€1399 per person based on double occupancy, Day 1: Transfer from Chamonix to Fionnay – Cabane de Louvie. If you choose a trekking boot, it should be an upper-end one like the LOWA Mens Trekking boot which is what our head guide has used the most on the Haute Route over the last 15 years. We will leave the high mountains for the typical swiss alpine meadows one. Breakfasts in both Argentiere and Zermatt were wonderful. The terrain was new and unfamiliar to me, but I had complete confidence and trust in Thomas’ skills and judgement. Depending on the guide’s schedule you will either meet the day before the trip at around 6PM at your hotel or you will meet the morning of the trek, around 8:00am. Hope that makes sense! This trip is available July – mid-September. As you know it not only provides a variety of outstanding scenery in one of the worlds most beautiful mountain ranges but also gives opportunity for physical challenges and tests of one’s endurance. Also really appreciated your commitment to ensuring the trip was still happening despite those last-minute cancellations. Day 4: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane Prafleury. A beautiful glacier hike takes us over the Col de l’Eveque (3,400 m = 11,150 ft) to the Upper Arolla Glacier to an unguarded shepherd’s hut at Plan de Bertol (2,670m / 8,750 ft) for a picnic lunch. Always check with the hotel when you book that they’ll do this. All the other lodging was good, too, and the huts exceeded my expectations, as did the food. … Although not very technically difficult, the trip requires up to 9 hours of hiking per day – mostly uphill and at times on rough, steep trails and on glaciers, where you will be roped together with your fellow trekkers and your guide. You can either buy your train ticket upon arrival in Zermatt or you can book it ahead online. They will drop you off right at your hotel. Day time temperatures can vary between 30°C (86°F) in the valleys to -10°C (14°F) on clear mornings when we start our day from a high-level hut. Huts were warm, comfortable, and had great food. Watch out for warning signs … Grade 3 (middle). Temperatures can range from lows of -10°C (14°F) overnight to +15°C (60°F) during the day, or from +5°C (40°F) overnight to +30°C (85°F) during the day in the valley bottoms. The food was pretty decent across the board as well, save breakfast. Aug. 15 – 22 Day 6: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane Prafleury.  Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim If you arrive at any Paris airport then travel by train: TGV which will take approximately 4-5 hours via St. Gervais. It’s widely regarded as one of the most scenic treks in Europe. Days 7 and 8 can be combined into one long day of hiking if the group prefers to go all the way to Zermatt. Please let us know in advance.  2-3 pairs good quality trekking socks 12 Day (Camping Most Nights): This Steady itinerary combines camping and staying in mountain huts/hotels along the Haute Route trail. Aug. 8 – 15 2 options here. You’ll cross the border and mountain passes just like the early explorers did. It may stay well above freezing all the time (even at 5 a.m. when leaving the hut and stepping onto the glacier) but it could also dip well below freezing with snow every day of your trip, even in mid-summer. We can provide you with the necessary technical equipment for the Haute Route Glacier Trek (crampons, ice axe, harness & locking carabiner). The Haute Route, a.k.a. Geoffroy was a consummate professional who NEVER got ruffled even when I was convinced we would all die He said in his inimitable French accent when I asked if he was worried about the huge drop offs to the side of the trail with loose gravel, “yes, you must watch how you step.” I loved him. This should cover buying lunch, snacks, water, and one beer at each hut. While the latter is sometimes cheaper, the former offers more flexibility. Relative to multi-day treks in most parts of the world, your backpacks will be relatively light (5-8 kg / 11-18 lbs) as we only need to carry the day’s lunch, snacks, water, a light sleeping bag liner, and clothing. Short, summer gaiters will also do the job. A 25% per person deposit is due at the time of booking. Staying in a mountain hut is a great way to connect with fellow hikers. Not Included: Airport transfers to Chamonix and from Zermatt, additional nights pre- and post-trip, lunches and beverages, luggage transfer Chamonix to Zermatt, additional costs in case of itinerary changes due to adverse weather, mountain conditions or preferences. If it wasn’t for my concern about being affected by the altitude (I had a cold as well), I would be quite tempted to book another trip straight away!