Haute Route Trek Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival Day
The group will rendez-vous at the Chamonix Experience Office in Argentière (altitude 1,240m.), just a few kilometres from Chamonix. Here, we will have an informal chat about the week ahead. There will also be a chance for the guide to check out your clothing and gear and to decide if you need to pick up any further items of equipment or leave some behind to lighten your pack before setting out in the morning.
Day 2. Argentiere to Albert 1er hut
We start from Le Tour at the end of the Chamonix valley and follow a well trodden foot path up to the Albert 1er hut (2,702m). The refuge is located right by Le Tour glacier, so after lunch we will head out on the glacier for some crampons, ice axe and glacier travel techniques and training.
Approx. 3 ½ h walk.
Day 3. Albert 1er hut to Trient hut
We walk up le Tour Glacier and over Col du Tour 3,281m. From there we are crossing the Trient Plateau to the Trient hut (3,170m).
All day on glacier with crampons, approx. 5 h walk.
Day 4. Trient hut to Chanrion hut
A walk down Val d’Arpette to the pretty alpine village of Champex (1,480m). A taxi will take us from Champex to Lac Mauvoisin (1,746m) and from there we walk up to the Chanrion hut (2,462m).
Only the first part of this day is on glacier, no crampons most of the day. Approx. 2 ½ h descent and 4 ½ h ascent. Opportunity to stock up on food and drinks in Champex.
Day 5. Chanrion hut to Vignettes hut
A long ascent up the beautiful Otemma glacier to the Vignettes hut (3,160m).
Approx. 5 ½ h walk. Crampons needed towards the end.
Day 6. Vignettes hut to Arolla
We ascend the highest point on the route, the Pigne d’Arolla (3,796m). This is a relatively easy trekking peak. From the summit we continue down to the Swiss village of Arolla (1,998m) to spend the night in a basic hotel.
Approx. 2 ½ h ascent and 3 h descent. Crampons most of the day. Opportunity to stock up on food and drinks in Arolla.
Day 7. Arolla to Bertol hut
From Arolla we have a long but steady ascend to the Bertol hut (3,311m). This impressively located refuge is well worth a visit.
Approx. 6 h walk. Need crampons towards the end.
Day 8. Bertol hut to Zermatt
This is the longest day so an early start is required. We are going via Tete Blanche (3,724m) down the Zmutt glacier to Zermatt. From Zermatt we arrange a minibus transfer to take us back to Chamonix.
Approx. 2 ½ h ascent and 7 h descent. Crampons needed for the first part of the day.
Day 9. Departure
The trip package ends after breakfast.
Please note:
- All times quoted above are approximate and will vary depending on the level of the group and the conditions.
- We will change the itinerary above to suit the weather and the group fitness should that be necessary.
