Understanding the Haute Route: A Legendary Alpine Crossing

The Haute Route has a long and storied history. First pioneered by British mountaineers in the late 19th century, it embodied the great Alpine odyssey of the era: reaching Zermatt from Chamonix by confronting the challenges of high altitude and glaciated terrain. While ski mountaineering later became the dominant way of completing the route in spring, the summer glacier version remains a demanding undertaking, requiring a solid command of core mountaineering skills.

Today, two main approaches define the Haute Route:

The Haute Route Trek, offered by Chamonix Experience, which combines glacier travel, technical sections and crossings through remote Swiss valleys.
The Haute Route on skis, a benchmark itinerary in ski mountaineering, typically undertaken in spring (see our Haute Route on Skis programmes).

Despite these different formats, the spirit of the Haute Route remains unchanged: to traverse one of the most spectacular glaciated regions in Europe, immersed in the grandeur and seriousness of the high mountains.

The Haute Route in 7 days

The 7-day version offered by Chamex condenses the essence of the Haute Route: technical progression, panoramic summits, majestic glaciers and a committed atmosphere from the first to the last day. It is aimed at experienced hikers with basic mountaineering skills.

Day 1: Chamonix – Argentière – Refuge Albert 1er

First contact with the high mountains. The ascent to the refuge offers a direct view of the Aiguille Verte and the Drus. Here the guides introduce the first safety workshops and a reminder of glacier walking techniques.

Ascent: 600 m Distance: 3.5 km

Day 2 – Refuge Albert 1er to Champex

At daybreak, we quickly reach the vast Glacier du Tour, which we gradually ascend to the Col Supérieur du Tour (3,289 m). This marks our entry into Switzerland and opens the way to the Trient glacier, whose broad glacial slopes we cross.

At the edge of the plateau, a superb balcony path leads us to the La Breya cable car (2,200 m), the transition point to the valley. The descent takes us to the village of Champex (1,500 m), where we return to the comfort of an inn for the night.

Difference in altitude: +714 m / -1 200 m | Distance: 10.9 km

Day 3 – Champex to Chanrion refuge

From Champex, a transfer takes us to the Mauvoisin dam (1,975 m), the gateway to today’s stage. The route takes us through the heart of the alpine pastures, on a trail steeped in history: your guide will tell you all about the dramatic episode of the Giétro glacier’s collapse in 1818.

The route continues on a balcony above the lake, offering majestic views of the Tournelon Blanc (3,700 m) and the Combins mountain range (4,313 m). Our day ends at the Chanrion refuge (2,461 m), nestled in a secluded and peaceful setting.

Difference in altitude: 485 m | Distance: 8.5 km

Day 4 – Chanrion hut to Vignettes hut

First we reach the vast expanse of the basin of the Otemma glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Valais. The gentle, steady ascent stretches for more than 8 km through a spectacular glacial landscape.

After reaching the Col de Charmotane (3,015 m), we branch off towards the Vignettes refuge (3,160 m), perched on a ridge overlooking an impressive series of glaciers. Its spectacular position makes it one of the most emblematic refuges on the Haute Route.

Ascent +/-: +770 m / -80 m | Distance: 12.5 km

Day 5 – Vignettes refuge to Bertol refuge

The day begins with a short descent to the Mont Collon glacier. We climb up the slopes to reach the Col de l’Évêque (3,392 m), a real turning point in the massif.

A long descent over the upper Arolla glacier then takes us to the vast Bertol plateau (2550m). From here, a steep climb takes us to the Bertol refuge (3,311 m). The final access, made famous by its metal ladders, gives the arrival a unique alpine atmosphere.

Difference in altitude: +950 m / -1,050 m | Distance: 13.4 km

Day 6 – Refuge Bertol to Refuge Schönbiel

We first descend the ladders we used the day before to reach the Mont Miné glacier, which we cross in the direction of the Tête Blanche (3,710 m). This panoramic summit offers one of the finest views of the entire route: Dent Blanche (4,357 m), Matterhorn (4,476 m) and a multitude of four-thousand Valaisan peaks rise up on a spectacular horizon.

The descent continues via the Stocki glacier, then the Zmutt glacier, before a short ascent to the Schönbiel hut, whose warm welcome rounds off this long glacial day perfectly.

Ascent +/-: +565 m / -1 100 m | Distance: 11.7 km

Day 7 – Schönbiel hut to Zermatt

The final stage takes you on a pleasant downhill path through the mountain pastures. Along the way, the North Face of the Matterhorn dominates the landscape and accompanies our last steps to Zermatt, which we reach in the late morning.

A return transfer to Chamonix is then offered in the early afternoon (120 €/person), bringing this exceptional high-mountain tour to a close.

Difference in altitude : 1,086 m | Distance : 10.3 km

What Equipment Do I Need for the Haute Route?

