Walkers’ Haute Route Highlights

All the best bits of the famous Chamonix-Zermatt trek

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Overview
Detailed Itinerary
What to bring
Booking
Practical Information
Reviews

Sign up to the Walkers’ Haute Route Highlights trip and take in the very best bits of the famous hike from Chamonix to Zermatt. We’ll start with two nights in Argentiere, and a challenging warm-up hike around the head of the Chamonix Valley. Our second hiking day will take us from Trient over the superb Fenetre d’Arpette to Champex. We’ll spend the next night in Le Chable before using the Verbier lift system to access a spectacular two-day hike to Arolla. For the last two days hiking, we’ll trek from Zinal to the Zermatt valley over the Forcletta and Augstbord passes, spending a night in the remote mountain village of Gruben. Finally, we’ll take a scenic train up the Mattertal to spend the last night in Zermatt.

For a comparison of the Walkers’ Haute Route and the other famous long-distance trek from Chamonix, see our Haute Route vs TMB article.

What is Included?

• Shared minibus transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix
• Seven nights accommodation – six nights in hotels, one night in a mountain refuge
• All breakfasts and evening meals
• Six days guided hiking with a UIMLA certified International Mountain Leader
• Taxis, train fares and lift tickets during the trip
• Transfer by train to Geneva airport at the end of the trip

The price of 2000€ per person is based on two people sharing a room for the nights in hotels. For solo bookings, we need to ask for a single supplement of 350€ to cover the increased hotel room prices. If you are happy to share with somebody else on the trip, let us know and we will try to arrange this. In this case we will not charge the single supplement if we can match you up with a suitable roomshare partner.

What is not included?

• Flights
• Insurance
• Lunches, snacks and drinks
• Any additional transport or accommodation costs due to dropping out or skipping a section

As this trip is sold as a package, specific terms and conditions apply in addition to the general White Marmotte terms and conditions. You also have extra rights under EU and French Package Travel rules.

Walkers’ Haute Route Trip Summary

Day 1: Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel in the Chamonix valley.
Day 2: Hike the Posettes Arete – the first section of the Haute Route. Hotel in the Chamonix Valley.
Day 3: Hike from Trient to Champex via the Fenetre d’Arpette or the Bovine route. Hotel in Le Chable
Day 4: Take the lift system from Le Chable via Verbier. Trek to Prafleuri via Col Termin, Col de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri. Mountain Refuge at Prafleuri.
Day 5: Hike from Prafleuri to Arolla via Lac de Dix and the Pas de Chevre. Hotel in Zinal.
Day 6: Trek from Zinal to Gruben via the Col de la Forcletta. Hotel in Gruben.
Day 7: Hike from Gruben to St. Niklaus via the Augstbordpass. Hotel in Zermatt.
Day 8: After exploring Zermatt, take the train to Geneva airport in the afternoon.

Suitability: The Walkers’ Haute Route is a challenging hike, suitable for fit hillwalkers with a head for heights who are comfortable in uneven terrain. We will be walking for around nine hours a day, at altitudes approaching 3000 metres on several occasions. Most people will feel some shortness of breath at this height. The trip is not suitable for children under 16, and we ask that 16-17 year olds are accompanied by an adult.
Accommodation: Six nights will be spent in hotels ranging from good three-star hotels to basic and remote. One night will be spent in a mountain refuge where only dormitory accommodation is available.
Meals: All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price. Lunches are not included. We will either organise packed lunches or stop at mountain restaurants.
Transport: Shared transfers will be provided from Geneva aiport on arrival day. On departure day you will travel by train from Zermatt to Geneva. Because this is a highlights trip, transport between the different sections is also included.
Group Size: 4-10

Walkers’ Haute Route – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day

Chamonix Valley
Arrive at Geneva airport throughout the day. Our transfer partner will meet you and provide minibus transport to our hotel in Argentiere. We can provide transfers for any flight arriving before 7.30pm, however we recommend choosing a flight that lands before 4.30pm to ensure you arrive at the hotel in good time for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: The Posettes Arete

Argentiere to Argentiere or Trient
Today we launch into the trekking with a strenuous climb up the Posettes ridge to the Aiguillette des Posettes. We start in Argentiere with a stroll through the old town and a gentle track towards Le Tour. After this the route climbs steeply through forests until we emerge onto the airy ridge with stunning views of the Chamonix Valley. We stop for lunch at a mountain restaurant before making an easier descent back to Argentiere. Subject to availability, we may finish the day at an alternative hotel in Trient instead of returning to Argentiere.
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 18km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 1240m/1240m
Maximum Altitude: 2200m

