The Haute Route is a world-famous high-alpine itinerary linking Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. Crossing glaciers, high passes and dramatic mountain terrain, it exists in both summer (trekking) and winter (ski touring) versions. It is considered one of the most iconic multi-day journeys in the Alps.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a trekking loop around the Mont Blanc massif, staying on marked trails and visiting three countries. The Haute Route, by contrast, is a linear high-mountain crossing from Chamonix to Zermatt. It typically involves more technical terrain, glacier travel, higher passes and greater overall difficulty. In short: the TMB is a classic long-distance trek; the Haute Route is an alpine expedition.

The classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt covers roughly 120 km, depending on the exact variant taken. Over this distance, you’ll gain and lose several thousand metres of elevation while crossing high passes and glacial terrain. Whether completed on foot in summer or on skis in winter, it’s a multi-day alpine journey that demands solid fitness and rewards you with spectacular scenery from the Mont Blanc massif to the Matterhorn.

Difficulty varies with conditions, but several sections are known to be particularly challenging. On the trekking route, the ascent to the Col du Mont Collon or the long glacier approach to the Schönbiel area are often considered among the toughest. On the ski version, the climb to the Col du Chardonnet or the long day to the Vignettes Hut typically stands out as the most physically demanding.