Skiing
Alpine Haute Route Ski Tour
Are you ready to embark on an epic six-day challenge crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt? You’re in the right place! Our Haute Route guided ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the world's great ski adventures. And trust us — it more than lives up to the hype.
Linking Mont Blanc with the iconic Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, the Haute Route ski tour is a bucket-list experience for adventurers around the world — and Adventure Base can help you cross it off in style!
Scroll down to find out more about this Chamonix to Zermatt ski tour — and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any pre-booking questions.
If you’re still undecided which of our ski experiences you want to join next, browse our full range of skiing tours in the Alps for more information and inspiration.
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Duration
1 Week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - April
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Price
From €2250.00
Adventure Snapshot
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Haute Route Guided Ski Tour: What to Expect
Setting off from the Mont Blanc valley, you will cover vast backcountry terrain until you reach the slopes below the Matterhorn in Switzerland six days later. Crossing through two countries and over many cols, this Haute Route Alps ski tour is a tough but rewarding experience you will not forget in a hurry. From epic descents to scenic climbs, this ski tour has it all.
After many years of skiing the Haute Route, we still keep discovering hidden gems and 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.
Level: Advanced
for experienced ski tourers wanting a legendary traverse. The Haute Route is demanding: long days, big climbs, and some complex navigation across high mountain passes and glaciers. Conditions can change fast, and group efficiency is key.
Terrain: High, committing, and exposed in parts.
Technical: Glacier travel, ropework potential, steeper terrain.
Why it’s great: Iconic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding — a bucket list tour for many.
If you're worried you're not quite ready for Chamonix to Zermatt ski touring yet, take our Haute Route Ski Tour 'Readiness' test
You can also build your skills and stamina by joining one of our other trips, such as the Silvretta Ski Tour , Austria, Otztal Ski Tour, or Intermediate Hut Ski Tour - Chamonix.
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Alpine Haute Route Ski Tour brochure
Your Chamonix to Zermatt Ski Tour Starts Here
Who is the Haute Route Ski Tour For?
To get the most out of this trip — and to stay safe — you'll need a high level of fitness and substantial ski touring experience. Expect six consecutive days of full-on touring, moving from hut to hut. Each day will typically involve 5 to 8 hours of uphill travel, often on varied and challenging terrain, while carrying your own gear. At a minimum, you should have completed at least one hut-to-hut ski tour, and be confident doing kick turns in steep terrain. This isn’t a casual ski holiday — it's a physically demanding adventure, so good cardio endurance and leg strength are key.
You should be confident and in control in off-piste terrain, in all kinds of snow — whether it's powder, crust, windblown, or spring slush. We're not expecting pro-level freeriders, but you should be able to link turns confidently and stay in control in unpredictable snow conditions, even when you're tired.
This is a tough but rewarding journey across one of the best ski routes on the planet, but you can only truly enjoy it if you are well prepared.
Please take our Haute Route Ski Tour Readiness Test before booking this trip. It will give both of us a good understanding of whether you're ready for this experience. The last thing we want is to put you in an environment that doesn't match your ability or isn't safe.
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.
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Duration
1 Week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - April
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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
From €2250.00
Adventure Overview
Haute Route Ski Tour Videos
Haute Route Ski Tour 2024
03:11Get a glimpse of the unforgettable experiences waiting for you on our Haute Route adventure.
Haute Route Ski Tour
02:09One of the most iconic ski tours on the planet.
Our Ski Touring Intro Trip
01:48Are you tired of the same old ski slopes, crowded lifts, and grumpy chairlift operators? Do you want to add a little excitement to your ski holiday? Well, my friend, it's time to try something new - a ski touring trip in Chamonix!
Ski Time with Adventure Base
00:23Skis, powder, skins, crampons... are there many things better than a ski adventure?
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.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
Kit and Equipment Required for the Haute Route Guided Ski Tour
Certain items can be rented locally in Chamonix from Concept Pro, such as skis, skins, poles, boots, ski crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses.
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last-minute equipment on arrival depending on the weather and changes in the itinerary. Download the full Haute Route Ski Tour kit list for a more detailed overview.
