Along the route there are various parts that allow you to take either a bus, a train or a lift. Some of these tend to only run from July to early September. It’s also worth bearing in mind that they don’t always run to schedule so be prepared that these might not always be an option and that you will need to power through under your own steam.
It’s important to remember that this is your trip and ultimately we’re trying to provide as much information as possible to help you make decisions. There is no right or wrong way of tackling the Walkers Haute Route Trek (as long as it’s safe) so use what ever means feels right for you.
The public transport options below are by far the best options but we do use this taxi company for any taxi requirements in case required. If they can help they will but failing that a quick google search should do the trick.
Day 1: Chamonix – Trient
You can use the bus or train to get you to the start of the trail at Le Tour. The bus will drop you right at the bottom of where your trek begins whereas the train leaves you about 1km short (stop: Montroc le Planet). You can also catch the gondala up from the start of Le Tour to half way up the climb.
Day 2: Trient – Champex
There are no shortcuts today I’m afraid. Tie those laces and get going…
Day 3: Champex – Cabane Mont Fort
Today you have the option to catch a gondola from Le Chable up to Verbier. Depending on how you’re feeling you can then catch another gondola (Barnes line) up to Les Ruinettes before you ultimately head over to Cabane du Mont Fort. You can pick up a ticket when you arrive so no need to book in advance.
Day 4: Cabane Mont Fort – Cabane Prafleuri
There are no shortcuts today I’m afraid. Tie those laces and get going…
Day 5: Cabane Prafleuri – Arolla
There are no shortcuts today I’m afraid. Tie those laces and get going…
Day 6: Arolla – La Sage
A 30 minute bus can help you get from Arolla to La Sage. You’re looking for line 382 but keep an eye on timings as they’re not regular.
Day 7: La Sage – Zinal
Towards the end of the day and after your final ascent you can catch a cable car that will save you 700m of descent into Zinal. You will need to catch the Corne De Sorebois gondola down that will help save those knees over 700m of descent.
Day 8: Zinal – Gruben
There are no shortcuts today I’m afraid. Tie those laces and get going…
Day 9: Gruben – Grachen
Much like Day 7 you have the chance to eliminate the final descent by catching a lift down from the picturesque mountain village of Jungu. It will cost around CHF12, which you pay at the bottom. In order to use it you will need to go to the top of the lift (not mid-point) and access the lift yourself. It will then leave on the hour and every half hour between that. You can ring the operator to tell him you’re there but they only speak Swiss German and won’t deviate from the schedule. Good luck!
Once down in St. Niklaus you can then catch a bus (551) up to Grachen which takes around 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bright yellow bus and if you took the lift down it leaves from the other side of the train tracks.
Day 10: Grachen – Europhutte
If you were injured or tired you can catch the (551) back down the mountain to St Niklaus and then jump on the train to Randa (or wherever feels right).
Day 11: Grachen – Europhutte
For the final day, again you can descend to Randa and catch the train up to Zermatt or you can catch a lift down into Zermatt at the very end of the day. You’re looking for the Sunnegga lift, which will deposit you nicely in the centre of Zermatt.