Chamonix to Zermatt

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~~$2096~~

$2001

Chamonix to Zermatt

10 Days Starting in Chamonix valley and ending in Zermatt

Visiting: Switzerland, France

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

CTZ

Group size:

8 - 14

Physical rating:

challenging

From:

$2096

$2001 Exclusive Members Discount: -$94

NB: Prices correct on 09-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is steeped in mountaineering legend, a route first taken by British climbers at the end of the 19th century. We join this historic route using the 'trekkers version' from the head of the Chamonix Valley, where we are immediately immersed in the incredible mountain scenery. Skirting glaciers we ascend passes gaining breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the 4000m+ peaks of Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn. On reaching Zermatt we take in the instantly recognizable form of the Matterhorn and appreciate the scale of this mountain and its tumbling glaciers. Staying in a mixture of comfortable alpine huts, gîtes and hotels, we experience traditional European mountain culture and the camaraderie of our fellow travellers. Suitable for experienced trekkers, this route is rugged at times with considerable altitude gains of between 800m and 1300 metres per day, and requires participants to have a high level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst the highest peaks in Western Europe including the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche
Enjoy culinary specialties such as Raclette
Share your walking day with a group of like minded travellers
Follow the historic route from the head of the Chamonix Valley to Zermatt

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Meet Guide And Group In Le Tour And Walk To Switzerland (6Hrs /+814M, -900M)

Meals Included: L, D

Leaving from the village of Le Tour we take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.
(+814m/2670ft, -900m/2953ft)

Day 2 : Cross The Fenetre D’Arpette And Continue To Champex (7Hrs/+1400M, -1000M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

There are two alternative routes between Trient and Champex. The first is the Bovine path which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m), with beautiful views. The other is the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite challenging. Our aim is to always take this trail except in bad weather. It is not as well defined as the Bovine route but, as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. The descent to Champex is steep, though you'll have the opportunity to have a hot shower at the lodge. The decision on which path will be taken is always at the discretion of the guide.
(+1300m/4264ft, -1000m/3280ft or +900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

Day 3 : Short Transfer To Bourg St Pierre And Walk Through Entremont Valley (5-6Hrs /+800M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

After breakfast we have a short bus transfer to Bourg Saint Pierre in the Entremont valley. We then walk along a wonderful panoramic trail with views over the whole Mont Blanc range and Dents du Midi to reach the Cabane des Mille.
Note: this morning, pack your overnight requirements for the next 3 nights into your day pack. This includes your sleep sheet, night wear, toiletries and a change of clothes.
(+800m/2625ft).

Day 4 : Continue Trek To Cabane De Louvie (7Hrs /+600M, -700M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

The trek today takes us across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where we can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day there are views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight we will stay overnight in a mountain hut.
Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including clothing for day 5 and toiletries, as the luggage transfer is not possible today.
(+600m/1968ft, -700m/2297ft)

Day 5 : Louvie To Col De Praz Fleuri (6-7Hrs /+910M, -525M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

An early morning start as it's a big day trekking across three alpine passes. We may encounter ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. A steep descent leads to the Grand Desert, a moraine-strewn area of dry glacier. We will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9730ft, then continue on a final steep climb to our refuge.
(+910m/2985ft, -525m/1722ft)

Day 6 : Praz Fleuri To Les Haudères (6-7Hrs /+714M, -1327M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

Today we will walk up the banks of the Dixence River and over the Riedmatten pass. We may get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and on to Les Hauderes, where we will stay in a Gite and can have a well deserved shower!
(+714m/2343ft, -1327m/4353ft)

Day 7 : Les Haudères To Grimentz Via The Torrent Pass (2919M) (5-6Hrs /+858M, -841M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

A shorter day as we walk through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m/9575ft). We continue through the Moiry Valley and to the Sorrebois pass (2800m/9185ft) and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000+m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m).
(+858m/2815ft, -841m/2759ft)

Day 8 : Cross The Meidpass (2790M) To Grüben (6-7Hrs /+1090M, -972M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

Today's route takes us across the Anniviers valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. We leave the valley through the Meidpass, before descending to the village of Grüben in the Turtmantal, a narrow valley inhabited only in summer and where German is the main language. Our accommodation tonight is a hotel in the village.
(+1090m/3576ft, -972m/3189ft)

Day 9 : Grüben To Zermatt Valley (7Hrs /+1075M, -990M)

Meals Included: B, L, D

Today we will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m/9495ft), enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. We will continue through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. We will either catch a bus or a train into the lively resort town of Zermatt, where we stay overnight in a hotel.
(1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft)

Day 10 : Trek With Views Of The Matterhorn (4Hrs/+443M, -443M), Trip Ends Zermatt

Meals Included: B, L

Our last walk is along a trail facing the Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn with a superb panorama of the 4000m peak Monte Rosa (4634m). The Matterhorn is steeped in a history of human dramas. The first attempt to reach the summit was made in 1857, with the first successful attempt made by Edward Whymer in 1865. After a few hours walking we will return to Tasch /Zermatt where our tour will end early afternoon.
(+443m/1453ft, -443m/1453ft)
Note: This morning you have the option to ascend a technically straight forward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions. Please register your interest when booking.

What's Included

Accommodation
9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation. Dorms will usually accommodate between 8 and 20 people, with separate mattresses. Alternatively you can upgrade to 4 nights dorm, 5 nights double room - supplement applies.
Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 4 & 5) – 15kg limit
Experienced mountain guide
internal transfers between walks by minibus

What's Not Included

Travel to and from the trail head
Travel insurance - mandatory
Drinks
Storage of luggage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers
Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
Accommodation is on a full board basis starting from lunch on day 1 and finishing at lunch on day 10. The mountain huts that you stay in are dormitory style mixed sex rooms with shared bathrooms but no showers. The gîtes are simple rural retreats, similar to a hostel with mixed sex rooms, shared bathrooms with showers. The hotels will also be in dorm rooms with shared facilities. There is an option to upgrade to double rooms on 5 out of 9 nights.

Grading

This trip is graded challenging (5) and includes daily walks of 4 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only with a good walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and make the trip more challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

L. Vij(The Netherlands)

Chamonix to Zermatt

The trip was exactly as mentioned in the descripti

The trip was exactly as mentioned in the description. The planning and execution of the hikes for all the days was exceptional. Our guide Sebastian was really experienced and helpful all along! We indeed had a great variety of local food in our lunches. The hikes were a bit challenging, yet fun nonetheless. Prior fitness before attempting this is required. I would highly recommend it!

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Jun 27, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024

~~$2096~~ $2001