switzerland-haute-route-glacier-trek

Guided groups

Randonnée glaciaire

lvl. 5
New
Essential
Multi-day hike
Réf : E408
8 days Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • The ultimate glacier traverse, legendary !

  • A tour with balanced stages and cramponing exercises on the first day to optimize the chances of successfully completing this raid.

  • Walk across countless glaciers, including some of the biggest in the Alps.

  • Climb Tête Blanche (3,721m/12,208ft), whose summit offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Connecting the two capitals of mountaineering, Mont-Blanc and the Matterhorn, the 'Haute Route' is a must-do for every passionate mountaineer. This raid offers a grand route, special hospitality in the mountain huts, and a sharp view of the most majestic peaks of the Valais: the Grand Combin, the Pigne d'Arolla, the Dent Blanche, the Dent d'Hérens... And of course, in the background, the Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc.

Reservation

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Departure Return Price including VAT Departure status*  

Departure dates for the coming season are being prepared. One of our team members can reach out to you when the information is available. To make this happen, please complete your availability information

Enquire about availability
*The date of departure is subject to change at any time (as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).

Embark on an extraordinary journey, creating lasting memories as you adventure off the beaten path, with respect for the environment and local communities. Envision your next adventure with your family or friends. Let us help you shape your own experience !

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To check out as well...

Itinerary

Glacier hiking :  the extraordinary opportunity to traverse and explore these massive rivers of ice. The varying levels of difficulty allow everyone to enjoy the experience of setting foot on a glacier. Each excursion alternates between well-marked trails through alpine meadows and pastures, time spent on glaciers, as well as a climbing move or two on more rugged terrain. All of our hikes at altitude offer you the chance to fully immerse yourself in high mountains.

Level 5: An average of 6 to 7 hours of hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Requires knowledge and experience with mountaineering techniques for F ("facile" or easy) level routes.

Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : All your gear and equipment for the week
Lodging : Gite, Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : IFMGA guides : 1 guide for 6 people
Group : From 4 to 6 participants. The departure will be confirmed from 4 participants (The date of departure is subject to change at any time, as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival day in Chamonix!

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Arrival in Chamonix, a very typical and historical town in the Alps. Settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing through-hike.
Day 2

From Chamonix to Albert 1er mountain hut

Ascent : 1300 m (4,265 ft). Descent : 100 m (328 ft). 5 to 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Meet your guide at 10:00 am at your hotel. There will be a chance for the guide to check out your clothing and gear. You can hire or buy any missing item in anyone of the Chamonix mountain stores (before the meeting with your guide). Short transfer to Le Tour, the highest village of the valley. Ascend on foot to the Albert-Ier refuge (2702 m /
8,858 ft) via the wild and steep trail of the Picheu waterfall, with the seracs of the Tour Glacier in view.
After the lunch break, your guide will propose cramponing exercises to properly prepare for this raid.
Day 3

From Albert 1er to Champex via Col supérieur du Tour

Ascent : 750 m (2,460 ft). Descent : 1600 m (5,249 ft). 6 to 7 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Departure towards the Col Supérieur du Tour, a natural passage between France and Switzerland, rising to 3 288 m (10,787 ft). The crossing of the Trient Glacier, a vast white expanse, leads you to the Orny hut, a typical Swiss refuge nestled in the heart of the mountains. From there, a trail descends to La Breya, where a chairlift takes us to Champex-le-Haut. A final short climb then leads us to the Relais d'Arpette, located at 1 688m (5,538 ft).

Note: Depending on availability, we will either sleep in Champex, at the Mauvoisin dam, or at the Orny hut. If we stay at the Mauvoisin dam, the transfer between Champex and Mauvoisin will take place in the late afternoon. If we stay at the Orny hut, we will descend on foot p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 9.6px Helvetica; color: #585858}and then by chairlift to Champex the next day (day 4), with a transfer to Mauvoisin in the late morning.
Day 4

From Champex to Chanrion hut via Mauvoisin lake

Ascent : 650 m (2,130 ft). Descent : 200 m (656 ft). 4 to 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner. Transfer : 1 hour.
After a short transfer from Champex, we reach the Mauvoisin lake dam, a remarkable engineering feat. The ascent continues through the flowered pastures, where alpine flora reveals its colorful treasures. The trail winds its way to the Chanrion refuge, perched at 2462 meters (8,077 ft), offering a warm stop before continuing with three consecutive nights in high-altitude huts.
Day 5

From Chanrion to Vignettes mountain hut via Chermotane

Ascent : 800 m (2,625 ft). Descent : 120 m (393 ft). 8 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
The day begins with a gradual ascent on the vast Otemma Glacier, a true sea of ice stretching as far as the eye can see. At the Chermotane Pass, at 3053 meters, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before us, with Mont Collon in the background. The Vignettes refuge, perched at 3158 meters and clinging to the edge of the cliff at the foot of the Pigne d'Arolla (3787 m / 12,424 ft), seems suspended above the void, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding peaks.
Day 6

