You can see more about this trip here.
Day 1:
Chamonix to Trient
Leaving Chamonix behind on the Mont Blanc Express train, you ride up the valley to Montroc on a beautiful 20 minute journey. You then begin your hike by ascending to the Aiguillette des Posettes which provides stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley. After descending a little to the Col des Posettes you traverse along the Le Tour ski area and head over the Col de Balme and down to Trient, having officially crossed over into Switzerland at the Col de Balme. There is a lovely refuge on the Col de Balme which makes a great lunch or coffee and cake stop, or both!
14km / 1058m up / 1157m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 2:
Trient to Champex
The trek begins with a short but steep climb up to the Col de la Forclaz, famous for being on the Tour de France. From here you steadily climb the ‘Bovine Trail’ to the traditional summer retreat of the ‘Alpage’ which makes a great lunch, coffee or cake stop. Next up is a descent through the gorge to a rustic cafe at Plan de L’Au and a final descent down to the lakeside town of Champex-le-lac.
14.7km / 980m up / 813m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 3:
Champex to Cabane Mont Fort
Today is more of a relaxed day as you wonder down through the forests to Sembrancher. Onwards along the river towards Le Chable and then up to Verbier by cable car. From Verbier you have the choice either to take another cable up to Les Ruinettes or hike up along the trails. A little further and you arrive at Cabane du Mont Fort, a wonderfully located mountain hut with views spreading out across the Swiss / French peaks.
21km / 1213m up / 934m down / 7-8 hours trekking
Day 4:
Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri
The Col de Prafleuri is the main goal for today, taking you to 2987m. Not too far down below is the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m), where you spend another peaceful evening in the mountains. Staying up at high altitude provides you the best chance to see families of ibex ('bouquetins' in French) grazing. The mountain hut is once again beautifully located and will provide a warm, heart evening meal before you slip of to bed tired and content.
11km / 1013m up / 819m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 5:
Cabane Prafleuri - Arolla
Today once again starts with a climb to gain the the next col, the Col de Roux. You will be rewarded with views of the Pigne D’Arolla and Mont Blanc de Cheilon, before descending gently to follow the lake to its end, usually passing a few whistling marmots on our way. An exciting part of the trek is up next, with a steep ascent to the Col de Riedmatten or the ‘Pas de Chevre’ (translating to Goats’ Path) and its brand new ladders, which having been replaced in 2015, make for a much easier crossing than in previous years. The rest of the day is all downhill to the alpine village of Arolla.
17km / 753m up / 1375m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 6:
Arolla - La Sage
Today is a shorter day to allow you to rest your legs from the previous challenges. Head up to the beautiful Lac Bleu above Arolla, before wondering down the valley through the forest to Les Hauderes. From here its a short climb up to La Sage where you roll into the hotel for the night.
11km / 463m up / 849m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 7:
La Sage to Zinal
This day involves crossing two high cols so we recommend you start nice and early and ascend to the Col de Torrent at 2912m. The subsequent descent takes you to the green waters of the Lac de Moiry, where there is a café at the dam (hurrah!). Now you can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the magnificent Dent Blanche (aptly named white-tooth). The demanding Col de Sorebois is up next – slightly shorter than the Col de Torrent so it shouldn’t present any difficulties but not to be underestimated so give yourself plenty of time. From your high point you are rewarded with fabulous vistas across to the Weisshorn, the Dent Blanche and the Zinalrothorn before descending to Zinal. There is usually a cable car option to take ride down to Zinal from the mid-station, during peak dates which saves you 700m of descent.
21km / 1876m up / 1890m down / 8-9 hours trekking
Day 8:
Zinal to Gruben
With just one col on the itinerary today you can relax on the gentle ascent and look out for nutcracker birds which are found in these woods. Upon gaining the summer alpine meadows you traverse the mountainside on a nice undulating trail until you reach the junction of the path for two Cols; the Col de la Forcletta (2874m) and the Meidpass (2790m). We recommend to take the Forcletta as it offers great views of the glaciers and peaks of the Turtmann valley as well as being a little more direct. You usually arrive at the col around lunchtime just in time for a welcome picnic. On the descent to Gruben there is often an opportunity to see the increasingly rare edelweiss flower.
17km / 1267m up / 1106m down / 6-7 hours trekking
Day 9:
Gruben to Grachen
Today you take on your final high pass, the Augstbordpass at 2894m. Behind the pass is a descent into a bowl where you follow a rocky trail which clings to the mountainside. We recommend you stop at the Twära viewpoint for a magnificent view into the Mattertal (although the Matterhorn mountain remains elusive until reaching Zermatt!). You then begin your descent to the pretty hamlet of Jungu, followed by a final steep section to the town of St. Niklaus. There is an option to save your knees and take the “characterful” cable car down from Jungu which eliminates the final 1000 metres of descent. From St Niklaus you take a short bus or taxi ride up to Grachen where you'll find a quiet, charming village overlooking the Weisshorn on the other side of the valley.
17km / 1124m up / 1821m down / 7-8 hours trekking
Day 10:
Grachen to Europahutte
On this penultimate day of the trek you begin the 'Europaweg' a famous 2 day section between Grachen and Zermatt. After leaving Grachen behind, you traverse alpine meadows and deep gorges along the mountainside to the Europahütte, a beautifully located mountain hut which towers high above the valley. This is your final night in the mountains so make the most of it!
15.7km / 1244m up / 597m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 11:
Europahutte to Zermatt
Your final day of the full trek as well as the finale of the short 'Europaweg' section. Today you cross the impressive Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge which scales over a gorge for a whopping 494 metres! Known as the longest suspension bridge in the Alps this will certainly get your heart racing and what a way to finish your trek. Onwards to Zermatt, where you can take a cable car down from Sunnegga to save yourself 700m of descent.
21km / 955m up / 1568m down / 8-9 hours trekking
