Skiing
Haute Route Ski Tour
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the worlds great ski adventures linking Mont Blanc with the iconic Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. Embark on an epic 6 day challenge crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt. We run this as an all-inclusive trip with no hidden costs. Your only extra expenses are a few celebratory beers at the end!
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Duration
1 Week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - May
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Price
€1850
Adventure Snapshot
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+ 18
CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT ON SKIS
Setting off from the Mont Blanc valley, you will cover vast backcountry terrain until you reach the slopes below the Matterhorn in Switzerland 6 days later. Crossing through 2 countries and over many cols, this is a tough but rewarding experience you will not forget in a hurry. Epic descents and scenic climbs, this ski tour has it all.
After many years of skiing the Haute Route we still keep discovering hidden gems and hidden powder pockets that keep us coming back for more. Our guides are all highly experienced IFMGA qualified ski guides with a vast range of knowledge that you’ll be sure to tap into during the trip. This trip runs with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 6 people.
Not sure whether you're ready to take on the Haute Route Ski? No problem. Take our test and find out Test
Keen skiier but need an intro to ski touring? We've got you. Join us on a long weekend in Alps on our Intro to Ski Touring trip )
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You should be fit enough for 6 hut to hut days of hard work (5-8h/day of uphill work out) and capable of skiing in different types of off-piste snow conditions. You will also need previous ski touring experience ideally of a previous hut to hut trip, at the very least an introduction course. This is a tough but rewarding journey across one of the best ski routes on the planet and it can only be enjoyed fully if you are well prepared.
If you're a confident off-piste skier but have never ski toured before then you can jump on to one of of our intro to ski touring courses (Learn more here ). If you're still not sure whether you're ready, no sweat! Get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through with you. You can also take our Haute Route Ski 'Readiness' test and find out Test
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Duration
1 Week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - May
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Guide Ratio
6:1
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Ability
Level DLevel D
You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there. It's go time Captain Scott!
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Price
€1850
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes.
00:53We asked our clients to let us know how their trips went. They decided to show us instead. Below is footage captured by our clients on some of our favourite adventures. Thanks guys.
Ski Touring
04:22We have a rule that every month we get out of the office, away from the noise and in to the great outdoors. This month Olly decided ski touring was the ticket, so we headed off to the Refuge d'Argentiere. Very hot for February but a great way to escape the noise of office life. Enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS SKI TOUR
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness. You are able to add these to your cart at checkout. We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment and our rental options are much cheaper than if you were to rent it from a local shop when you get here. Win! (Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below)
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary. For the full downloadable Haute Route Ski kit list please click here.
Skis & Skins
Ski Crampons
Ski Touring Boots
Ski Poles
Rent locally
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
Tranceiver
Probe & Shovel
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Sleeping bag silk liner
You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Fleece windproof gloves
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Sunglasses
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Lip balm
"A really knowledgable team and a great set of people to spend a lot of time with as well. I’d definitely use them again on our next trip to the Alps."
"Fantastic tour, Olly organised the trip excellently and Federico (the guide) was magnificent. A great week!"
Adventure Base delivered the most incredible adventure for my 40th with a group of my close friends. Although it was harder than we expected we all pulled through and I can't thank your team enough for making this such a great trip.
Haute route was a bucket list for me - skied for years but never did much ski touring and always wanted to ski past the Matterhorn! Thanks AB for delivering.
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing and dinner altogether in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- All accommodation, breakfast and dinners on the trip (7 nights)
- Dinner on the first and last night of the trip in Chamonix
- All taxi costs included within the trip
- All uplifts (cable cars) included within the trip
- 6 days of incredible ski touring along the Haute Route
- 5 nights in mountain huts
- Summit of Pigne d'Arolla (3796m)
- Adventure Base hand picked IFMGA ski guide
- 2 nights in a Chamonix hotel in twin share en suite rooms
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers
- Personal snacks, lunch and drinks in the huts
- Personal travel insurance
- Kit hire
This trip is running on the following dates
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What to expect from your accommodation
When not skiing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen these mountain lodge with their super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
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Chamonix
The lodge is an excellent base for our Haute Route ski tour. With stunning views of the mountains, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a twin share basis with en suite bathrooms. There is a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. You will spend your first and last night of the trip here with dinner included with your guide team.
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Duration
2 nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Single or Twin sharing
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Food
Half board
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Mountain Huts
Along the Haute Route we will stay in the following mountain huts: Refuge d'Argentiere, Cabane du Trient, Cabane Prafleuri, Cabane Dix and Cabane Vignettes. Beautiful, remote mountain huts that offer a warm welcome, tasty food and a nice place to sleep.
