Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Trek – Classic Haute Route in 7 Days

A 7-day glacier trek from Chamonix to Zermatt along the iconic Haute Route. Traverse 70+ km of alpine terrain, cross glaciers, and stay in high mountain huts on one of the most spectacular and historic trekking routes in the Alps.

Haute route

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HIKE THE HIGH ALPINE HAUTE ROUTE 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.

Over the course of 7 days, 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: 3775 €

Advanced

Dates on demand
7
7 days of hiking
Available June – August
6 nights in mountain huts

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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

Technical gear

Mountaineering boots

Clothing

Warm hat

Clothing

Thermal underwear

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

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

Accommodation

All accommodation, as described in the itinerary.

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.

Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Trek – Classic Haute Route in 7 Days

HIKE THE HIGH ALPINE HAUTE ROUTE FROM CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival day

Day 1 – From Chamonix to the Albert 1er Hut

Day 2 – From the Albert 1er Hut to Champex

Day 3 – From Champex to the Chanrion Hut

Day 4 – From the Chanrion Hut to the Vignettes Hut

Day 5 – From the Vignettes Hut to the Bertol Hut

Day 6 – From the Bertol Hut to the Schönbiel Hut

Day 7 – From the Schönbiel Hut to Zermatt

Level requirements

Equipment

Included or not

Guide Fees

Accommodation

Group Equipment

Office Support

Not included in price

Personal Equipment

Insurance

Food & Drink

Accommodation in Chamonix

Travel to Chamonix

Chamonix experience mountain guide office Chamonix