HAUTE ROUTE SKI TOUR 6 DAYS

D1 Grands Montets – Refuge d’Argentière

We begin at the Bochard lift (2,766m) and make our way to the Lognan glacier (2,700m). From here, we skin up to the Rognons glacier (3,050m) via the Rachasses pass. Afterward, we ski down to the Argentière glacier, which is mostly flat at this point, making the ski tour to the refuge both short and easy. We spend the night at the Argentière hut (2,771m), where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the dramatic north faces towering above the Argentière glacier.
Ascent: 575m • Descent: 750m

D2 Refuge d’Argentière – Trient Refuge

The day begins with a short descent from the Argentière hut onto the glacier, where you’ll fit your skins and start the ascent to the Col du Passon (3,028m). After a brief ski down, a second skinning section takes you up to the Col du Tour (3,282m). From there, the route crosses the stunning Trient Plateau before a final ascent to the Trient hut, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
Ascent: 1,100m • Descent: 300m • Duration: 6–8 hours

D3 Trient Refuge – Cabanne Prafleuri

This is one of the longest and most rewarding days of the Haute Route ski tour, featuring impressive descents and stunning scenery. You’ll begin by skiing down from the Col des Écandies (2,796m) through the scenic Val d’Arpette to the village of Champex (1,500m). From there, a taxi transfer takes you to Verbier, where you catch a lift up to resume the tour. You’ll then skin up to the Col de la Chaux (2,940m), descend, and continue the climb to the Col de Momin (3,015m). The final push leads to the summit of the Rosablanche (3,336m), the highest point of the trip. A fantastic descent of the Glacier de Prafleuri brings you to the Prafleuri hut (2,624m) for the night.
Ascent: 900m • Descent: 2,700m • Duration: 7–8 hours

D4 Cabane de Prafleuri – Cabane des Dix

The day begins with a short climb to the Col des Roux (2,804m), offering panoramic views of the day’s route. A long, gentle descending traverse takes you along the edge of the Lac des Dix. From the far end of the lake, you begin the main ascent via the Pas du Chat (2,385m) to reach the Dix Hut (2,928m), nestled beneath the impressive Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3,869m).
Ascent: 850m • Descent: 400m • Duration 6 h

D5 Cabane Dix – Cabane Vignettes

From the Dix Hut, you’ll cross the Glacier de Cheilon and begin the ascent of the Glacier de Tsena Réfien, leading to the Col de la Serpentine and then the Col du Brenay. A steady climb takes you to the summit of the Pigne d’Arolla (3,772m), offering breathtaking views. From here, enjoy a fantastic descent to the Col des Vignettes and the beautifully located Vignettes Hut (3,160m), where you’ll spend the night.
Ascent: 850m • Duration: 6 hours

D6 Cabane Vignettes – Zermatt

Another long day! We begin with a short descent to the Mont Collon Glacier, which we climb to reach the Col de l’Évêque (3,392m). After descending the upper Arolla Glacier to the Vierge, we skin up to the base of the Col du Mont Brûlé (3,213m) and ascend it using crampons. A short descent leads us to our final climb: the Col de Valpelline (3,554m). From here, we begin the iconic descent into Zermatt—one of the most stunning in the Alps—gliding beneath the majestic Matterhorn (4,478m), reaching Zermatt by mid-afternoon.
Ascent: 1,130m • Descent: 2,730m

This trip is designed for experienced ski tourers who have completed at least one hut-to-hut or multi-day ski tour. You should be capable of skinning for up to 5 hours a day, with a vertical gain of up to 1100m, maintaining a steady pace.

You need to have solid skinning technique and feel comfortable navigating steep, exposed terrain. Proficiency in kick turns on slopes over 35 degrees is essential. You should also be confident using ice axes and crampons to ascend steep snow slopes. As an off-piste skier, you must be skilled in all snow conditions, skiing efficiently without losing control or stopping. You should also feel safe skiing on slopes up to 35 degrees.

A high level of physical fitness is crucial—being able to hike and ski for up to 8 hours a day without feeling overly fatigued. You should be able to move quickly, with a pace of around 400m of elevation gain per hour.

For more information See our “FITNESS ADVISE” file o this page.

Q1 I am a very strong off piste skier but have no ski touring experience. Can i join you for the Haute Route trip?

This itinerary is designed for skiers with solid ski touring experience. You’ll need good skinning technique to move confidently and efficiently while conserving energy. If you’re new to ski touring, we recommend focusing on developing your skills throughout the winter before the trip. Reaching the required level doesn’t take long with consistent effort. To accelerate your progress, consider booking a private guide or joining our Introduction to Ski Touring course for professional instruction.

Q2 I am on a snowboard. Can i join this trip?

Due to the many long traverses and frequent flat terrain, the Haute Route is not suitable for splitboarders. The route involves a continuous 7-day journey from Chamonix to Zermatt, which poses significant challenges. If you’re a splitboarder, feel free to contact us at info@chamex.com to enquire about more splitboard-friendly itineraries.

Q3 Do i need a sleeping bag for the huts?

No, you just need a sleeping bag liner. All huts are equipped with warm covers but they do not have fresh linen. The liner serves as a personal linen, it is for hygienic purposes.

Q4 How fit do i have to be?

High physical fitness is required for this tour. You will be skiing and hiking in hight Alpine environment for about 7h per day for 7 consecutive days. You have to be fit and strong to complete the day pitches without getting too tired the next day.

Q5 When is the best time to ski the HR?

The Haute Route season starts mid March and ends at the beginning of May. The huts are closed outside of this time span and the snow conditions / weather are rarely favourable for this trip. If you enquire for this trip for a private group, you can chose any dates within this time-frame as long as you place your booking with us by the end of October. Check with us for later booking, we may still be able to reserve your places in huts. If you wish to book for a group trip, please check the dates we have on this page.

Q6 What skis and other equipment should i take for this trip?

You want to have as light gear as possible. Modern ski touring skis are light and still perform well in deep and varied snow. You want to have skis of about 85 – 95mm underfoot width, fitted with a low tech bindings. You certainly want to take true ski touring boots – light and comfortable. We highly recommend to bring a helmet. There are many ski touring specific helmets on the market, which are lighter than regular downhill ski helmet.

Q7 Do i need a special insurance for this trip?

Yes, a search and rescue insurance is obligatory on these trips. Contact us if you need help organising this prior your arrival.

Q8 Is there wifi and mobile reception on the huts?

There is no WIFI on the huts and the mobile reception is very limited.

Q9 Can I charge my devices in the huts?

In most of the huts you can but not all of them and potentially not every time. Best is to preserve energy when you can.

Q10 What if there is bad weather or conditions?

We will adapt the itinerary as needed—modifying individual stages or, if necessary, changing the route entirely—to ensure we ski where the weather and conditions are best. No matter what the forecast brings, we’ll make sure you have a great ski trip.

Q11 Can I fill up my water bottle in the huts?

Access to water is very limited, and the water available in the huts is usually not safe to drink. You can purchase bottled water at the huts, but keep in mind it’s transported by helicopter, which is why the price is typically around 10–15 CHF for 1.5 liters.