The Haute Route Trek Chamonix - Zermatt in 7 Days

June - September.
Dates: 25-31 July 2010, 15-21 August 2010 & 29 August -4 September 2010

This trek, which links the two alpine capitals, is a multi-day hut to hut adventure traversing alpine valleys, alpine meadows and snow covered glaciers. This is a wonderful voyage with constantly changing scenery, as one passes by some of the most impressive alpine summits. It is guaranteed to leave an unforgettable impression on your memory.

Arrival day
Meet up in the evening, talk and check gear.
Day 1
We have an early start from Le Tour village where we take the chair lift to the Col de Balme. From there, walking starts! An ascending traverses to the Albert 1er hut. At the hut, we take a short break. From leaving the hut, we are quickly on the Tour glacier. Basic instruction is given on: cramponing, moving together on a rope and crevasse recue. Then, we ascend and traverse the Col Superior du Tour (3288m) into Switzerland. From the col, we traverse the Plateau du Trient to the Trient hut (3170m).

Day 2
We descend the Val d’Orny, first on the glacier, then, on a contouring path to the Breya chair-lift. From there, we take the lift down to Champex village. Champex is a beautiful quiet village. There should be time to enjoy a coffee and a cake by the lake side. We leave Champex on wheels, taking a taxi to the village of Mauvoisin which is at the head of the Mauvoisin Lake. Again, on foot, we traverse the Dam, then, we walk above the lake and across alpine meadows where in the early summer, there is a multitude of alpine wild flowers. Three to four hours of walking brings us to the Chanrion hut (3160m).
Day 3
We ascend the long and never ending Otemma glacier to the impressively situated Vignettes hut (3160m).
Day 4
We climb the Pigne d’Arolla (3772m). This is the highest point of the trek with a stunning panoramic view all over the Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn and to the Bernese Oberland. We then descend to the village of Arolla. That night, we stay at the comfortable Hotel Kurhaus (2100m). This hotel is hidden in a magnificent forest of arolle pines with a view onto the Mont Collon.
Day 5
We walk along the flat valley which is dominated by the Mont Collon. From there, an ascending zigzagging path leads us to the Plans de Bertol (2664m) where we have a merited lunch break. Then, we go up to the Bertol hut (3268m) which is impressively perched on a rocky ridge accessed by ladders.
Day 6
This is the big day! From leaving the Bertol hut, we are at high altitude walking roped together. We cross the Mont Miné glacier to the Tête Blanche (3710m). Then, we descent the Stochji glacier. Along the way, we have stunning views of the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn. Finally, a rocky scramble leads up to the Schonbiel hut (2694m), which is situated on a moraine shelf opposite the Matterhorn.
Day 7
We enjoy a leisurely 3-4 hours walk into Zermatt.

Generally, after having a drink and a meal most groups take a taxi back to Chamonix.

Participants fitness level:
One should already be a keen hill walker with a good physical condition and be able to walk for 8 hours a day carrying a rucksack of 10 kg.
Price: Per participant 550 Euros. Maximum guide/client ratio 1/6 . This trek will run with a minimum of 4 participants.
Included in the trek fee: Guiding and instruction by a IFMGA certified mountain guide, loan of climbing harness.
Not included in the trek fee: Clients personal equipment, accommodation, any form of transport, meals and drinks. At the clients charge is the guide’s living costs during the trek.
Note. This itinerary can be changed by the guide at anytime, depending on the weather, snow conditions and the safety of the group.

I also offer other high level routes such as Monte Rosa and the Bernese Oberland

INSURANCE:
It is essential to be adequately insured by a specialist company, which must cover all mountaineering activities. Also consider travel insurance.
You can consult: The Austrian Alpine Club or The British Mountaineering Council.