Can be rented
Skis & Skins
Can be rented
Ski Crampons
Can be rented
Ski Touring Boots
Can be rented
Ski Poles
Can be rented
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Can be rented
Transceiver
Can be rented
Probe & Shovel
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
"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 PACKAGEÂ
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 itinerary (7 nights)
- Dinner on the first and last night of the trip in the Chamonix valley
- All taxi costs included within the standard itinerary
- All uplifts (cable cars) included within the standard itinerary
- 6 days of incredible ski touring along the Haute Route
- 5 nights in mountain huts
- 2 nights in a Chamonix hotel in twin-shared en suite rooms
- Possibility of summiting Pigne d'Arolla (3796m)
- Adventure Base hand picked IFMGA ski guide
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers
- Personal snacks, lunch and drinks in the huts
- Accommodation costs related to changes in itinerary
- Uplifts costs related to changes in itinerary
- Taxi costs related to changes in itinerary
- Personal travel insurance
- Kit hire (incl. transceiver, probe and shovel)
Adventure like a local
The Adventure Base Difference
Born & Bred in the Alps
With an office at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, we help you Adventure like a local.
Customer Focused
We don't just want you for one trip, we want you for lots! We work extremely hard to earn that right.
Don't take our word for it
Our clients do the talking. Check out their latest reviews and see what makes their trips so special.
Guaranteed Departures
If you can book it, we'll run it even if it's just for you. You shouldn't have to wait to get excited for your trip.
This Trip is running on the following dates
march 2026
3 Datesapril 2026
1 DateAccommodation on This Chamonix to Zermatt Ski Tour
When not skiing the mountain, we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this mountain lodge, with its super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. It’s 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 valley
The lodge is an excellent start and end point for the Haute Route. With stunning views of the mountains, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a shared basis with other members on the trip typically in twin, triple or quad format. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. If you would like your own room please enquire in advance for a single supplement. You will spend your first and last night of the trip here with dinner included.
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Duration
2 nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Shared rooms en suite
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Food
Half board
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Mountain Huts
Along the Haute Route we will stay in a selection of the following mountain huts: Refuge d'Argentiere, Refuge Albert 1er, 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
Shared Dormitories
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Food
Half board
The Haute Route Ski Tour Itinerary
Please note that 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 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 valley
We highly recommend planning your inbound travel so that you arrive in Chamonix by early afternoon. This is especially important if you need to rent ski touring equipment from our local rental shop supplier. You’ll need time to collect any rental equipment before the evening briefing, which is essential for a smooth start to your adventure. There is limited time the following morning to rent items as you will be departing for the mountains straight after breakfast.
You will meet with your guide for a briefing in the evening at approximately 18:00 to go through the plan for the week as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and can ask any questions that you may have. Dinner will follow and then it's time for a good night sleep! -
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:
Verbier and the Rosablanche (3336 m)
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 (3336m) 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 (3787m)
One of the best and most challenging days of the ski tour. Climb up and summit the Pigne d’Arolla at 3787m, 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
HR: What's the weather like?
The ski touring season for this trip runs from mid March to the end of April. This is the best Read more
The ski touring season for this trip runs from mid March to the end of April. This is the best window for favourable conditions, Â ski-lift access and guarded refuges. Be prepared for a real mix of weather and temperatures, from freezing cold early mornings to warm sunny afternoons. There really is no knowing what to expect for a trip like this.
HR: What are the snow conditions like?
As you’re probably aware, snow conditions are forever changing and therefore it’s very difficult to predict. As a Read more
As you’re probably aware, snow conditions are forever changing and therefore it’s very difficult to predict. As a general rule of thumb, March will be cooler with a greater potential for powder snow but shorter days. Towards the end of April you’ll get more spring snow and warmer weather but there is a chance you’ll have to walk some of the lower sections of the route. The unknown is all part of the adventure though, right? Whenever you ski in the mountains there will always be a risk of avalanches. The risk changes on a daily basis due to multiple factors but your guide will manage this and will ensure to select the safest and most enjoyable routes for each day your trip.
HR: How difficult is this trip?
We class this as a Level C difficulty. That means you’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot Read more
We class this as a Level C difficulty. That means 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!  Although we know that’s probably not quite right you can’t tackle this trip without being a competent off-piste skier and having experience of ski touring. We can help you get both but not on this trip. You will also need to come with a good base level of fitness. On some days you might be skinning for up to 5-8 hours so a good power to weight ratio is advised.
Skiing: What Equipment Will I Need?
Please read the kit list above.
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.
Skiing: How do you match people up on the trip?
It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with Read more
It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with us. Then we are able to match you up to suitable groups with similar abilities to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
HR: What will we do if the weather is bad?
If you experience bad weather on the ski tour you will be able to escape into one of the many Read more
If you experience bad weather on the ski tour you will be able to escape into one of the many valleys and be collected by car if necessary. With the help of your guide you will then look at your best options 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.
HR: What's the food like?
