Summer Haute Route Hike – Chamonix to Zermatt

One of Europe’s the most spectacular high mountain treks links the two world most famous mountain towns, Chamonix and Zermatt. The classic Summer Haute Route hike travels mostly on glaciers and high mountain terrain past some of the Alp’s most famous mountains.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Chamonix – Albert 1er hut
We meet in Chamonix in the morning. A good path leads to Albert 1 hut from Le Tour. In the afternoon we have an introduction into modern crampon technique and how to travel safely on glaciers.

Day 2: Albert 1 hut – Champex
After an early morning start we step straight behind the hut onto the glacier du Tour. The col superior du Tour Noir is our first mountain pass we cross onto the Trient glacier. Past the Trient hut we descent to Champex. In the evening we have our first well earned shower.

Day 3: Champex – Charion hut
Today we take the taxi from Champex to Mauvoisin. From here we climb up to the col Tsofeiret and down to Charion hut, where we spend the night.

Day 4: Charion hut – Vignettes hut
Today’s route ascents the Otemma glacier thought the hearet of the Valais alps. A long and easy angled ascent through spectacular mountain scenery leads us to the Vignettes hut.

Day 5: Vignettes hut – Berthol hut
In the morning we cross yet another high mountain pass the Col de L´Eveque (3392m), decent the Haute Glacier Arolla and climb to Berthol hut.

Day 6: Berthol hut – Schönbiel hut
Leaving the hut we ascent to the Col de la Tete Blanche. From here we have the opportunity to climb the summit of the Tete Blanche, before we navigate the heavily crevassed Stockji glacier to Schönbiel hut.

Day 7: Schönbiel hut – Zermatt
This is a shorter day and after a weeks workout we will have lunch in Zermatt, before we take the taxi back to Chamonix.

Best time: Mid June to beginning of September.

Price:
1620€ per person if 6 persons
1940€ per person if 5 persons
2240€ per person if 4 persons
2620€ per person if 3 persons

Included:
– 7 days of private guiding with UIAGM qualified mountain guide
– 5 nights half-board in mountain huts
– 1 night in hotel in Champex
– Group glacier equipment (ropes, carabiners)
– All expenses for your guides

Not included:
– Drinks and lunches
– Personal equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons)
– Accommodation in Chamonix before and after the trek
– Valley transfers and lift tickets

Additional activities recommended (before or after the trek):
– Via Ferrata
– Introduction to rock climbing