Ski Tours
Haute Route Ski Tour
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the worlds 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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Duration
1 Week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - May
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Price
€1750
Adventure Snapshot
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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.
Not sure whether you're ready to take on the Haute Route Ski? No problem. Take our test and find out Test
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You should aim to be fit enough for 6 hut to hut days of hard work (5-8h/day) and capable of skiing in different types of snow. You will need some ski touring experience but we can teach you the rest.
A tough but rewarding journey across one of the best ski routes on the planet. Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you. Not sure whether you're ready to take on the Haute Route Ski? No problem. 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
5:1
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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
€1750
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.
Ski Helmet
Ski Touring Boots
Skis & Skins
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.
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.
Probe & Shovel
Ski Poles
Rent for €25
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
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
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Lip balm
Ski Crampons
Tranceiver
"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!"
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing 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 and guiding services throughout the trip
- 6 days of incredible ski touring along the Haute Route
- Adventure Base hand picked IFMGA ski guide
- 5 nights in mountain hut accommodation with evening meal and breakfast included
- 2 nights Chamonix hotel accommodation with breakfast included
- Bonus summit of Pigne d'Arolla (3796m)
- All transport costs included (Champex to Verbier and Zermatt to Chamonix)
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers
- Personal equipment rental
- Personal travel insurance
- Uplifts according to itinerary
- Evening meals in Chamonix
This trip is running on the following dates
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
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.
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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
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
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Day 1:
Arrival Day
On arrival day you meet your guides and fellow skiers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. We'll also cover your equipment and the current weather and mountain conditions.
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Day 2:
Warm up ski followed by approach to first hut
Warm up skiing, avalanche transceiver training and kit checks followed by descent to the Argentiere glacier and short skin to the Argentiere refuge (45mins).
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Day 3:
Onwards into Switzerland
An early start and ascent to the col du Chardonnet or col du Passon, followed by skiing to the Trient hut (4.5 hours uphill).
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Day 4:
Across to Verbier and up to Mont Fort
After a fantastic ski down the north facing vallee d’Arpette, we take a private taxi from Champex to Verbier. We then use the lift systems to access another great descent from Mont Fort. Another skin up the Rosablanche leads to a ski to the Prafleuri hut (3-4 hours uphill).
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Day 5:
The journey continues to the Dix Hut
We travel over the col des Roux and then traverse and climb to the Dix hut (5-6hours total).
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Day 6:
Pigne d'Arolla
Climb up the Pigne d’Arolla and ski down to the superbly positioned Vignettes hut. A long skin up (5 hours) followed by stunning views and a great ski descent.
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Day 7:
The final descent to Zermatt
An early start. 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 in the Alps. (10-12 hours total). We return to Chamonix by private taxi and stay in Chamonix in the hotel.
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Day 8:
Departure Day
Departure after breakfast.
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.
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.
How do you match up people on the course?
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.
Is it possible to book individually rather than a group?
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.
Are ski/snowboard trousers suitable?
Ski/snowboard trousers aren’t suitable for the conditions on Mont Blanc. You’ll need a pair of mountaineering trousers ( Read more
Ski/snowboard trousers aren’t suitable for the conditions on Mont Blanc. You’ll need a pair of mountaineering trousers (soft shell) as well as a waterproof hard shell pair that are lightweight and not insulated. Conditions can be harsh especially on the summit days so it’s important to have these two layers. We also recommend to bring lightweight thermal leggings. Read through our kit list for a full description of what you’ll need to bring.
MEET THE GUIDES
Miha
Lead IFMGA
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
Lead IFMGA
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
Lead IFMGA
"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 Lopez
Lead IFMGA
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.
Roger
Lead IFMGA
"I love what I do and love to transmit my passion while guiding. After touring the world following the call of the mountains and human cultures and fulfilling my dreams, I have put together all the knowledge gained and a strong background as a mountain guide to become one of the most versatile, dedicated and professional guides back home, in the Pyrenees."
Jon
Lead IFMGA
"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.
Start your adventure