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.
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.
DAY ONE:
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.
DAY TWO:
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 THREE:
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 FOUR:
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 FIVE:
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 SIX:
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 SEVEN:
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 Stöckli 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 EIGHT:
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.