Chamonix-Zermatt, The Dream Trekking

The Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route is a trekking that every mountain lover has considered at some point. If it's on your to-do list, now's your chance. Muntania Outdoors suggests you try it this summer, undoubtedly the best time to tackle this demanding, classic trek with the best guarantees. We'll depart from Chamonix and, after 8 days of trekking through the heart of the Alps, we'll reach Zermatt. The highlight of the route is that we'll leave with a deep understanding of the mountains of the Swiss Canton of Valais, as we'll cross a large number of valleys until we reach our final destination. We'll also be able to rest each day in mountain huts and hotels and sample regional cuisine.

The concept of the High Level Route was born with the Chamonix-Zermatt route. At the end of the 19th century, the Alpine Club (United Kingdom) proposed a summer route between these two Alpine towns, which they called "The High Level Route." It wasn't until 1911 that the route was completed on skis for the first time, and that both the concept and the name took hold. Since then, the term "High Level Route" has been used to refer to multi-day mountain routes from refuge to refuge.

Although its classic status is not only due to its history, but also to the beauty of its route. Throughout the route, we will enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and the highest glaciers in the Alps, and after eight days, we will complete our epic journey by reaching Zermatt and, of course, enjoying one of the most beautiful mountains anywhere, we are referring to the emblematic Matterhorn.

Category:

Description

The Destination
Our trek begins in Chamonix, the hub for most Mont Blanc expeditions, although the highest peak in the EU (4,810m) is actually located in the municipality of Saint Gervais. It is from Chamonix that the rush to reach this coveted summit begins: Mont Blanc, which remains unfinished to this day, leading the authorities to attempt to control access.

Chamonix is ​​the capital of mountaineering and Mont Blanc. Its inhabitants even managed to change its name to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in 1916. And it is here where we can get closer to the feelings of those who first set foot there. It is the epic story of Horace-Bénédit de Saussure, a 19th-century French aristocrat and considered the father of mountaineering, who encouraged Paccard and Balmat to undertake the first ascent. A year later, Sausure and Balmatl reached the summit, ceasing to be considered the Cursed Mountain. The Olympic Games held here in 1924 are also part of its history.

Otro de los lugares imprescindibles para el alpinismo, y final de nuestra la ruta, es Zermatt, comuna suiza del cantón del Valaisy una de las estaciones de esquí más conocidas y exclusivas de Suiza, donde El Cervino o Matterhornes el protagonista: nadie escapa a su atracción. Es considerado el rey de las montañas o la montaña perfecta, es la cumbre más fotografiada del mundo y el monumento natural más famoso de Suiza.
La conquista del Matterhorn es la historia de Edward Whympery su trágico descenso que forman parte de la historia del alpinismo. Para estar a la altura no debes dejar de hacerte la foto desde la iglesia con el Matterhorn de fondo, y visitar el hotel Monte Rosa, base de operaciones de Whymper.
Es un trekking que te adentra en el corazón más auténtico y conocido de los Alpes y también en la historia del alpinismo.

Basic Information
Destination: Mont Blanc Massif (France, Italy, Switzerland).
Activity: Trekking.
Level: NF***-NT **/***
Duration: 10 days.
Season: July to September.
Minimum-maximum group size: 5-12 people.

3.1 Physical level and type of terrain for this trip

Physical Level Elevation + accumulated Kms Physical condition
* Forest tracks or trails in good condition   up to 16 km   Normal: practicing sports sporadically
** Forest tracks or trails in good condition  up to 23 km  Good: practicing sports regularly
*** Forest tracks or trails in good condition  greater than 23 km  Very good: practicing sports regularly

(Just because it's a certain level doesn't mean the stages must have the elevation gain and kilometers shown in the table. For example, we can have a level *** with 1,300 meters of positive elevation gain and the stage has 12 km)

Observations. On day 6 of the program, the final meters before reaching the Pas de Chévres are special, as a wonderful metal structure composed of walkways and two flights of stairs will help us reach the last pass of the day. On this occasion, the Swiss are clear: the most important thing is the hiker's safety, and they have replaced the old structure with this new one, which makes the pass accessible and safe.

4. Program

Below you can see the summary program (day's objective, kilometers and elevation gains) and the detailed program with a description of the most relevant aspects of each day.

