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| Chamonix
to Zermatt Haute Route Summer Glacier Trek |
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| Difficulty Dates Maximum
Ratio Day
to day detail, See also: |
Chamonix, Zermatt—the names of these celebrated alpine towns are familiar world-wide. Both lie in the shadows of world-famous peaks, both supported the heroics of the earliest alpinists, and both still draw millions of tourists, trekkers and climbers today. The high glaciated route connecting the two is equally well-known. Since the late 1800's it has drawn walkers from around the world. This demanding, varied route wanders deep among high mountain glaciers and passes, as well as passing through traditional alpine villages and towns providing a huge variety of terrain and scenery. What exactly is the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route? Actually there are three distinct Haute Routes commonly done, and we offer programs for all three:
The route described here is the latter. Though there are many variations possible, it follows more or less the route of the original High Level Route. Our itinerary has us overnighting mostly in catered high mountain huts, but we will also have one night mid-journey to indulge in a hot shower and a comfortable bed in the village of Arolla. This is not by any means a mere hiking trip, but the difficulty of this route is well compensated by stunning views, indelible memories, and the satisfying sense of achievement that follows any great effort. Booking your trip We offer this trip as either an open trip, on which you can sign up by yourself and join a group, or, as a private program for just you and your friends/family. The booking process as well as the fee structure is different depending on whether you would like an open or private trip. For booking on an open trip click though to this page on booking an open trip. For a private trip, please use the forms and procedure as booking for private trekking programs. Guiding fees for both open and private trips can be found here. Group size and composition Kathy will be leading our trip for 2012. Maximum group size is 6 trekkers with Kathy. |
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| Nature of hazards
and difficulty |
The Haute Route is a high mountain route with all that that implies. The route we follow involves travel on glaciers most days, and most of the remaining travel is not on marked or maintained trails. After the first two relatively gentle days, we cover from 10 to 16 kilometers most days and our elevation gains and/or losses per day are usually in excess of 1200 meters. However, the length and difficulty of every day can't be accurately expressed based solely on these statistics. The challenge that they represent is not comparable with the same distance and vertical gain or loss on well-trodden trails. Moving over boulders, ice, soft snow, or scree, especially when the terrain is steep or unstable, can be much more taxing and require care, agility and balance beyond that demanded by hiking on rough trails. Even though we offer this trip in July, when the weather is typically dry and relatively warm, new snow is possible, especially at higher elevations, and this can make travel considerably more difficult. The most significant hazard is injury resulting from a short slip or fall. There are hidden crevasses on snow-covered glaciers, and though these present a concern, even when roped up, crevasse falls are very rare. Rockfall is also a possibility any time we are on steep ground, but again, for most of the route this hazard is not common. Hypothermia is another hazard we need to manage. With proper clothes, however, and being sure to keep warm without sweating, should avoid this problem. Much more common, but not so life-threatening, are blisters and sunburn. |
Prerequisite Skills |
This is a trip for experienced mountain walkers. Previous experience walking on glaciers or with the use of mountaineering equipment, while helpful, is not required. Most important are an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Good agility, a head for heights, and a sense of adventure are also pre-requisites. Experience in off-trail travel and scrambling on rocks and boulders and/or snow hiking is very helpful. On nearly every day we have to cross areas of unstable talus, most commonly at the margins of glaciers. If you are not put off by this thought, then this trip is for you. If rough ground is not your cup of tea, then you should probably consider the "Walker's Haute Route" which stays almost exclusively on trails. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of this trip for you, please contact us. |
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| Trekkers on the Trient Glacier, almost to the Col Supérieur du Tour. Day 2. | |
| Chamonix
to Zermatt Haute Route For more detailed information with maps and photos click this link to see the day-to-day description |
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| Day 1 |
Chamonix to Albert 1er hut. |
| Day 2 |
Albert 1er hut to Cabane d'Orny. |
| Day 3 |
Cabane d'Orny to Chanrion hut. |
| Day 4 |
Chanrion hut to Arolla. |
| Day 5 |
Arolla to Bertol hut. |
| Day 6 |
Bertol hut to Schönbiel hut. |
| Day 7 |
Schönbiel hut to Zermatt. |
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| Almost to the Schönbiel hut under the North Face of the Matterhorn, day 6. | |
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| Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. | |
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Kathy Cosley & Mark Houston AMGA Certified • SNGM members All images, layout and text ©2009 Cosley & Houston Alpine Guides, All Rights Reserved |
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| The peaks on the west and south sides of the Mattertal. | |