Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Guided Trek – 7-Day Haute Route

Experience the legendary Haute Route glacier trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, one of the most iconic alpine journeys in the world. Guided by IFMGA professionals, you’ll cross glaciers, stay in high-mountain huts, and link Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn on a 7-day high-alpine adventure.

Haute Route

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What to Expect on the Haute Route Glacier Trek from Chamonix to Zermatt

The Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Trek is a legendary 7-day alpine journey covering approximately 71 km through some of the most breathtaking high-mountain terrain in the Alps. Following the classic Haute Route, this trek connects the mountaineering capitals of Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland, traversing ancient glaciers, alpine passes, and remote high huts.

First completed in 1861 by British climbers and Swiss guides, the Haute Route has become one of the most iconic alpine traverses in the world. This modern glacier version follows a more technical, high-altitude path than the traditional hiking route—ideal for trekkers with previous mountain experience and a good level of fitness.

Glacier Crossings & Mountain Huts Along the Haute Route

This Haute Route guided trek covers the classic alpine glaciers from Chamonix to Zermatt. You’ll gain more than 4,000 meters of elevation and cross multiple glaciers, including the Tour, Trient, Otemma, Mont Collon, and Stocki Glaciers. Nights are spent in dramatic high-altitude huts like the Albert 1er, Chanrion, Vignettes, and Bertol Huts, where you’ll enjoy warm meals, rustic charm, and unforgettable sunset views over towering peaks.

Each day brings new challenges and rewards: glacier training on Day 1, crossing into Switzerland via the Col Supérieur du Tour, traversing the vast Otemma Glacier, and climbing to the stunning viewpoint of Tête Blanche (3,710 m) with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.

Led by certified mountain guides, this is more than a hike—it’s a full alpine experience. Rope up, strap on crampons, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Alps.

Join us for the Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Trek and walk in the footsteps of early mountaineers on one of the world’s greatest alpine routes.

From: 2590 €

Price per person for a group of 4

Hike the Haute Route

Fitness level 3/4
Dates on demand
7 days of hiking
Available June – August
6 nights in mountain huts

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Dates

Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Guided Trek – 7-Day Haute Route

Start date	End date	Space	Price
Sunday 5 July 2026	Saturday 11 July 2026	Available	2590 €	Make enquiry
Sunday 12 July 2026	Saturday 18 July 2026	Available	2590 €	Make enquiry

Dates

Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Guided Trek – 7-Day Haute Route

Start date	End date	Space	Price
Sunday 5 July 2026	Saturday 11 July 2026	Available	2590 €	Make enquiry
Sunday 12 July 2026	Saturday 18 July 2026	Available	2590 €	Make enquiry

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival day

You will your guide at our office. Your guide will go through the plan for the coming days and answer any questions you have.

Day 1 – From Chamonix to the Albert 1er Hut

We depart from Chamonix for the village of Le Tour (1,450 m). We take the ski lifts which drop us near the Col de Balme (2,100 m). A comfortable trail, crossing over to the moraine of the Tour Glacier, leads us to the Albert 1er Hut (2,702 m). After a well-deserved break, we head out for an ice training session on the Tour Glacier. We return to the hut for the night. Ascent: +600 m | Distance: 3.5 km

Day 2 – From the Albert 1er Hut to Champex

We quickly get onto the Tour Glacier, ascending it to reach the Col Supérieur du Tour (3,289 m), which provides access to Switzerland and the Trient Glacier, which we cross. We then reach a balcony trail that leads us to the La Breya chairlift (2,200 m). The lift brings us down to Champex (1,500 m), where we spend the night in a guesthouse. Ascent: +714 m / Descent: –1,200 m | Distance: 10.9 km

Day 3 – From Champex to the Chanrion Hut

Transfer to the Mauvoisin Dam (1,975 m), where our day begins through alpine pastures. Your guide will tell you the story of the Giétro disaster, a natural catastrophe that ravaged the Val de Bagnes in 1818. A long traverse above the lake, facing the Tournelon Blanc (3,700 m) and the Combins (4,313 m), brings us to the Chanrion Hut (2,461 m) for the night. Ascent: +485 m | Distance: 8.5 km

Day 4 – From the Chanrion Hut to the Vignettes Hut

We head toward the Otemma Glacier basin. We step onto the glacier, ascending gently for more than 8 kilometers. Though the ascent can feel monotonous, the glacier environment is stunning. At the Col de Charmotane (3,015 m), we turn toward the Vignettes Hut (3,160 m), perched above the surrounding glaciers. Overnight at the hut. Ascent: +770 m / Descent: –80 m |

Distance: 12.5 km

Day 5 – From the Vignettes Hut to the Bertol Hut

We start the day with a short descent to reach the Mont Collon Glacier, which we ascend to the Col de l’Evêque (3,392 m). We then descend the Upper Arolla Glacier to the Bertol Plateau (2,550 m), where we begin the final ascent to the Bertol Hut (3,311 m). Perched on a rocky outcrop, the hut is accessed by climbing ladders. Ascent: +950 m / Descent: –1,050 m | Distance: 13.4 km