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Duration
5 nights
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dorm rooms
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Food
Half board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
Please note this is a suggested itinerary only. While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes have other ideas. You must be capable of sticking to the required group pace in order to complete the tour. If ability or fitness is hindering the trip, you may be asked to drop out of the tour at your own expense.
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Day 1:
Arrival Day in Chamonix
On arrival day in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, you meet your guides and fellow skiers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. We'll discuss your equipment and the current weather and mountain conditions so that we all feel ready for the challenge ahead.
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Day 2:
Ski the Grands Montets (3295m)
Warm up skiing, avalanche transceiver training and kit checks followed by an epic descent down the backside of the Grands Montets to the Argentiere glacier. Today is a test ski day for the group and the guide to make sure everyone is up to scratch. This is where your previous ski touring experience will come in handy to refresh skills and make sure you're ready to take on the route. We say farewell to the groomed pistes and set off into the backcountry. A short ski tour gets us to the Argentiere mountain hut where we tuck in for the night after a warm dinner.
450m ascent, 900m descent (6-7hrs) -
Day 3:
Onwards into Switzerland
An early start as the sunrise lights up the towering peaks in the Argentiere basin - including the majestic Aiguille Verte (4122m). We ski tour up to the col du Chardonnet (3323m) or col du Passon (3028m), depending on current conditions, followed by skiing over to the Trient hut where we cross over into Switzerland.
1100m ascent, 1200m descent (6-7hrs) -
Day 4:
Summit Mont Fort (3328m)
After a fantastic ski down the north facing Val d’Arpette, we take a short private transfer from Champex to Verbier. We then use the lift systems to access another great descent from Mont Fort, the highest peak in the Verbier ski area at 3328m. Once down the other side we are well and truly in the backcountry once again and we take on another ski tour up to the Rosablanche which leads to a final ski descent to the picturesque Prafleuri hut.
900m ascent, 2400m descent (8-9hrs) -
Day 5:
The journey continues to the Dix Hut
We set off early to make it over the col des Roux which sits at 2804m. Stunning views of the alpine peaks surrounding us abound as we make a long traverse alongside the lac des Dix followed by a final climb to the Dix hut.
900m ascent, 600m descent (6-7hrs) -
Day 6:
Pigne d'Arolla
One of the best and most challenging days of the ski tour. Climb up and summit the Pigne d’Arolla at 3790m, the highest point of the entire Haute Route. After enjoying the spectacular summit views we ski down to the charming Vignettes hut for a well deserved dinner.
950m ascent, 700m descent (5-6hrs). -
Day 7:
The final descent to Zermatt
An early start for the final day of this epic challenge. Saving the best until last, we cross 3 cols before skiing down the stunning slopes of the Stockli glacier leading under the Matterhorn to Zermatt. One of the best days skiing to be had in the Alps. After some well deserved drinks in Zermatt we return to Chamonix by private transfer.
1,100m ascent; 2,400m descent (8-10hrs) -
Day 8:
Departure Day
After a well deserved nights' sleep in the cosy hotel, its time for one last breakfast before the trip ends and you make your journey home.
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
Skiing: How big will the group be?
Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be Read more
Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be a second guide and we will have the ability to split the group if necessary.
What equipment will I need?
Please read the kit list above.
Please read the kit list above.
What will we do if the weather is bad?
If we experience bad weather on the ski tour, we will be able to escape into one of the many Read more
If we experience bad weather on the ski tour, we will be able to escape into one of the many valleys and be collected by car if necessary. We will then look at our best options there and then based on the weather forecast and snow conditions. Our aim is always to provide you with the best ski experience and we will drive to other areas in the Alps if necessary to find better weather and make the most of your trip with us.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in the Alps is always changeable, but generally we are confident to say that January and February will Read more
The weather in the Alps is always changeable, but generally we are confident to say that January and February will be snow-filled and cold with temperatures hitting -15 on occasion. Fast forward to March and April and the weather is generally sunnier and we experience warmer temperatures around the 0 mark.
When is the best time?
Good backcountry conditions are generally from January until early April in the Alps. In January and February we tend to Read more
Good backcountry conditions are generally from January until early April in the Alps. In January and February we tend to have more frequent snow falls and March and April provide excellent spring skiing conditions.
MEET THE GUIDES
Miha
IFMGA Guide
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Pablo
IFMGA Guide
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Fede
IFMGA Guide
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Roger
IFMGA Guide
Roger has spent over 15 years guiding around the world. He is a Guide instructor at the Spanish School of Guides and is fascinated by discovering mountains with clients. Roger has a big passion about showing people his beloved mountains and sharing climbs and descents with skis.
Jon
IFMGA Guide
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
READY TO TAKE ON THIS EPIC CHALLENGE?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
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