From Les Vignettes to Bertol mountain hut via L'Evêque pass

Ascent : 1150 m (3,773 ft). Descent : 1000 m (3,280 ft). 7 to 8 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
This stage takes us through glaciers and moraines surrounding the rocks of l'Évêque. At the eponymous pass (3392 m/ 10,800 ft), the Hérens valley unfolds, with the village of Arolla nestled below. After a long but beautiful descent, a final steep ascent, accessible thanks to a few ladders, leads us to the Bertol refuge, a true eagle's nest perched at 3 311 meters (10,862 ft).
Day 7

From Bertol to Schönbiel hut via Tête Blanche

Ascent : 800 m (2,625 ft). Descent : 1300 m (4,265 ft). 8 to 9 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Highlight of the day with the crossing of an easy glacial plateau to Tête Blanche (3 721 m / 12,208 ft). From this exceptional promontory, we enjoy a superb 360-degree panorama, including the Matterhorn, which rises majestically, offering a breathtaking spectacle. A spectacular descent through the crevassed labyrinth of the Stockji Glacier. Vigilance and technique will be required, with some rope sections necessary to reach the Schönbiel refuge (2 694 m / 8,838 ft), at the foot of the north face of the Matterhorn.
Day 8

From Schönbiel hut to Zermatt

Ascent : 100 m (328 ft). Descent : 1150 m (3,770 ft). 3,5 hrs of hiking.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
For this final stage, the descent to Zermatt is smooth, with no technical difficulty. The trail crosses bucolic alpine meadows dotted with traditional mazots, the stilted granaries typical of the region. Arriving in Zermatt, the iconic car-free alpine village, marks the end of this unforgettable adventure. Farewell in the late morning with memories to cherish!

If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay in Chamonix or Zermatt, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance. We can arrange one or more extra nights at one of our partner hotels. Just ask !
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
  • Professional IFMGA certified guides: 1 guide for 6 people.
  • Accommodations as described: mountain huts and 1 night in an 3-star hotel in Chamonix on day 1.
  • All meals as described on the itinerary: breakfasts, lunches, dinners.
  • All lift tickets required for the tour.
  • All transfer required during the tour (transfer from Chamonix to Le Tour, lift La Breya-Champex, transfer between Champex and Mauvoisin)
  • The specific collective equipment for the circuit.
  • Energetics snacks provided in an individual bag.
The price does not include:
  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Bottled water in the mountain huts (about 12 CHF each).
  • Showers in those huts that charge a fee.
  • 1 dinner in Chamonix (day 1).
  • The loan of technical equipment if needed.
  • Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Everything not described as "included".

During your trip

Our team

This trip is guided by IFMGA English-speaking guides for up to 6 people.

Transfers

All these transfers are included in the tour such as :
  • Day 2: transfer from Chamonix to Le Tour.
  • Day 3: the chairlift between La Breya to Champex-le-Haut.
  • Day 4: private transfer from Champex to Mauvoisin.In case of bad weather, we may be forced to modify or shorten a stage. In this case, we prioritize using buses (a very efficient network) or call upon our local transporter to adjust the stage.
How to return to Chamonix from Zermatt at the end of the circuit?
  • With public transport : Start by taking a direct train from Zermatt to Visp, which takes about 1 hour. At Visp, change trains to continue towards Martigny (around 1 hour). From Martigny, take a train to Vallorcine (about 1 hour), and finally, board your last train to Chamonix (approximately 30 minutes).
    Expect to pay between 100 and 140 € for the entire journey.
  • The most convenient and quickest option: we can book a shuttle for the group from Zermatt (not included in the price). The cost is around 500 to 600 CHF to be shared among the participants (the guide's share is also to be divided among the participants). The guide will make the shuttle reservation at the beginning of the trip. The return is scheduled for the last day, to be paid directly on-site to our transporter.
Please note that wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in the front and rear seats of all vehicles you will use during the trip, when they are equipped, regardless of the regulations in the country visited. By signing up for a Mont Blanc Experience trip, you agree to comply with this requirement. Mont Blanc Experience cannot be held responsible for any bodily and/or material damage if it is found that this rule was not respected on your part.

Lodging

A 3-star hotel in the heart of Chamonix on day 1, based on double/twin to quadruple occupancy. We have chosen not to include dinners on this evening to allow you to enjoy a wider selection of local specialties.
 
Mountain huts on the other days. Accommodation will be in dormitories. These French or Swiss huts offer basic services: no showers, no drinking water, and no private rooms.

Note :
  • No potable water in all the huts, but it is possible to purchase bottled water in each establishment. Swiss huts also provide "walking tea" (hot tea) to drink during the day.
  • Shower available in Chamonix, Champex (and Mauvoisin) and at Chanrion. For the rest of the route, you'll have to make do with a washbasin!
  • Some huts accept euros, but it is strongly recommended to have Swiss francs.
  • If you arrive the day before or wish to extend your stay, we can book a room for you in one of our partner hotels, feel free to ask us!

