Haute Route Chamonix – Zermatt: The legendary ski traverse of the Alps

The ideal season for the Haute Route on skis runs from mid-March to late April/early May. During this period, the high-altitude mountain huts (SAC and Swiss/French cabanes) are open, the Grands-Montets cable car is operating, the crevasse bridges on the glaciers have their maximum snow depth, and the sunshine ensures ideal firn conditions in the morning.

The Haute Route is classified as a moderately difficult high-altitude ski tour. You’ll need good stamina for daily ascents of around 5 hours whilst carrying a rucksack weighing 8 to 10 kg. In terms of skiing, you must be able to handle your skis well off-piste in varying snow conditions (crusty snow, wind-blown snow, wet snow) so that you can ski down safely wherever you go.

Yes, a basic level of knowledge is required. At key points such as the pass at the Fenêtre de Saleina, the Col des Roux or the final ascent to the summit of the Pigne d’Arolla (3,790 m), we’ll strap our skis to our rucksacks and climb up the packed snow using crampons and ice axes. Some prior experience is needed, but the basics are sufficient.

• Day 1: Chamonix → Grands Montets → Argentière Glacier → Refuge d’Argentière.
• Day 2: Col du Chardonnet → Fenêtre de Saleina → Champex → Transfer to Verbier → Cabane Mont Fort
• Day 3: Mont Fort → Cabane de Prafleuri.
• Day 4: Pas du Chat → Lac des Dix → Cabane des Dix.
• Day 5: Pigne d’Arolla (highest point, 3,790 m) → Cabane des Vignettes.
• Day 6: Col de l’Evêque → Col du Mont Brulé → Col de Valpelline → A spectacular 2,000-Hm descent beneath the north faces of the Dent d’Hérens and the Matterhorn to Zermatt.

Due to the long, flat glacier crossings and extensive traverses (across slopes), we generally advise snowboarders and splitboarders against taking the classic route, as using poles and re-attaching skins is extremely strenuous. Highly experienced splitboarders with high-altitude mountaineering experience may take part on request, subject to an assessment.

As well as a full ski touring kit (skis with touring bindings, well-fitting skins, crampons) and emergency equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel), you will need a lightweight climbing harness, 2 screw-lock carabiners, one sling, lightweight crampons and a lightweight ice axe are required. We will send you a full packing list before the tour begins.

We’ll be staying in rustic mountain huts (SAC / Cabanes) high up in the mountains. There, we’ll sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. The huts offer half-board (dinner and breakfast), but usually have no running water or showers. That’s all part of the real adventure!