Skitour: "Haute Route" Chamonix - Zermatt
- Activity: Skitour/Freeride
- Country: France, Switzerland
- Level: PD (Not difficult)
- Season: March, April
- Max guests: 6
- Transfer: 100€ / 100km
"Haute Route," or "The High Route," is the name of one of the most popular ski routes in the Alps. Originally, the English named it the "High Level Route" after hiking it in the summer. Then, the French skied it in 1911, and since then, the French name "Haute Route" stays. There are several variations of the route; here are some of them:
- most "ski" variation - by Verbier
- classic variation by Burg-Saint-Pierre - with ski-alp
- longer and harder variation "Grand Lui"
- italian variation - starting from the Aig du Midi, then descending to Italy and following the route through Grand Saint Bernard - most technical one
- back from Zermatt to Chamonix, but the suggested finish is also through Italy, to provide Valley Blanche as final descent
I suggest you consider the 'Verbier' variant; it offers the best skiing experience.
Preparation level
Good physical fitness, excellent skiing technique, and experience in ski touring are essential. Each day involves overcoming significant altitude differences (1000 m). During the route, there may be a need for the use of mountaineering equipment (ice axe and crampons).
Included in price
- Guide's fee
- Group equipment
- Assistance in refuges reservation
- Accomodation and food for the guide in Chamonix
- Guide's cable cars in Chamonix
Not included in price
- Avi kit, ski and alpine equipment rental
- Accomodation and food for guest in Chamonix
- Accomodation and food for guest in refuges
- Accomodation and food for the guide in refuges
- Guest's cable cars
- Guide's cable cars in Verbier
- All transfers
To know
The route itself is a little over 100 km long with a total elevation gain of around 8 km. The daily elevation gain typically does not exceed 1000 m. The slope steepness usually stays below 30-35º, although there are descents with ropes where the slope is steeper than 45º. The highest point on the route is the Pigne d'Arolla at 3970m.
Details
- Maximum 6 guests per guide. Optimal - 4 guests.
- Before we start, the guide will provide avalanche safety training, and we will do some warm-up skiing.
- In case of bad weather conditions, there might be a change in the route or off-piste skiing in resorts. Other adjustments are possible by agreement with the guest.
Route
Grands Montets - Refuge d’Argentière - Col du Passon, 3028 m - col du Tour, 3282 m - cabane de Trient 3170 m - col des Ecandies, 2796 m - Champex - Verbier - cabane de Prafleuri, 2624 m - Lac des Dix - Pas du Chat - cabane des Dix, 2928 m - День 5 : Traversée du Pigne d’Arolla, 3790 m - cabane des Vignettes, 3160 m - Col de Charmottane, 3037 m - col de l’Evêque, 3382 m - Bertol 3311 m - Tête Blanche, 3707 m - glacier du Stöckji - Zermatt
Itinerary
Meeting point
Our meeting point is in front of cache desks of Grands Montets Cable Car Station.
Day 1: Grands Montets - Refuge d’Argentière
We meet at 9 am at the Grand Montets cable car station. Equipment check, the guide briefs on the day's plan. Ascent via the cable car. After the cable car, we traverse to the Argentiere Glacier (2771m) and reach the refuge. Overnight stay at the refuge, with hot meals and communal sleeping quarters.
+900 m, 5 hrs skitour.
Day 2: Col du Passon, 3028 m - col du Tour, 3282 m - cabane de Trient 3170 m
After a steep ascent along the moraine of the Argentiere Glacier, we approach the col du Passon, we ascend in crampons, carrying skis. Then, on the Tour Glacier, we approach col du Tour and cross it. We continue across the Trient Glacier. A short ascent leads us to the Trient Hut (3170m). Throughout the day, you're guaranteed breathtaking mountain views.
+1100m -300m, 6-8 hrs skitour.
Day 3 : col des Ecandies, 2796 m - Champex - Verbier - cabane de Prafleuri, 2624 m
A long day in terms of distance, with many memorable ski descents. After the first descent and a short climb without skis to col des Ecandies (2796m), a wonderful descent through the Val d'Arpet brings us to Champex (1500m). From there, we'll take a bus to Verbier and then use the cable car to reach the Col de Chaux (2940m). Another descent, and we leave civilization behind for the next 5 days. But the day is not over yet. The Col de Moma (3015m), followed by a traverse across the glacier to the base of the Rosablanche (3336m). The final descent takes us to the Prafleuri Hut (2624m).
+900 m -2700 m. 7-8 hrs skitour.
Day 4 : Lac des Dix - Pas du Chat - cabane des Dix, 2928 m
A short ascent to the Col des Roux (2780m), then a long traverse along Lake Dix (2385m). Ascent to the Dix Hut. Initially steep, passing through the Pas du Chat, then a more straightforward section, and finally, a steep ascent along the moraine to the hut. Hot dinner, overnight stay.
+800m -450m. 5 hrs skitour.
Day 5 : Traversée du Pigne d’Arolla, 3790 m - cabane des Vignettes, 3160 m
Our path leads along the slopes towards the Pigne d'Arolla summit (3790m), the highest point of the route. The 'Serpentine' is quite steep, and crampons and ice axes might be necessary. Then a long descent to Vignettes. Hot dinner. Overnight stay at the hut.
+900m -700m. 6 hrs skitour.
Day 6 : Col de Charmottane, 3037 m - col de l’Evêque, 3382 m - Bertol 3311 m
Descent to Col de Charmottane (3037m), ascent to col de l’Evêque (3382m), and then a fantastic descent along the Arolla Glacier to Plan de Bertol. A long ascent to the Bertol Hut (3311m). Part of the ascent involves steep metal ladders. Meals and overnight stay at the hut.
+1100m -750m. 7-8 hrs skitour.
Day 7 : Tête Blanche, 3707 m - glacier du Stöckji - Zermatt
After ascending Tête Blanche, the second-highest point of the route, there follows a very long descent along the stunning Stockji Glacier. Views of the Dent d'Hérens and Matterhorn. Then, a descent along the ski runs to Zermatt. Transfer back to Argentiere.
+500m -2100m. 6 hrs.
Possible changes
The guide can make changes to the program based on weather conditions, the physical and psychological condition of the guests, up to its cancellation.
Information
Map
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