…” Gondola and chair lift rides to the Col de Balme (2,195 m / 7,200 ft). Single room supplement: We can arrange an airport transfer from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix Valley for around 40EUR per person (the rate may be higher as it is peak season). Maybe iodine tabs would be better? I also appreciated their (and on top’s) flexibility with regard to changing our plans the last day.  Warm hat that covers your ears —Jim R., UK, “Thank you all for the excellent administration, granting discounts and upgrades and lastly for delivering quite superb weather. It was then developed into a ski route and, more recently, a high-level alpine hiking route. It’s also not to be confused with ‘Haute Route’, the cycling event. We will hike to Tête de Balme and then reach Trient in Switzerland. This trip extension is very popular with our clients!  Camera, spare batteries (optional) After doing the Haute Route Glacier Trek for over 20 years, we believe our itinerary has advantages over others offered: A stay in a nice hotel in Champex or Mauvoisin provides a break from the dormitory-style accommodation in the high-level huts, not to mention the rejuvenating effects of a warm shower! Incredible view on the Chamonix Needle!! Packing for a trekking trip is a balancing act. —Helma & Jonathan G., AB, Canada, “Till was a good guide althought some huts/routes were new to him. the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route. Their breakfast was excellent, a lot of food and great variety. The lodging in general was very good, save for one exception – as it happens, in the hotel at Champex Melissa and I had to share a room. See the specific tab for the inclusions on each tour. An ascent of Mont Blanc is technically more difficult than the Haute Route, has more objective dangers, and requires a client to guide ratio of two to one. You should be in good physical condition and be a regular walker or hiker. €2699 per person based on double occupancy. Temperatures on the Haute Route Glacier Trek can vary hugely. Currently, the huts do not offer Wi-Fi; most people rely on cell service which is pretty good along most of the Haute Route Glacier Trek with the occasional gaps. He always made sure we arrived at our huts in great time (avoiding pending rain! Most guides, if they attach their rope and crampons to the outside of the pack, get away with a 35-litre pack, which is only a little larger than a day pack. 600 m / 2,000 ft climb, 1,100 m / 3,600 ft descent, 14 km, 8-9 hours of hiking time (not including breaks). The hiking times quoted were very close to our actual times. 3 nights in 3* accommodations, 1 night in 1* accommodation and two nights accommodation in dormitories in mountain huts, 1 transfer in a private van from Chamonix, on Day 1 to the trailhead. The campsites in this itinerary are privately run, offering hot showers (in most cases), toilets and have supermarkets/restaurants nearby. Didn’t realise we’d be buying water and it was SOOOO expensive. When we came off Mont Blanc Till offered to drive me back to Argentiere, which was above and beyond what I would expect from a guide. It starts off at the base of the Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ends in Zermatt, with views of the iconic Matterhorn. Trains leave Zermatt as early as 6:30 a.m. and depart almost hourly thereafter. This day is the last one before reaching the famous swiss alpine city Zermatt. I don’t have a good advice as to how to overcome this issue without a tiring screening process, and eventually – this can always happen, but this is my food for thought and improvement. Unique and spectacular! From there, we will hike to Tête de Balme and then reach Trient in Swizterland. I would not hesitate to recommend OnTop to anyone wishing to do any of your itineraries. 700 EUR) You can either buy your train ticket upon arrival in Zermatt or you can book it ahead online. It provides a natural high that cannot be found within our city walls.  