4.1 Program Summary
Day 1. Arrival in Chamonix. Reception of participants and briefing about the trek.
Night in Chamonix.
Day 2. Chamonix Valley (Col de Balme) 2,204 – Champex (1,466 m).
Distance: 19 km Elevation gain: + 1,000 m Elevation gain: -1,650 m
Day 3. Champex (1,466 m) – Orsieres-Mont Brulé (2,568 m) – Cabane de Mille (2,473 m) – Cabane Brunet (2,100 m).
Distance: 21 km Elevation gain: + 1,900 m Elevation gain: –750 m
On this stage, we take an early bus because if The stage distance wouldn't be much longer. If you'd like, you can take a taxi directly to the small town of Commeire.
By taxi. Distance: 16 km Elevation gain: + 1,300 m Elevation gain: -750 m
If Cabane Brunet is full, you can also spend the night at Cabane de Mille
Day 4. Cabane Brunet (2,100 m) – Fionnay (1,490 m) – Cabane de Louvie (2,250 m)
From a bird's-eye view, we travel through the Verbier Valley along a very entertaining mid-altitude path. The descent to Fionnay is short but intense, and after lunch in a charming little bar in a typical Swiss village, we'll tackle the final climb of the day.
Cabane de Louvie is located opposite a mountain lake with the best views of the Grand Combin.
Distance: 11 km Elevation gain: + 1,000 m Elevation gain: - 800 m
Day 5. Cabane de Louvie (2,250 m) – Col Louvie (2,921 m) – Col de Prafleuri (2,987 m) – Cabane de Prafleuri (2,262 m).
We'll pass through the highest point of the entire trek. to the Col de Prafleuri at 2,987 m. A spectacular day, with varied terrain and wonderful views as we skirt the Roseblanche glaciers in a high mountain landscape surrounded by magnificent peaks. We bid farewell to the Gran Combin, which has been our companion for two days.
Distance: 13 km Elevation gain: + 1,100 m Elevation gain: -700 m
Day 6. Cabane de Prafleuri (2,262 m) – Col des Roux (2,804 m) – Lac des Dix (2,372 m) – Pas de Chévres (2,855 m) – Arolla (2,005 m) / La Sage.
Now in the heart of the Swiss Valais, we will hike up to Lac des Dix and enjoy the company of other peaks such as Mont Blanc de Cheilon with its characteristic overhanging north face. through ice seracs and on the descent to Arolla del Pigne d'Arolla, also with ice-covered walls.
It's hard to say which stage is the most beautiful, which is the most spectacular, but what we can say is that today we will travel through a natural museum of glaciation, crossing moraines, lakes, and other geomorphological whimsies resulting from glacial activity.
The final meters before reaching the Pas de Chévresson are special, as a wonderful metal structure composed of walkways and two flights of stairs will help us reach the last pass of the day. This time, the Swiss are clear: the most important thing is the safety of the hiker, and they have replaced the old structure with this new one, which makes the pass accessible and safe.
Distance: 18 km. Elevation gain: +750 m. Elevation gain: –1,350 m
Day 7. La Sage (1,667 m) – Col de Torrent (2,916 m) – Barrage de Moiry (2,250 m) – Col de Sorebois (2,835 m) – Zinal (1,675 m).
Early morning transfer from Arolla to La Sage by taxi (25 minutes) and start of the route.
This stage runs through green alpine meadows and ends in the famous Zinal valley. A long climb to the Col de Torrent, but with a relaxed pace and timely breaks, you can reach it with less effort than expected. The descent to Moiry is best left undescribed, as it would fall short of describing the views and details of this alpine corner.
And after enjoying a picnic and a good beer by Lake Moiry, we'll only have one more climb to reach the Zinal Valley.
Distance: 22 km. Elevation gain: + 1,850 m. Elevation gain: -1,850 m
We have never done this full day as it would be very tough, not only because of the elevation gain and - but also because of the accumulation of days in the mountains and what lies ahead.
With escape routes option 1. Based on experience from other editions, we have always taken this option, even with strong participants, since the

5. More information
Precio.1.490euros.

5.1 Includes

  • Mountain guide during the trek.
  • 1 noche de albergue en el valle de Chamonix en régimen de alojamiento y desayuno (consultar suplemento por habitación en hotel endoble e individual).
  • One night's accommodation in a double room with breakfast in the Zermatt Valley. Individual accommodations available upon request.
  • 7 noches de alojamiento en régimen de media pensión en refugios y hoteles durante el trekking.
  • Transport Chamonix-Le Tour, Arolla-La Sage and between St Niklaus and Täsch/Zermatt.
  • Accident and rescue insurance.
  • Reservation management.
  • Short-sleeved technical T-shirt ideal for trekking.