Day 6 – From the Bertol Hut to the Schönbiel Hut

We begin by descending the ladders we climbed the day before. We cross the wide plateau of the Mont Miné Glacier to reach Tête Blanche (3,710 m), a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Dent Blanche (4,357 m), the Matterhorn (4,476 m), and many other 4,000-meter peaks of the Valais. We then begin the descent of the Stocki Glacier, which leads us to the Zmutt Glacier. From there, we ascend again to reach the comfortable Schönbiel Hut, where we spend the night. Ascent: +565 m / Descent: –1,100 m | Distance: 11.7 km

Day 7 – From the Schönbiel Hut to Zermatt

We continue descending toward Zermatt along a comfortable trail through alpine meadows. Throughout the descent, the view of the north face of the Matterhorn is breathtaking. We arrive in Zermatt by late morning. Transfer back to Chamonix in the early afternoon (€120/person). Descent: –1,086 m | Distance: 10.3 km

Level requirements

This is a high alpine trek involving scrambling, climbing over snow slopes and travelling roped-up over glaciers using crampons and ice axes. You will walk an average of 6-8 hours each day at altitudes of over 3500m, you should be fit and able to hike challenging terrain for up to 8 hours without getting too tired. You will carry all your personal equipment (a well packed rucksack should not exceed 8kg). It is essential that you prepare yourself for this trip by regularly practicing any kind of endurance sport such as ski touring, hiking, running, biking or swimming. We also recommend core strength exercises – Pilates and yoga are perfect.

Equipment

Included or not

FAQ

Q1. What is the Haute Route glacier trek from Chamonix to Zermatt?

The Haute Route glacier trek from Chamonix to Zermatt is a legendary 7-day high-alpine journey linking Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland. It combines classic glacier travel, scenic passes, and cozy mountain huts — a bucket-list adventure for experienced hikers and mountaineers.

Q2. How difficult is the Haute Route glacier trek?

This is a challenging, high-altitude trek involving glacier travel, long days (6–9 hours), and some technical terrain. Participants should be fit, comfortable using crampons, and familiar with basic mountaineering techniques. Chamex guides provide full instruction and safety management throughout the route.

Q3. How long does it take to complete the trek?

Our Haute Route glacier trek takes 7 days, with each day covering a different stage between Chamonix and Zermatt. The itinerary includes glacier crossings, climbs over high passes, and overnight stays in beautiful alpine huts.

Q4. When is the best time to do the Haute Route glacier trek?

The best season is late June to early September, when glacier conditions are stable and huts are open. Early summer offers snowier crossings; by August the glaciers are more exposed but days are warmer and longer.

Q5. What equipment do I need for the Haute Route glacier trek?

Essential gear includes mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, and layered clothing suitable for alpine conditions. A detailed equipment list is in the equipment section of this webpage, and Chamex can organise rental equipment if needed.

Q6. Are mountain huts included in the Haute Route trek package?

Yes — accommodation is in high-mountain huts along the route. These huts provide half-board (dinner + breakfast) and a memorable alpine atmosphere. Luggage transfer is not possible, so you’ll carry your own essentials in a 30-40 L backpack.

Q7. Do I need previous glacier trekking experience?

Prior experience in using crampons is essential. A solid fitness level and hiking experience in mountainous terrain are required.

Q8. What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety is our top priority. Guides may adjust the itinerary, change huts, or modify glacier routes depending on weather and snow conditions. Alternative objectives are chosen to ensure a rewarding and safe alpine experience.

Q9. How do I get back to Chamonix after reaching Zermatt?

At the end of the trek, we organise a private transfer back to Chamonix. This is included in the trip package. If you prefer to stay in Zermatt, we can bring your luggage from Chamonix.

Q10. Why choose Chamex for the Haute Route glacier trek?

Chamex is based in Chamonix and staffed by local IFMGA mountain guides who know the Haute Route intimately. Our small-group approach, expert safety standards, and deep local knowledge make this the best way to experience the Haute Route glacier trek from Chamonix to Zermatt.

Technical gear

Mountaineering boots

Clothing

Warm hat

Clothing

T-shirts

Clothing

Thermal underwear

Clothing

Neck gaiter (Buff)

Clothing

Long sleeve shirt

Clothing

Shorts

Clothing

Fleece or woollen layers

Clothing

Light puffer jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Clothing

Thin gloves with leather palms for better grip

Clothing

Gaiters

Clothing

Sun hat

Clothing

Hiking trousers

Clothing

Warm gloves

Technical gear

Ice axe

Technical gear

Climbing harness

Technical gear

Telescopic poles

Technical gear

Climbing helmet

Technical gear

Crampons

Included in price

Guide Fees

7 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.

Accommodation

All accommodation, as described in the itinerary.

Lift passes

All lift passes as described in the itinerary

Transport

Transport required for the itinerary including group transfer from Zermatt back to Chamonix.

Group Equipment

Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.

Office Support

Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.

Not included in price

Personal Equipment

Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.

Insurance

Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Food & Drink

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.

Accommodation in Chamonix

Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.

Travel to Chamonix

The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.