Haute Route – the ski touring classic through the Alps
Winter · Ski touring
Ski touring from Chamonix to Zermatt
The Haute Route is the ski touring classic through the Alps, linking the famous resorts of Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. This spectacular route leads through high-alpine landscapes, across glaciers, passes and summits, and offers breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in Europe. With a mix of demanding ascents and exciting descents, the Haute Route is one of the best-known and most challenging ski tours in the world, attracting experienced ski tourers and adventurers alike. It is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to experience alpine terrain at its most beautiful.
Itinerary
- Day 1
We start in the afternoon in Argentière. The classic start is with the Grands Montets cable car up to the top station. A descent across the glacier and a short climb take us to the Refuge d'Argentière.
Walking time: 4–5 h; 650 m descent, 200 m ascent - Day 2
The next day's route leads over the Col du Chardonnet (3323 m) and two further passes, where we put on and take off our skins. A long descent through the Val d'Arpette takes us to Champex.
By bus or taxi we get to Bourg-St-Pierre, where we spend the night in a hotel.
Walking time: 7–9 h; 1000 m ascent, 2000 m descent. - Day 3
With a view of the Grand Combin we climb to the rustic and remote Cabane de Valsorey (3030 m).
Walking time 6–7 h; 1350 m ascent. - Day 4
The next day leads us through a wide gully directly below the south face of the Grand Combin to a pass (3645 m), and then over another pass, the Col du Sonadon. This is followed by a long, beautiful descent with a short counter-ascent to the Cabane de Chanrion.
Walking time: 6–7 h; 900 m ascent, 1950 m descent. - Day 5
Early in the morning we set off across the Glacier du Brenay through impressive scenery to the summit of the Pigne d'Arolla (3787 m). A descent with short steep sections takes us to the Cabane des Vignettes (3153 m).
Walking time: 6–8 h; 1300 m ascent, 700 m descent. - Day 6
With a view of the Dent d'Hérens, the final stage crosses the Col de l'Evêque, Col du Mont Brulé and Col de Valpelline. Below the Matterhorn north face and past the Schönbiel hut, our route continues to Zermatt.
Walking time 7–9 h; 1450 m ascent, approx. 2400 m descent. Organised transfer to the hotel. - Day 7
Return transfer to Chamonix by taxi or train, followed by farewells.
Haute Route
From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn – the dream of many ski mountaineers. On the Haute Route, the most famous ski traverse in the Alps leads through high-alpine glacier landscapes. From the Argentière hut at the start over three high-alpine passes. Below the south face of the Grand Combin through the crux of the tour, the steep climb to the Plateau du Couloir (3664 m), followed by a descent over the crevassed glacier to the Chanrion hut. Via the Pigne d'Arolla to the Vignettes hut. More passes, all over 3000 metres high, before the final 2100 m descent to Zermatt.
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