5.2 Includes

  • Plane ticket to Geneva (approx. €200-250 depending on the departure airport). €30 handling fee if purchased through Muntania Outdoors.
  • Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and Zermattal Valley to Geneva Airport (see comments section). Muntania charges a 10 euro service fee per trip (two trips) if the purchase is made through us.
  • Tasch-Zermatt in case your last day's accommodation is in Tasch and you want to go up to see Zermatt.
  • Bus or taxi from Champex to Orsières or Commeire (around €10 per person).
  • Cable car pass, 3 different ones €75 in total approximately.
  • Lunches. These will be served on the mountain, including sandwiches, fruit, etc. These can be purchased daily at the refuge.
  • Drinks not included in the shelter menu.
  • In some shelters, you have to pay a fee (between €3 and €5) to use the shower.
  • Any change in the itinerary due to weather or any other force majeure causes expenses greater than budgeted. In this case, the difference from the budgeted amount would be passed on.

5.3 Required equipment and clothing for trekking
It's important to pack light weight in your backpack for comfortable walking, so it's recommended to bring only the essential equipment and clothing. You can hand-wash some clothes each day, and you shouldn't carry any food. We'll advise you to ensure your backpack weighs no more than 8-10 kilos.

  • Backpack (between 30-40 liters).
  • Trekking boots or hiking shoes. Do not wear trail running shoes.
  • Telescopic poles.
  • Ropa técnica
    • Socks.
    • Pantalón corto y largo ligero tipo trekking
    • Thermal shirt (base layer). One spare.
    • Fleece lining or similar (second layer).
    • Gore-Tex type jacket (third layer).
    • Chaqueta de primaloft o plumas ligera y fina.
    • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Front (spare batteries).
  • I took a sheet and a very small, light towel.
  • Canteen or Camelbak type water bag, minimum 1 liter.
  • First aid kit and personal toiletry bag.
  • Sunscreen and lip protection.
  • Camera.
  • Telescopic poles.

5.4 Notes
Date Flexibility

We always offer multiple departures on various dates, but we also adapt trips to your availability. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us if the dates do not suit you, and we will schedule a departure for you.
Meeting Time and Place
7 to 5 days before the start of the trip, we will send you information about the meeting place and time, as well as the name and phone number of the guide who will accompany the group. We will also send you other useful information that will facilitate your final preparations.
Plane Ticket (if necessary)
If you are interested in having us manage your ticket, please let us know, including the departure and return airports and whether you would like to check a bag in the plane's hold. If you can fit the telescopic poles in your suitcase, you will not have to check a second bag. We will inform you of the price before purchasing the ticket. We use our search engines to find the lowest possible price. If you arrange the ticket yourself, you must ask us for the meeting place (airport or hotel) and time before purchasing, as well as the return flight information, so we can coordinate the meeting of the group and the tour guide.
We recommend packing only the essentials in your carry-on bag so you can still take the excursions if your suitcase doesn't arrive.
Muntania Outdoors charges a €30 ticket issuance fee if you choose to have us handle the ticket purchase process. This service does not include check-in prior to your flight (you will have to do this yourself). If for any reason beyond Muntania Outdoors' control you need to cancel your flight, it will be your responsibility to arrange the arrangements with the airline. If the airline cancels your flight and offers us a similar option, we will accept the change without further consultation and will send you the new schedule. If the airline cancels your flight, we will refund you once the ticket cost has been reimbursed. If the airline cancels your flight and you wish to file a claim, you will be responsible for completing the required procedures. If you would like us to arrange another flight for you, as this involves processing a new ticket, it will cost an additional €30.
If you are the one purchasing your flight, please check the schedules so we can better coordinate arrival and departure times with the rest of your group. We recommend that, if your trip requires stopovers, you always purchase the full ticket, either through an airline that operates all segments of the journey with its own planes or through other airlines that are part of the airline alliance to which it belongs, so that the purchase is made in a single payment. If, on the other hand, you choose to purchase a one-way or return ticket with stopovers, and each stopover requires a purchase with different airlines, if one airline cancels the flight or arrives late, preventing you from catching the next flight, it will be difficult or impossible for one airline to take responsibility for missing the next flight. Choosing to book a one-way ticket with a different airline than the return ticket may also be an option to find better schedules.
Airport-Chamonix Transfer. Zermatt Valley-Geneva
We arrange your transfer from the airport to Chamonix with a local company. You will be picked up and taken to the Chamonix station without much waiting.
For the return trip from Zermatt Valley to Geneva, we arrange a transfer for the entire group or a train.
We do not include these transfers in the total trip price because it is common for people to travel earlier, stay an extra day in the area, or do not require transportation. We charge 10 euros each way for the transfer to Chamonix and the train back to Geneva.
The approximate price of the transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix is ​​25 euros, and from Zermatt-Tasch to Geneva Airport is around 70 euros.
Backpacking during the trek
It's important to pack light to walk comfortably, so it's recommended to bring only essential clothing and equipment. You can hand-wash some clothes each day, and you shouldn't carry food. We'll advise you to ensure your backpack weighs no more than 6-10 kilos.
We don't trek on glaciers, so crampons and ice axes are not necessary.
Accommodation
In Chamonix, you'll sleep in a hostel in a shared room for up to 4 people. You can choose between double or single rooms in a hotel. The last night in Tasch-Zermatt will be in a hostel in a double room. You have the option to request an individual supplement. Ask and we'll inform you about the options.
The shelter selection may change, and one shelter may be substituted for another in the area, depending on the area.

