Haute Route Trek Itinerary

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 1 - Argentiere to Albert 1er refuge

We start from Le Tour at the end of the Chamonix valley and follow a well trodden foot path up to the Albert 1er refuge (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 2 - Albert 1er refuge to Trient refuge

We walk up le Tour Glacier and over Col du Tour 3,281m. From there we are crossing the Trient Plateau to the Trient refuge (3,170m).

All day on glacier with crampons, approx. 5 h walk.

Day 3 - Trient refuge to Chanrion refuge

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 refuge (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 4 - Chanrion refuge to Vignettes refuge

A long ascent up the beautiful Otemma glacier to the Vignettes refuge (3,160m).

Approx. 5 ½ h walk. Crampons needed towards the end.

Day 5 - Vignettes refuge 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 6 - Arolla to Bertol refuge

 From Arolla we ascend to the Bertol refuge (3,311m). This impressively located refuge is well worth a visit.  

Approx. 6 h walk. Need crampons towards the end.

Day 7 - Bertol refuge 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.
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.