er

• Elevation gain: +500m
• Duration: approx. 2h30

Meet your guide in Martigny or at the village of Le Tour. After a gear check, the Balme chairlift will take us to the starting point of our journey. From there, a pleasant trail leads to the Albert 1er Hut and the glacier environment. The afternoon will include some ice training and crampon practice.

Day 2: Refuge Albert 1er – Orny Hut

• Elevation gain: +600m
• Duration: 4h

The early morning departure takes us up the Tour Glacier to reach the Col du Tour. Witness your first sunrise and experience the first great emotions of this iconic journey. At the pass, we cross into Switzerland, traversing the Trient Plateau before arriving at the Trient or Orny Hut.

Day 3: Orny Hut – Chanrion Hut

• Elevation gain: +1000m
• Duration: approx. 6h

The third day begins with a sunny descent to La Breya, where the chairlift will take us to Champex-Lac. From Champex, a taxi will transfer us to the Mauvoisin Dam. We will walk along the lake, through flowers and alpine meadows, until we reach the welcoming Chanrion Hut.

Day 4: Chanrion Hut – Vignettes Hut

• Elevation gain: +800m
• Duration: approx. 6h

This long stage leads us up the magnificent Otemma Glacier, stretching all the way to the Charmotane Pass on the borders of Val de Bagnes. The tranquility and solitude of this place will leave a lasting impression. From the pass, it’s another hour’s walk to reach the Vignettes Hut, perched on its rocky promontory.

Day 5: Vignettes Hut – Bertol Hut

• Elevation gain: +1160m
• Duration: approx. 8h

This stage takes us south towards the Col de l’Evêque. After a brief passage into Italian territory, we descend the Upper Arolla Glacier before climbing to the Bertol Hut, with its famous access ladders.

Day 6: Bertol Hut – Schönbiel Hut
Elevation gain: +500m
Duration: approx. 8h

On this sixth day, we head towards Tête Blanche at 3,711 meters, the crowning moment of the Haute Route. The sensation of being so close to the Matterhorn and the Dent d’Hérens creates a magical atmosphere. From the summit, we descend the Stockji Glacier, followed by a short climb along the moraine, leading to the charming Schönbiel Hut. A well-deserved afternoon nap on the grassy slopes around the hut, surrounded by the giants of the Alps, will offer a perfect moment of rest.

Day 7: Schönbiel Hut – Zermatt

• Duration: approx. 3h

On the final day, we will have a more relaxed morning for the descent to Zermatt. A stop for lunch in the beautiful hamlet of ZumSee will delight food lovers.