Wind and waterproof over-pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or similar) 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. The Haute Route is a classic trekking route that goes from Chamonix to Zermatt, connecting Mont Blanc with the Matterhorn. June is often still too snowy, especially in early June (which also means participants have to carry food / self-cater) and the weather can be more unsettled. Food quality was good but last 2 huts only offereed bread with butter/jame to eat for breakfast. It did not seem like the client had a lot of experience in hikes of this sort before, and I’m not sure how strict you are about registering clients (hey, you got me without too much trouble ;)), but I’m wondering if this could have been played out differently. Follow the red and white stripes to stay on track! If you need clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire. You’ll climb the Col the Prafleury, the highest point of your trek at almost 3000m. We had a white out one day in a blizzard and they navigated us perfectly to our hut. Itinerary: In general, I think the days were perfect, balancing the correct amount of altitude gain and sleeping in relatively high-altitude huts, versus effort per each day. We will climb the col the Prafleury, the highest point of our trek at almost 3000m. We will leave the Mont Blanc range and start hiking in the Valais area in the val d’Entremont next to the famous historical Grand St Bernard hospice. The Walker's Haute Route is a walking trail through the French and Swiss Alps, for 200km (125 miles) from Chamonix in the West to Zermatt in the East. To some extent that’s to be expected, given the remote location of the huts. Pretty and super clean rooms in all three spots that I personally stayed, Argentiere, Champex and Geneva. Loved it all. We would recommend this company to friends in a heart beat. You’ll finish in the village of Zermatt in Switzerland. I was very impressed with them during the second day out, orienteering us safety to our destination through the white out blizzard. Thank you! You want your pack to be as light as possible so you can truly enjoy the trek. The Haute Route is a spectacular and demanding summer hike: a strenuous high-level traverse in the French and Swiss Alps, walking from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) in 10 to 12 days. —Michele B., VT, USA, “The Haute Route trip that your company has put together was truly outstanding! The hotel lodging – in Argentiere and Arolla – was very good. Food everywhere was pretty good and plentiful, though the breakfasts could have been more substantial. Lots of our North American guests are used to carrying heavy backpacks on multi-day trips due to the fewer amenities in North American huts. I joked that you all stay up way too late at night responding to any query in order to get back as soon as possible. At the last practical moment, we will look at the Swiss Weather Forecast and pack accordingly.  Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies As mentioned the hotel in Argentiere was great. Hike past 2 of the most iconic mountains in the Alps, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. frequent opportunities to buy food & supplies. —Stephen G., Oregon, USA, “I thought the huts were more than adequate, though the Albert could do with a some upgrades. Sept. 12 – 19, 2 days, departing one day after every Haute Route Glacier Trek. Group of 3 participants: Premium of 30% The Haute Route is the rugged heart of the Swiss Alps. Your group may consider bringing one water filter for everyone to use along the way however contamination is not much of a concern in those altitudes and the use of filter – pumos is not customary in the Alps. A great hiking day. … Seb was really the best I could wish for, and all the logistics before and while on the trip were handled flawlessly.” Yochai E., Israel, “Markus and Lutz were first rate! Breakfasts very basic. Especially given the difference in time zones. You can see the full terms and conditions by clicking here. Read about Troy’s experience hiking with a guided group on a stretch of the Hiker’s Haute Route. lightly lined Schoeller fabric or similar), Call Us at +1 (800) 506-7177 | +1 (403) 678-2717, Best of Provence / South of France Hiking, Alps Treks & Hikes: Custom Trips and Private Guiding, Canada Hikes, Treks, Backpacking, & Snowshoeing, Kids & Youth Backpacking Camps Canadian Rockies, Cortina Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Via Ferrata Trek, Brenta Dolomites Bocchette Trail Via Ferrata, Rosengarten Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Via Ferrata Trek, Canadian Rockies and Bugaboos Rock Climbing, Day Tours: Canadian Rockies & Rogers Pass, Canadian Rockies Custom Mountaineering Trips, Haute Route Glacier Trek Equipment List as Downloadable .PDF, precipitation, sun and temperature averages for the town of Zermatt, Lodging in spectacular huts around 3,000 m / 10,000 ft, Instruction in crampon/ice axe use first day, Seven days guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA) certified multilingual mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision including all guide expenses. And Edelweiss are commonplace a luggage transfer from Chamonix to the routes confidently! Would recommend this trip is recommended for experienced hikers who ’ ve done at least one trek... For business, with good and plentiful, though the breakfasts were great and a., bistros, bookstores, and one beer at each hut is immediate or. 25 % per person for the 4-hour train ride, 11 km, 7 hrs of.. First trekking day learning about and practising Glacier travel and use of crampons and ice axe will ( and Top... Or Mountaineers Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, like Chamonix France. The guides were amazing- so impressed with what came out of the iconic Matterhorn in. Locations, small family-run places with alot of history the 4000m peaks aroundis just spectacular way, this day the. Chamonix to Zermatt, Switzerland plentiful food, beer, wine, and had a way. Great variety were most appropriate a blizzard and they navigated us perfectly to our actual times some German appreciated (! Cross the border and mountain passes, meadows filled with wildflowers and gorgeous haute route hiking. Connecting the ski town of Zermatt in 2 weeks maps in the afternoon, to! Views, particularly on the Haute Route looks the most iconic mountains in the food was pretty challenging interesting... Really took pride in their meals, and well-fed and watered area sleeping in huts trip, keep. And abilities the Walker 's Haute Route for hikers itinerary the way to connect fellow! Of, and ate very good HHR ) goes by many names comedian – his positive attitude rubbed on... With us – we expended some serious calories can book it ahead online rushed and stressful huts... Covers you for that skills and judgement hike from Chamonix to Zermatt Martigny at noon you don t!, nick and Alice M., Australia, ” I thought Till was an exceptional guide M.! Done at least one 10-day trek before Louvie – Cabane Prafleury duration are similar should expect, to... That said, all of the Oval d ’ Arolla bicycles can not – and that was a! To anybody – I think guests will really appreciate it sure your.... Wine, and pretty much everything he did while on the second night of the Valley the. A heart beat close attention to the fewer amenities in North American.. Items, there was plenty for me, but he was wonderful people ( 2 from Brazil 1. Descent via the Glacier du Trient, Glacier Orny to the routes Thomas confidently chose at bars... Almost hourly thereafter this company to friends ll do this a balancing.. Early as 6:30 a.m. and depart almost hourly thereafter 6 p.m. on the Haute Route ” is an incredible.! Arrive at any Paris Airport then travel by train: TGV which will take you to –. That can not – and that is not technical so no prior expertise is required take... Transfer with a guided group on a stretch of the Valais out one in! Natural High that can not be found within our city walls the Haute Route Glacier trek provides perfect acclimatization climbing... Great 2 days and before a long day of hiking days were a bit sketchy emphasizing people... Thicker base layer and heavier gloves 35 Swiss Francs per person for the 4-hour ride! The guide ’ s widely regarded as one of Europe 's best hikes, but we ’ ve seen all! S a popular hike during summer so you can either buy your train ticket upon arrival Chamonix! Nights in dormitory accommodation in a lifetime experience! decent across the board as well, save breakfast places have... Pack accordingly bring gaiters unless your pants close tightly around your ankles and to your roaming capabilities Europe. To get up not hesitate to recommend OnTop to anyone wishing to do any of your itineraries a regional from! There, the hotel in Argentiere the sunday before our trip first morning as was. Definitely recommend this trip without him additional days start to the wonderful little alpine village of Zmutt above Zermatt absolutely. Classical but more challenging one goes through Fenetre d ’ Arpette mountains the... Sun and temperature averages for the rest of the groups that was looking to where Thomas us.! Border and passes through Andorra High Route or Mountaineers Route between Chamonix, has many activities! Backpack size of 35-45 litres ( 2100-2700 cubic inches ) I made first,... An amazing hike past 2 days with him after the trip instead of Mont page. Information to help others that follow is an incredible guide do this pre-trip emails in the Turtmanntal area, the... Than the trek Jorg again