Chamonix Zermatt Haute Route Ski Tour

Upon reaching the scenic town of Chamonix, you’ll be directed to your comfortable accommodation. Here, you’ll encounter skilled guides and enthusiastic participants who will be your companions for this extraordinary journey. An essential briefing session is on the agenda, where you’ll go over equipment checks and vital safety measures. The guides will also provide a snapshot of the current weather conditions, offering a preliminary glimpse into how the week’s itinerary might unfold. As the day concludes, you’ll retire for a restful night in the valley, your mind buzzing with excitement for the adventures that await.

Today is all about getting acclimated and ensuring everyone is prepared for the adventure ahead. You’ll start with some runs at the renowned Grands Montets, but this isn’t a training day — it’s a chance to shake off the rust and get your ski legs back. Your guides will gauge your skills and fitness level to ensure you’re up for the challenge. After that, it’s time to leave the well-trodden paths behind and delve into the wilderness.

You’ll navigate a thrilling downhill stretch offering a panoramic view of the Argentiere Glacier. The final leg of the day involves ascending to the Argentiere Hut. Here, you’ll have a chance to practise some essential skills, whether using your avalanche transceiver or perfecting your kick turns. As the day comes to a close, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner at the hut, eagerly anticipating the days ahead.

Today, you’ll leave France behind and enter Switzerland. The day starts early with a climb as the sun rises over the nearby peaks. You’ll have a couple of route options, each taking you to different high-altitude stops like the Albert Premier Hut or the Trient Hut. The choice depends on the group’s needs and the day’s weather.

It’s a challenging day with a long climb and some sections where you’ll need to use ropes. But the hard work is worth it for the incredible mountain views you’ll get. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at a mountain hut where you’ll spend the night, ready for the next leg of your Swiss adventure.

Your day begins with an exhilarating ski down the Trient Glacier, followed by a short but challenging climb to reach the Col des Ecandies. This marks the gateway to the Val d’Arpette, a valley that offers a rewarding ski run all the way to the quaint town of Champex. A private transfer awaits to whisk you off to the Verbier lift system, setting the stage for the afternoon’s adventures.

Post-lunch, you’ll set out to traverse a series of three cols, each offering its own unique challenges and vistas. These cols serve as stepping stones to the glacier beneath the Rosablanche peak. The day culminates in a descent to the Prafleuri Hut, your sanctuary for the night.

You’ll start the day early with a climb to Col des Roux, elevated at 2804 metres. The early start is crucial, especially for the sun-exposed stretch along Lac de Dix. As you navigate this section, you’ll be treated to captivating views of the surrounding mountains. After skirting the lake, the final ascent to Dix Hut awaits. Though it may seem like a shorter day, the climb can be surprisingly challenging, especially under the afternoon sun. Once at Dix Hut, you’ll find a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a cold drink, and take in the panoramic views.

Today promises to be one of the most rewarding yet challenging days of your adventure. You’ll set your sights on Pigne d’Arolla, the trip’s highest peak at 3790 metres. The climb from Dix Hut is no small feat, involving around 900 metres of ascent over roughly three hours. You’ll navigate through steep glacier terrain, including a section known as the Serpentine, which may require climbing on foot.

Once you conquer the summit, you’ll be greeted with unparalleled views of the Western Alps. The descent that follows is a thrilling 600-metre drop leading to the Vignettes Hut, a cosy refuge perched on a rocky ridge. Depending on conditions and preferences, you might opt for an alternative route to find fresh snow.

Your final day is nothing short of a mountaineering marathon, kicking off at the crack of dawn. You’ll navigate a trio of cols, each offering a unique set of challenges and vistas. The initial ascent leads you to Col de L’Eveque, followed by a downhill stretch and a subsequent climb to the steep Col du Mont Brule, often requiring some footwork.

The last hurdle is Col Valpelline, a deceptive climb that takes a solid couple of hours. Once you crest this col, the iconic Matterhorn comes into view, serving as a backdrop for your final descent. You’ll ski down nearly 1900 metres via the Stockji and Zmutt Glaciers, finally arriving in Zermatt. The day wraps up with a toast to your achievements, marking the end of an epic journey.

As the sun rises over the iconic peaks of Zermatt, it’s time to say goodbye to the mountains that have been your playground for the past week. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore the charming streets of Zermatt one last time or pick up some souvenirs. When it’s time to go, we’ll assist you with your departure logistics, ensuring a smooth journey back home.