The Matterhorn, just outside of Zermatt. Aeron Ries
The Alps have long been known as one of the most picturesque mountain playgrounds in the world. This summer Haute Route, or "high route," provides just the right combination of alpine splendor and cultural intrigue. Join us for the trek of a lifetime through the heart of the French and the Swiss Alps and enjoy gourmet meals, rigorous hiking, and vistas you'll not soon forget.
Each day, you will carry only snacks, water, and clothes as you make the 11-day journey from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland (9-day itinerary available, see below). You will pass through quaint mountain villages and will journey over high mountain passes with jaw-dropping views including some of the highest mountains in Europe – Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and the Dent Blanche, as well as many more peaks over 14000 feet. The Haute Route is easily the best of the Alps.
On the trail from Chamonix to Trient, with Mont Blanc in the background. Jeff Ries
Accomodations
Throughout the trek, we enjoy comfortable accommodations and, on most nights, four-course meals. Most nights we stay at small hotels in the small villages we pass through, though some nights we sleep in alpine huts with dorm-style sleeping arrangements.
Throughout the trek, we hike over pasture lands and through quaint mountain villages. On day four,
we pass through this small village on the way from La Sage to the Moiry Dam. Jeff Ries
Itinerary
Besides the stunning scenery and the gourmet food, another attractive aspect of this trek is that there is a good amount flexibility from day to day. Often, trekkers can opt to take a cable car or train for part of the day's journey, creating a less-strenuous hike if needed.
9-Day Option
Those for whom the 11-day itinerary is too much of a commitment can choose our 9-day option. This choice skips Days 1 and 2 of the itinerary below, and trekkers meet the group in Le Chable on Day 3. It should be noted that the hike out of Le Chable is strenuous (6.5 miles and 550 feet of elevation gain, with optional gondola ride), and so trekkers choosing this option should be in very good physical condition as they won't have the chance to acclimate that they would have benefited from on the 11-day itinerary.
The Moiry Glacier as we see it on Day 5. Aeron Ries
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix
The group meets in Chamonix and spends the day acclimating on optional day hikes or touring the city.
Day 2: Chamonix to Trient
This is the first day of our trek, and luckily it is along relatively flat ground. The trail takes us through woods and across open glades, with impressive views of Mont Blanc. We stop for a late lunch in Argentiere. 12.5 miles of hiking, 4000 feet elevation gain. Option to take bus to Argentierre cuts off about 6 miles.
Day 3: Trient to Le Chable
This is the first of the more demanding days, though we are immediately rewarded by the ever-intensifying views of the Glacier du Trient. We climb a high pass and descent down into pasture lands, stopping in Arpette for lunch. 8.5 miles, 4500 feet elevation gain.
Day 4: Le Chable to Mont Fort
This is another very strenuous day, as we gain 5500 feet in 6.5 miles. Optional gondola ride shortens the hike to about 3 miles, 2000 feet elevation gain. We stay in our first alpine hut, which provides four-course meals and hot showers. Ibex sightings likely. *Those choosing the 9-day option will meet the group this morning in Le Chable. 5-7 hours
Day 5: Mont Fort to Lac Dixence
This is our longest day. There are no options for gondolas or trains, as we are in high alpine terrain all day. We will stay at the beautiful Grand Dixence Hotel. 10 miles, 3900 feet of elevation gain, 6-8 hours. We will need to carry extra water this day.
Day 6: Lac Dixence to La Sage
We start the day hiking the length of a gorgeous greenish blue lake. We are rewarded with views of the Glacier de Cheilon, and we may catch our first, distant view of the Matterhorn. We descend into the cozy, small village of Arolla and bus to La Sage, where we stay in a first class (possibly the best) hotel. 10 miles, 2500 feet elevation gain, 5-6 hours.
Day 7: La Sage to Moiry Dam
A pleasant climb over pasture lands leads us to one of the trek's easier passes. Views of the Moiry Glacier are stunning from here, and we descend gently to the Moiry Dam, on the shores of a turquoise blue lake. We stay stay in a comfortable, modern hut with dorm-style accommodations and a lovely restaurant. 6 miles, 4400 feet elevation gain, 6 hours
Day 8: Optional Rest Day or Day Hike to Moiry Hut
For those who want to relax, a rest day and a bus to the next destination, Zinal, is a great option. Those with energy to spare can complete the fantastic hike up to the Cabane de Moiry, set just in front of the huge, broke Moiry Glacier. Then we hike to Zinal, crossing an easy pass with astounding views. A gondola ride down into the Zinal valley gives our knees a perfectly timed break. 10 miles, 3500 feet, 5 hours.
Day 9: Zinal to Grueben
This is yet another spectacular, less strenuous day, and we are treated to astonishing views of the Turtmann and Brunegg Glaciers. We overnight at the Hotel Schwarzhorn and treated to yet another four-course meal. 8 miles, 4000 feet elevation gain, 6 hours.
Day 10: Grueben to St. Niklaus-Zermatt
This is a bittersweet day as it is our last trekking day. We cross one last pass, savoring the high alpine views and then have a long descent into St. Niklaus (cable car available to ease descent if necessary). An additional ascent is optional that affords us another amazing panoramic view of the Swiss Alp range. We catch a train to Zermatt and spend our night at the Elite Hotel. 8 miles, 3700 feet elevation gain, 4 hours.
Day 11: Zermatt Exploration and Departure
Today we part ways. Most will be departing today for their flights back home (usually from Geneva). Some may choose to stay in Zermatt for another day or two to explore the surrounding mountains, including the illustrious Matterhorn.
Sheep graze in a high alpine meadow, with the Weisshorn in the background. Jeff Ries
Equipment List
Please download the following required equipment list: Trek the Alps Equipment List
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