Day 3: Fenetre d’Arpette/Bovine Alpage

Trient to Champex-Lac
If weather and trail conditions allow, we’ll take the fantastic Fenetre d’Arpette route from Trient to Champex. Otherwise the alternative Bovine route offers a great day’s trekking with a bonus stop at the Bovine Alpage mountain restaurant. We’ll begin with a taxi from Argentiere to Trient, unless we’ve used the alternative hotel in Trient. The direct Arpette route begins with some easy trekking towards the head of the Trient Valley. From here the narrow path climbs ever more steeply to a notch in the rocky ridgline high above. This is the Fenetre d’Arpette, where the effort of the climb is rewarded by the incredible location. The scrambly descent requires attention and use of your hands. Eventually, we reach easier terrain and follow the Arpette valley down to Champex-Lac. Here, we’ll be met by transport to Le Chable where we’ll spend the third night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 14km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 1340m/1200m
Maximum Altitude: 2665m

Day 4: Sentier des Chamois, Col de Louvie, Col de Prafleuri

Le Chable to Prafleuri
We’ll need an early start today to catch the cable car up to Verbier and on to les Ruinettes. The aptly named Sentier des Chamois (Chamois footpath) takes us on an exposed traverse to Col Termin high above Lac Louvie. After another traverse, the trail climbs a narrowing gully to gain Col de Louvie. Crossing the col, we enter the Grand Dessert, a stark unvegetated landscape of rock bands and glacial morraines. The glaciers themselves are not far above. The final col of the day, Prafleuri, leads to yet another change of scenery as we descend through the abandoned gravel quarries of the Grande Dixence dam construction. In the middle of this wilderness, the Cabane de Prafleuri refuge stands ready to give trekkers a warm welcome and a hearty meal.
Accommodation: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 17km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 1100m/650m
Maximum Altitude: 2939m

Day 5: Col des Roux, Lac de Dix, Pas de Chevres

Prafleuri to Arolla
After breakfast in the refuge, we’re thrown straight into a stiff climb on the fourth morning. The Col de Roux is only 150 vertical metres away, but it’s short and sharp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll climb in the early morning shade, then emerge into the sun at the top. A descent to the Dix lake is followed by an easy stroll on a lakeside track. From the end of the lake, the climbing starts again as we once again enter a wild glacial landscape. We’ll either climb the ladders of the Pas de Chevres, or the rocky gully of the Col de Reidmatten. A long descent through lush alpine pastures and fragrant pine woodland brings us to the mountain village of Arolla, where we’ll meet our transport on to our hotel in Zinal.
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 18km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 730m/1380m
Maximum Altitude: 2855m

Day 6: Col de la Forcletta

Zinal to Gruben
The last day in French speaking territory, today begins with a woodland climb above Zinal. Above the forest, the long, steady ascent passes through ever more impressive terrain, before a final steep section brings us to the Col de la Forcletta. Here we cross into German speaking Switzerland for the descent into the unspoilt Turtmantal valley. The small village of Gruben, also known as Meiden, is home to just one hotel. Built in 1820, the Hotel Schwarzhorn is full of memories of the golden age of alpinism in the 19th century.
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 17km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 1230m/1080m
Maximum Altitude: 2875m

Day 7: Augstbordpass and the Jungenbahn

Gruben to Jungu
Leaving the hotel, we head directly up the hillside towards the majestic Augstbordpass. The route climbs rapidly, and with legs that are conditioning themselves to continuous days of hiking, the 1050 metre climb will be done before you know it. The pass itself is austere and beautiful, crossing into the Mattertal valley. The descent is long and rocky. You can expect progress to be slower than the stats might suggest. A traverse right on a path built from rocky blocks brings us eventually to high pastures and easier ground. A woodland path brings us to the idylic hamlet of Jungu, nestled between hillsides and reachable from the valley by a tiny cable car. A ride on the cable car takes us to St Niklaus railway station where we’ll catch the train a few stops up the valley to Zermatt.
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 13km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 1130m/970m
Maximum Altitude: 2892m

Day 8: Departure Day

Zermatt
After a night in Zermatt you’ll have some free time to enjoy views of the Matterhorn (clouds permitting), before taking the train back to Geneva. The train takes around four hours, with a couple of changes on route, and the tickets are included. If you take the train around midday, our guide can accompany you to the airport to ensure you catch the right train at each change.

What to bring on the Walkers’ Haute Route

As we’ll be staying in hotels and refuges overnight, we can travel light on this trip. You’ll be able to fill up your water bottles and buy packed lunches along the way. However, you’ll still have to carry enough kit for six days hiking. You should be able to keep the weight down to seven or eight kilos, plus water. Hiking gurus will be able to get the weight down even lower. You’ll need to bring the following items:-

• Rucksack large enough to carry everything – around 30 litres is normally enough
• Suitable footwear – see below
• Waterproof rucksack cover, liner or both
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm jacket
• T-shirts or base layers
• Jumpers or long-sleeve tops
• Long trousers (feel free to wear shorts, but please bring long trousers too)
• Spare underwear and socks
• Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (available from Decathlon)
• Travel towel
• Water bottles
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap/shampoo/shower gel – Top tip: try a solid shampoo bar to save weight
• Any personal medication
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sun hat or cap
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended – you can hire them from us if you need to)
• Mobile phone
• Phone charger that works in France and Switzerland

If you have any questions or concerns about equipment, just ask and we’ll be happy to advise you.