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
  • Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.
    The dinner in Chamonix (day 1) is not included to allow you to choose your dining place as there are so many options.
  • The picnics are prepared by the guide (at the start of the circuit), then taken in the accommodations.
Water : Please note that water is not free in mountain huts without running water (especially on glaciers). You will need to plan to purchase bottled mineral water. Expect to pay 10 to 12€ for a 1.5-liter bottle of water, and remember to bring cash.

Luggage transfer

There is no luggage transport; you carry your personal belongings (including technical gear) and the picnics. On the meeting day (day 2), the guide will give you your first two picnics to include in your backpack.

Group composition

You'll be sharing your stay with French people and English-speaking people of many different nationalities: British,
American, Australian and many more. Get ready for a truly multicultural experience!

What you need to know

Maps :
  • IGN Top 25 series n° 3630 OT Chamonix.
  • Swiss maps: n° 282 Martigny, n° 283 Arolla, and n° 284 Zermatt.
Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:
  • Pick up any litter along the trail.
  • Burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
  • Drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
  • Stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
  • Ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.
Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
  • To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
  • Respect privacy when taking photographs.
  • Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
  • Protect the natural environment, see above.

Currencies

Switzerland
Switerzland doesn't belong to Euro zone. The Swiss use their own currency, the Swiss Franc. The exchange rate is approximately 1 CHF = 1 EUR.
Swiss shops and hotels may take euros (usually in bills only, and change in CHF), and usually offer an unfavorable exchange rate (for you). You are better off paying by credit/debit card or withdrawing cash from an ATM.
France
France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

This trip starts in Chamonix Mont-Blanc and ends at Zermatt. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport. It takes about 1h15 to drive to the center of Chamonix.

If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service.
We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists. Depending on your preferences, we can arrange a transfer by private or shared taxi. Please let us know your flight schedule so that we can organize your transfer as early as possible and in the most suitable time slot.

We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).


How to return to Chamonix from Zermatt at the end of the circuit?

  • With public transport : Start by taking a direct train from Zermatt to Visp, which takes about 1 hour. At Visp, change trains to continue towards Martigny (around 1 hour). From Martigny, take a train to Vallorcine (about 1 hour), and finally, board your last train to Chamonix (approximately 30 minutes).
    Expect to pay between 100 and 140 € for the entire journey.
  • The most convenient and quickest option: we can book a shuttle for the group from Zermatt (not included in the price). The cost is around 500 to 600 CHF to be shared among the participants (the guide's share is also to be divided among the participants). The guide will make the shuttle reservation at the beginning of the trip. The return is scheduled for the last day, to be paid directly on-site to our transporter.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Switzerland
Please check with your embassy.

France
Please check with your embassy.

Health

Switzerland

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 5

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking multiple times per week (around 20km) on trails with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What you need to bring: Pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We
recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight.

Mountaineering equipment list:

  • Technical clothing (upper body):
  • Short-sleeved T-shirts.
  • Thermal base layers with long sleeves (e.g., Merino wool).
  • A lightweight fleece jacket.
  • A down jacket.
  • A waterproof and breathable jacket, e.g., Goretex.

Technical clothing (lower body):

  • Shorts or trekking pants.
  • Thermal leggings (e.g., Merino wool)
  • Mountain pants (ideally ski touring pants with suspenders) made of Goretex
  • A pair of gaiters
  • Warm and thermal socks.

Head equipment:

  • A hat or cap.
  • A warm hat (beanie).
  • A hood.
  • A snood.
  • A pair of sunglasses (high mountains, category 4).
  • Ski goggles (very useful in case of bad weather, strong winds, etc.).

Gloves:

  • A pair of silk gloves (as a base layer).
  • A pair of warm and waterproof gloves, e.g., ski gloves.

Shoes:

  • Climbing boots with crampon-compatible soles (rigid soles with a rear welt) and good thermal insulation.

Other equipment:

  • A 40L day-pack to carry your gear for the day (including trekking poles and ice axe, make sure your backpack has the appropriate attachments).
  • Sun protection (cream and stick) for high-altitude conditions.
  • A water bottle (or hydration pack) with a minimum capacity of 2L.
  • Your personal first aid kit, toilet paper.
  • A pocket knife.
  • A sleeping bag liner (mandatory for mountain huts stays).
  • A headlamp.
  • A toiletry kit and a small towel.
  • Spare clothes.
  • Spare shoes.
  • Cash for extra drinks/snacks in mountain huts.
  • Recommended extras: a rain poncho, earplugs, a thermos, camera, etc.

Technical equipment:
Mont Blanc Experience will provide all the technical equipment you'll need for the tour. This includes:

  • Crampons (with anti-balling plates).
  • Ice axe.
  • Helmet.
  • Mountaineering harness.
  • Hiking poles.

Your guide will bring the equipment for you and provide it to you during the meeting on the morning of the second day.
If you already have your own technical equipment, feel free to let us know.

Mountaineering boot rental :
If you wish to rent mountaineering boots, you can ask us to book this service for you. Be sure to specify your shoe size.
Rental equipment should be picked up directly at the store before your meeting with the guide. The rental shop's contact details will be provided in your briefing.

What about gear I want to leave before the trip?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organize the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.