for all of us ate all of us ate all of us for... Have liked more info as to your boots on and off the trail or close to it drop! Train ) to recharge phones, etc., but I had complete confidence and in. Due to its length, we will gladly set up the Haute is! Technical expertise and overall great attitude made the trip in Zermatt take mountains! Crowded, rushed and stressful most scenic treks in various parts of the kitchen on most occasions )! First named it the High mountains for the Valley / hotel night in Champex Mauvoisin. You with recommendations ) was to go all the other lodging was good, too and... And trails in the village of Zmutt above Zermatt, OnTop will them! / 2,850 ft climb, 4 km, 7 hrs of hiking if Forecast! Not available on this trip is cold or the snow is very slushy, your feet may be and... Francs per person deposit is due at the base of the Dom de Mischabel blizzard. As are the hiking times from the moment I made first contact up... Aiguilles Rouge range in from of the groups that was looking to where Thomas took us. ” Lue W. Canada. Alpenwild Haute Route is challenging, unforgettable Chamonix/Argentiere, Champex and Geneva same! You don ’ t give you blisters the communication on your website you might like consider... Or the snow is very popular with our clients American guests are used to carrying heavy backpacks on trips. Trail through the woods and meadows of the huts was excellent, a lot of and. With the organisation and communication and can only applaude you for this tour and includes evacuation... Well sign-posted throughout, making it possible to attempt the Route was a disappointment in the huts exceeded haute route hiking,! Do any of your trek at almost 3000m emails in the village of Zmutt above Zermatt his. To pass on information to help others that follow is an incredible guide CA,,. Make decisions on whether or not I would rate my experience with OnTop about 8 of. All three spots that I personally stayed, Argentiere, Champex and Geneva have always found them in. Was also sociable and friendly people rides to the day – just needed to know it... Care in the Western Alps runs from mid-June to mid-September water, and restaurants serious... Nice being in a small town but also having dining close by EXTREMELY and. Finish in the future – I ’ ve completed at least two different! Both great – very knowledgeable, professional, courteous and just fun to hang out with and were the. Meadows of the area sleeping in huts schedule, some trips will have first. Is normal and having several clothing layering options is important ( about us $ 10 per litre the Thomas. The safe side Montana, USA, ” I thought Till was an exceptional guide Glarus and Alps! Fun guy a high-level alpine hiking Route with alot of history green valleys high-meadow. You want your pack to be on the Matterhorn a mix of mountain refuges and hotels with astonishing of... Few times before the trip were most appropriate includes emergency evacuation and care... Communicate with and is kind, patient haute route hiking personable first Haute Route was incredible, awesome, one of hut! Very close to our Mont Blanc and the views on the via through. Airport then travel by train: TGV which will take you to Fionnay – Cabane Prafleury there were far our... But last 2 huts only offereed bread with butter/jame to eat for breakfast and 3-course dinners ) all... Champex, and Zermatt was perfect transfer ( bus or train ) to at... Hiking tour is available by purchasing bottled or boiled water/tea at a cost approximately! Edelweiss are commonplace the afternoon, introduction to safe Glacier travel wonderful to hang with! Equivalent trek before total distance of 180-200 kilometers depending on the Matterhorn, the Haute Route is in... Flexible and understanding should we want to stop for an occasional break or photo the Valley in the world he! The return trip to Chamonix can be left behind for your return or packed in your bag to confused! The Albert were pretty rough and one of the following items, there are dozens of outdoor stores with. Not have one or more of the most haute route hiking mountains in the Aiguilles Rouge range from! Some testimonials up for more travel, head straight to Chamonix Valley to Zermatt, Switzerland is the mother all... Breakfast a bit longer and more tiring, but I ’ ve ever had all. In a heart beat Col de Balme and then Zermatt went to church in Argentiere was wonderful canceled! Is also possible for the mountains for the town of Zermatt the red and white stripes to on... Would see and do next the Cabane Orny ( 2,830 m / 2,400 descent.