What type of shoes should I wear?

The Walkers’ Haute Route crosses a lot of steep and uneven terrain. There are sections of scrambling, uneven rocks, loose stones, and exposed paths. There can be snow at any time during the season. We recommend wearing B1 type mountain boots, or at least a pair of stiff hiking boots with good ankle support. Those of you with a lot of hiking experience in Alpine terrain probably have footwear you are already happy with.

If you an experienced hiker and your footwear of choice is a pair of softer approach shoes or trail running shoes you can wear these. However, you need to be comfortable using them on loose or rocky ground, and you must accept that any accident or injury related to the footwear is your own responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) ankle injuries due to lack of support, and slips or falls due to lack of edge grip.

Booking

Pre-register Now

Pre-registration is now open for this trip. You can pre-register using the button to the right or by sending us an email to bookings@whitemarmotte.com. Feel free to email for more information before booking. We will contact everybody who has pre-registered before we open online bookings to give you the chance to guarantee your space.

Please note that specific terms and conditions apply to this trip, so make sure you read these before booking.

Practical information

Can I stay longer in Chamonix or Zermatt?

Yes, we can arrange your transfer and train journey for different dates if you prefer. You’ll need to book the extra accommodation, and we can assist with this if needed.

I don’t need transfers, can I get a discount?

If you are not flying into or leaving from Geneva we can meet you in Chamonix at the start of the trip, and arrange a train back to Chamonix at the end. If the options you choose cost us less, we’ll discount that amount from the total price. Get in touch for details.

What flights can I book?

We can arrange transfers for any flight arriving at Geneva airport before 7.30pm, although we recommend trying to arrive by around 4.30pm if you want to arrive at the hotel in good time for dinner.

On departure day, the earliest train from Zermatt leaves at 5.37am, getting you to Geneva airport at 9.44am. The 6.06am train will get you to the airport at 10.05am.

Do I need to be fit for the Walkers’ Haute Route?

Short answer – Yes! The Chamonix to Zermatt trek is a much tougher route than the Tour du Mont Blanc. On top of this, the highlights format means that every day is a big one. We skip some easier sections which allow a relative rest day on the full Haute Route (e.g. Champex to Le Chable and Arolla to La Sage), simply because these are not very interesting. As a result, we pack six long hikes into the week.

Don’t be fooled by the daily stats in the itineratry – the days that look relatively modest cross slow and difficult terrain. You can expect to be out for nine or more hours in a typical day. There are five high passes above 2800 metres on this route, so you’ll certainly feel the altitude.

I have a medical condition, can I book onto this trip?

We do not recommend that you come on this trip if you have a condition that could lead to a life threatening emergency, e.g. severe allergies, severe diabetes or severe uncontrolled epilepsy. This is because much of the trip, including one of the overnight stops, is in remote terrain with no vehicle access. Evacuation is only possible by helicopter and may entail a long wait, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions.

We reserve the right to refuse to take you on the trip or to ask for a letter from a physician before accepting your booking if you have a medical condition of this type. 

We also would not recommend this trip if you have any condition which impacts your ability to perform strenuous exercise for long period or to walk safely on uneven terrain.

I don’t have trekking poles, a travel towel, sleeping bag liner or another item on the list. Where can I buy them?

We find Decathlon is great for picking up these items at a reasonable cost. If you have any difficulty finding something, let us know and we’ll see what we can organise for you.

What is the accommodation like on the Walkers’ Haute Route?

We use a mixture of Alpine hotels of different styles – some modern, some tastefully renovated, and some that have barely changed since the nineteenth century. There is one night in a refuge – Prafleuri, where you’ll be sleeping in shared dormitories with other hikers.

How big will the group be?

We aim to have a between four and ten people in a group. However, we’ll commit to running a trip from the first booking, so even if only one or two people book we guarantee to run the trip. If you are the only person to book, we’ll give you the option of coming on your own (with private guiding), transferring the booking to another White Marmotte product, or cancelling for a full refund.

Nonetheless, we do not recommend booking flights until we have been in touch to confirm the trip.

What happens if I miss the transfer on arrival day?

If you arrive late on the first day, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Our transfer partner will usually be able to find a solution if a plane is delayed or cancelled. If you arrive in resort the following day, we will do our best to organise for you to join the group as early as we can. However you will need to cover any additional transport/accommodation costs incurred.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in the cost of this trip, so you’ll need to have your own insurance which covers search and rescue, including by helicopter, and emergency medical care in both France and Switzerland. This is a mandatory requirement in order to protect both you and us in the event of an emergency. Helicopter rescues can cost upwards of 4000 Francs (more than 4000 euros or US dollars) in Switzerland, and medical bills will be charged on top, so don’t take this requirement lightly.

If you’re a French resident, you can purchase a suitable policy at www.sport.lycea.fr.

Pre-register Now

Please read the specific terms and conditions that apply to this trip before booking.

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