Don’t worry, you'll stay well fed and watered on this trip.  You will be ski touring for 3-5 hours Read more
Don’t worry, you’ll stay well fed and watered on this trip.  You will be ski touring for 3-5 hours a day so you’ll work up quite an appetite. The trip is based in both France and Switzerland so you will get to experience the best of both local cuisines. Think croissants, cheese and wine with some good strong coffee. Breakfasts and dinners at the refuges are included in your package but you’ll need to order your own lunches when you get to each hut. It’s well worth stocking up on snacks for the trip before you arrive (you can also stock up in the huts but for a higher price) as you’ll need them to keep your energy levels up each day while ski touring. All the huts accept credit cards but it’s worth carrying some cash as card machines can fail from time to time.
Skiing: 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.
HR: Expectations
90% of the trip is touring 10% skiing. This is an Adventure in the mountains rather than a jolly on the slopes.
HR: Ski Rental
Please book your ski rentals in advance through Concept Pro as they have limited stock during the touring season.
HR: Snacks
HR: Spending Money
€150 per week (snacks, water, lunches) up to €300 if adding alcohol to dinners or apero's to your day! Opportunity to get Read more
€150 per week (snacks, water, lunches) up to €300 if adding alcohol to dinners or apero’s to your day! Opportunity to get more cash/restock in Verbier.
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.
Nacho
IFMGA Guide
Meet Nacho, our expert high mountain guide and ski instructor from Spain. With decades of experience and a background that includes European and Spanish ski touring championships, Nacho has climbed and guided all over the Alps, Pyrenees, Andes, Himalayas and beyond. Ski touring is his true passion, but whether it’s snowy peaks or technical alpine ascents, Nacho brings world-class expertise and a calm, friendly approach to every trip.
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".
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Alpine Haute Route Ski Tour trip is rated Level D, for the pros We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
More your level?
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
More your level?
Intro to Ski Touring – Chamonix
This trip is designed to introduce keen and competent off-piste skiers to the exciting world of ski touring. If you’re confident skiing variable terrain off-piste but have never used ski touring gear, this is the perfect next step. You don’t need any previous ski touring experience, but you must be a solid off-piste skier — comfortable navigating steeper slopes, mixed snow conditions, and making controlled turns outside of groomed runs. This foundation will allow you to focus on learning the touring side of things. This is an ideal preparation course for anyone looking to join one of our full ski touring adventures in the future.
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January - March
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Level A
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€1175.00
Austria, Silvretta Ski Tour
The Silvretta is a classic and a favourite for a reason. This tour offers a mix of glaciated terrain, great huts, and stunning peaks — but without pushing into high-stress technical territory. The ascents are steady, the descents are fun, and the overall pace is manageable for those stepping into the world of hut-to-hut touring.
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March
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Level B
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€1950.00
Intermediate Hut Ski Tour – Chamonix
This trip is designed for skiers who’ve got the basics of ski touring down — maybe you've done our intro course or a few day tours already — and are ready to build on that foundation. It’s not suitable for total beginners to ski touring. We’ll be guiding confident skiers into the world of hut-to-hut ski touring, combining adventure with essential skill-building. It’s the perfect stepping stone toward bigger, more committing tours. Over several days, you'll sharpen your uphill technique, learn how to plan and manage ski days in the mountains, and get comfortable living and skiing from a remote mountain hut. Expect stunning terrain, hands-on learning, and a real taste of what multi-day ski touring is all about.
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February - March
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Level B
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€1300.00
Austria, Otztal Ski Tour
The Ötztal Ski Tour is a stunning journey through the wild Tyrol region of the Alps, linking together beautiful Austrian and Italian mountain huts and peaks. It’s ideal for those seeking a challenging multi-day ‘hut-to-hut’ ski adventure. Expect full days of ski touring with rewarding ascents, enjoyable descents, and cozy, often more comfortable huts than you might find elsewhere in the Alps.
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March
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Level C
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€2030.00
Gran Paradiso Ski Tour in the Italian Alps
Ski the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m ski descent. That's right, there's a whole load of downhill for all that uphill effort! For those with intermediate to advanced skills who want to combine beautiful skiing with a summit goal, Gran Paradiso is ideal.
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March - April
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Level C
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€2030.00
Alpine Haute Route Ski Tour
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the world's great ski adventures. Embark on an epic 6 day journey crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt. Love your skiing? This is a must for you!
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March - April
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Level D
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€2250.00
Bernese Oberland Ski Tour in the Swiss Alps
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is for expert ski tourers with strong endurance. It features long days on huge glaciers, remote huts, and big, wild terrain — a true adventure for seasoned riders.
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March
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Level E
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€2030.00
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.
Deposit/Book Now