The Walker's Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt
Tips
The total distance without variations is one hundred and thirty-two miles, with most hikers averaging between nine and eleven miles per day. Seasoned hikers who typically move at an above average pace can finish the trek in nine to eleven days. Average hikers can expect about twelve days and those slower than average, going the “wanderer” pace, will be closer to fifteen days.
The recommended season for this route is from mid July to mid August. It would be a good idea to reserve rooms ahead of time, if planning to stay in the mountain huts during those months. From mid June to early July, snow makes an ice ax and crampons essential for safety. Before setting off, be sure to check if the Gruben pass is open. Source: Thehiking.club
Views
Variations
This trek is very easy to shorten or lengthen. It is also possible to surpass more challenging sections or obstacles with alternative routes. Twenty-four miles and two mountain passes can be removed for an easier journey or include an additional nine miles for higher elevation gains and more sights. Alternatively, there are options for shortcuts to be made via transports such as buses, cable cars, gondolas, and even a chairlift. With these variations, it can take between six to fifteen days to complete the route from Chamonix to Zermatt. Source: Thehiking.club
Route
| Stage | Max Elevation | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 7,717 ft | Chamonix | Argentiere |
| Two | 6,991 ft | Argentiere | Trient |
| Three | 8,743 ft | Trient | Champex |
| Four | -- | Champex | Le Chable* |
| Five | 8,061 ft | Le Chable | Cabane du Mont Fort |
| Six | 9,800 ft | Cabane du Mont Fort | Cabane de Prafleuri |
| Seven | 9,843 ft | Cabane de Prafleuri | Val d'Herens* |
| Eight | -- | Val d'Herens | La Sage |
| Nine | 9,409 ft | La Sage | Cabane de Moiry |
| Ten | 9,301 ft | Cabane de Moiry | Zinal |
| Eleven | 9,429 ft | Zinal | Gruben |
| Tweleve | 9,492 ft | Gruben | St. Niklaus |
| Thirteen | 7,431 ft | St. Niklaus | Europahutte |
| Fourteen | -- | Europahutte | Zermatt |
| * rest day recommended after stage | |||
| Source: Alpineexploratory.com | |||
History
The English Alpine club was the first to complete this route in the mid-19th century and was named the “High Level Route”. When it was completed on skis, the name was translated to French (“Haute Route”). On the trail, the languages don’t switch at the Swiss border, but instead in the town of Gruben, Switzerland where it becomes Swiss German.
While this route was first done by hiking, it is now most popular as a ski mountaineering expedition. The best season for this is from mid-April until early May when the snow is more stable. The skiing itself would not be counted as difficult but the real challenge is ski touring over several days in varying weather conditions. Source: swisshikingvacations.com