self guided hiking haute route

• By train, probably the easiest way, with the CFF company, taking approximately 2 hours with a direct train.
  Trains depart regularly every 30 minutes, with a price of approximately 50 to 70 CHF for a one-way ticket in second class.

• Easy by train, as from reaching Zermatt from Zurich. With the CFF company, taking approximately 3 hours. Expect a connection (usually at Visp station or Renens VD station).
  Trains depart regularly every 30 minutes, with a price of approximately 50 to 70 CHF for a one-way ticket in second class.

• Mont Blanc Experience roadbook with hike descriptions and detailed itinerary maps.
• IGN maps for your hike (1/50 000, n° 5006 Matterhorn - Mischabel, n° 5003 Grand Combin).
• My Roadbook" travel assistant via our mobile application.
• All documents required to organise your stay.

For your comfort and the quality of your stay, we've decided to shorten some of the less interesting stages and give you better access to the most remarkable sites. All transfers and lifts are at your own expense:

We draw your attention to the fact that wearing a seat belt is compulsory at the front and rear in all vehicles you use during the trip, when they are equipped with one, regardless of the regulations in effect in the country visited. By booking an Mont Blanc Experience trip, you agree to respect this obligation. Mont Blanc Experience cannot be held liable in the event of bodily injury(s) and/or material damage(s) if it turns out that this provision was not respected by you.

In Martigny and Zermatt (day 1 and day 7), you'll stay in a comfortable 3* hotel in a double/twin room with private bathroom.

On days 2 and 3, you will spend the night in two iconic alpine huts: the Louvie hut and the Prafleuri hut.
The Louvie hut (no wifi, no network), located by an alpine lake, is a true haven of peace. You'll enjoy delicious local cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc peaks.
The next day, head to the Prafleuri hut, perched at 2,600 meters, where you'll be surrounded by majestic glaciers and stunning panoramic views.
Whether drawn to the friendly atmosphere of Louvie or the wild beauty of Prafleuri, these huts offer an authentic and unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

In Arolla (day 4), Zinal (day 5) and Grüben (day 6), you will stay in mountain hotels, ideally located in the heart of the Alpine landscape. These charming establishments offer perfect comfort for hikers looking to relax after a day of walking. The rooms are similar to those in traditional hotels, though the bathrooms may sometimes be located on the landing and shared.

As the Walkers' Haute Route is a popular area, accommodation options can be limited. Depending on availability in rooms at the time of the booking, we might have to offer shared rooms or dormitories.

Don't worry, you'll receive all the details of your accommodation before the final confirmation of your trip, and you'll also have this information in your roadbook.

Note:

• Odd number of people are considered with a triple room. Single room is possible on this tour, except for the night of the day 2 and day 3.
• We ask you to bring your own towel and sleeping bag liner. Lightweight and space-saving, this accessory guarantee better hygiene, particularly in areas frequented by hikers during the summer months.
• Showers available every evening. According to the refuges, an additional cost may be charged for the use of the shower.
• Your stay in this part of Switzerland offers the perfect opportunity to extend your trip in Zermatt - a true must-see!

Breakfast :
The hotels offer a generous and varied buffet: pastries, fresh bread, homemade jams, fruit and cereals. Savory lovers will also find something to their liking, with a choice of breads, cheeses, ham and eggs.

In mountain inns or huts, breakfasts are often simple: bread, butter, jam, coffee, tea and orange juice. If you need extra energy for your day's hiking, remember to pack dried fruit, cereal bars or other snacks.

Dinners :
In the hotels, dinner typically consists of a fixed three-course menu, including a starter, main course, and dessert.

In mountain inns or huts, meals are convivial moments when you share the table with other hikers. These meals are a real highlight of the day, providing an opportunity to savor home-cooked meals while sharing with people from all over the world. Meals generally consist of a soup starter, followed by a meat-based main course with carbohydrates (pasta, rice, polenta, etc.), then cheese and dessert. If you wish, you can add a beer or glass of wine to your meal for an additional charge.

If you have strict dietary constraints, we invite you to communicate them to us before departure.

Dinners in Martigny and Zermatt are not included to give you all options in town and a dinner on your own.

Lunches :
You can buy local products in supermarkets or bakeries in the valley. If you are staying in the mountains, you also have the option of ordering a packed lunch from the refuge upon your arrival, for around CHF 15 per day. These packed lunch usually include one or two sandwiches, a fruit, a bottle of water and a cookie or chocolate bar.

Drinks :
Beverages (excluding water) are not included. Please pay for all drinks consumed on site before your departure, to avoid any additional charges after your stay.

- With luggage transfers included: you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night, except in Louvie hut (day 2) and day 3 in Prafleuri hut (day 3) where the huts are not reachable by car.

- Without luggage transfers: plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

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:

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!

Breithorn Ascension Option (4164 m):

For those interested, you can end your stay with the ascent of the Breithorn (4164 m), one of the most accessible "4000-meter peaks" in the Alps. This ascent can replace the last day's hike in Zermatt, or if you'd like to extend your stay, you can do the ascent after your tour (please allow for an extra night).

The ascent is limited to 5 participants per guide.
Climbing equipment (harness and crampons) is included in the price.

Your high-mountain guide, who is Italian but speaks English, will meet you at the top of the Klein Matterhorn cable car.
Important: The cost of the cable car to Zermatt (approximately 75 CHF for a one-way trip) is not included and must be paid directly on-site.

If this option appeals to you, feel free to let us know!