The Haute Route unfolds at high altitude and across glaciated terrain, where appropriate equipment is essential for both safety and comfort. Careful gear selection is a key part of successful preparation. The following items form the foundation of a reliable equipment setup:

• 12-point steel crampons, compatible with your boots
• Classic ice axe suitable for glacier travel
• Harness, with carabiners and safety lanyard
• Helmet
• Crampon-compatible semi-rigid mountaineering boots
• Complete three-layer clothing system, including a lightweight down jacket
• Technical gloves, plus waterproof over-gloves
• 35–45 litre backpack, with waterproof cover

It is essential to test all equipment in advance. Boots, in particular, must be well broken in—an untested pair can quickly become a serious handicap in the high mountains.

How Can I Prepare Effectively for the Haute Route?

The Haute Route demands good endurance, the ability to sustain effort over several consecutive days, and comfort in a high-mountain environment. A structured preparation period of 8 to 10 weeks is strongly recommended.

Physical Requirements

Participants should be capable of walking 7 to 9 hours per day, with an average elevation gain of 900 to 1,200 metres. Travel on glaciers places additional strain on the ankles, quadriceps and core muscles, making overall strength and stability particularly important.

Recommended Training

A typical training week may include:

• One long endurance outing with more than 1,000 metres of ascent
• One strength-training session, focusing on legs, core stability and lower back
• One cardiovascular session, such as hill repeats or interval training

Technical Preparation

We strongly recommend completing at least one outing using crampons before the trip. If possible, an introductory course—or a refresher—covering the fundamentals of glacier travel will greatly enhance confidence and efficiency on the route.Acclimatisation

Spending a night at altitude in the days preceding the trek significantly improves comfort and performance during the initial stages of the Haute Route.

Haute Route Refuges: Operations, Practicalities and Reservations

Mountain refuges in France and Switzerland are an integral part of the Haute Route experience. While accommodation can be simple and occasionally rustic, the warm welcome, convivial atmosphere and spectacular settings are central to the character of this legendary glacier trek.

What to expect:

• Limited capacity: refuges fill quickly during the summer season, and advance reservations—often several weeks ahead—are essential.
• Variable comfort: some refuges have access to drinking water, while others operate with limited or no potable water.
• Showers: rarely available at high altitude.
• Connectivity: mobile phone reception is very limited or nonexistent.
• Meals: hearty, nourishing dishes designed to sustain long days on snow and ice.

Fully organised with Chamonix Experience:

Chamonix Experience manages all refuge reservations in advance, ensuring smooth logistics and avoiding availability issues during peak season. This allows you to focus entirely on the journey, confident that each night’s accommodation is secured.

Why undertake the Haute Route with a Chamex guide?

Glacier progress, orientation, risk management: the Haute Route requires solid supervision. Calling on a Chamex UIAGM guide brings real added value.

Key points:

• Increased safety on crevassed areas and technical passages.
• Choice of routes optimised according to weather and terrain conditions.
• Pace management and ongoing technical support.
• Small groups for learning and comfort.
• Local expertise: our guides live and work all year round in the Mont-Blanc massif.

To find out more, see our 7-day Haute Route trek.

Comparing the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont-Blanc

Before choosing your next major Alpine trek, find out what really distinguishes the Haute Route from the famous Tour du Mont-Blanc. Both itineraries are emblematic, but their spirit, level of commitment and technical requirements are markedly different. The Haute Route is aimed above all at seasoned walkers looking for real immersion in the high mountains. The Tour du Mont-Blanc offers a more accessible way of exploring the Alpine landscape. This comparison table shows the major differences at a glance, so you can choose the experience that best matches your expectations and your level.

FAQs on the Haute Route

How difficult is the Haute Route?
The Haute Route is a challenging glacier trek. The main demands come from the length of each stage, high altitude, and travel across glaciated terrain. Regular mountaineering experience is essential for safety and enjoyment.

When is the best time of year to do it?
The summer glacier trek is typically feasible from mid-June to September, depending on glacier conditions. For the ski version, the ideal period is late March to early May.

Is it possible to do the Haute Route without a guide?
Technically, yes—but natural hazards such as crevasses, rapidly changing weather, and route-finding make professional guidance strongly recommended, except for very experienced mountaineers.

What food should I bring?
Refuges provide dinner and breakfast. It is advisable to carry high-energy snacks such as dried fruit, energy bars, cheese, or savoury biscuits for mid-day fuel.

What insurance should I take out?
Comprehensive mountain insurance that covers rescue, search, and repatriation is essential.

The Haute Route on Skis: Another Dimension of a Legendary Route

In spring, the Haute Route transforms into one of the world’s most iconic ski-mountaineering itineraries. The objective remains the same: traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt, now across snow-covered glaciers. The technical level required is higher, demanding proficiency in skiing, uphill skinning, avalanche safety, snow cramponing, and efficient use of transceivers. For details, see our dedicated Haute Route Ski programmes.

Conclusion: The Haute Route, a Complete Alpine Adventure

Walking the Haute Route is more than a trek—it is a journey through some of Europe’s most spectacular high-altitude landscapes. It demands commitment, combining physical effort, technical skill, and full immersion in the high mountains. With Chamonix Experience as your guide, every stage of this legendary route becomes safer, smoother, and far more enjoyable, allowing you to focus fully on the adventure and the breathtaking surroundings.