  • Mountain rescue up to €6,000
  • Medical expenses due to illness or accident: up to €30,000
  • Repatriation or medical transport: unlimited.
  • Early return for justified reasons: unlimited.
  • Lost, stolen or damaged luggage: up to €600.

You also have the option of purchasing justified cause cancellation insurance with the Iris Global Insurance, which we include in your trip for a cost of €20 for every €1,000 insured, with a maximum insured amount of €3,000. This insurance must be purchased at the time of booking your trip. If it is not purchased in time, there is a 72-hour waiting period during which you will not be covered if you have to cancel for a justified cause.

Además, ofrecemos un seguro anual con Intermundial que además de cubrir su viaje también cubre cualquier otro viaje dentro del periodo de contratación de este. Intermundial también ofrece este seguro con la opción de cancelación por las causas justificadas en sus condiciones.
Puede ver la información del seguro de viaje que ofrecemos y de Intermundial en el siguiente enlace:

Muntania. Seguros.
Seguro de viaje incluido
* Seguro de viaje incluido. Teléfono de asistencia 24h de Iris Global: 91 572 43 43
** Es responsabilidad del cliente dar parte del accidente a la aseguradora con la mayor brevedad posible indicando al operador su nombre completo y número de DNI.
*** Según donde ocurra el incidente, el cliente puede verse obligado a adelantar el pago si la compañía aseguradora lo indica siendo devuelto por parte de esta posteriormente. En cualquier caso, Muntania Outdoors S.L. no es responsable de adelantar cualquier pago requerido.
Otras cuestiones
La selección de los itinerarios puede sufrir cambios por motivos meteorológicos o por cualquier otra causa que haga no seguro el recorrido. En ese caso el guía del viaje buscará la mejor de las alternativas posibles.
Una vez iniciado el viaje, cualquier cambio del itinerario ajeno a Muntania Outdoors (por ejemplo, causa meteorológicos) que genere un gasto no presupuestado será asumido por los participantes.

5.5 Links of interest

  • Chamonix Valley Information
  • Information about the Zermatt Valley

5.5 Links of interest

  • Ideal para conocer a fondo parte de los Alpes suizos.
  • Uno de los trekkings más deseados del mundo.
  • Paisaje alpino inigualable.
  • Llegada a Zermatt a los pies del Matterhon.
  • Fabulosos refugios de montaña.

6. Other similar trips

  • Monte Rosa Tour walking through Walser territory
  • Matterhorn Tour. Alps
  • Tour of Mont Blanc. The most coveted trek in the Alps.
  • Gran Paradiso, trekking through the wildest Alps
  • Ecrins trekking. GR-54. French Alps
  • Trekking in the Brenta and Adamello Dolomites, Italy
  • Dolomitas, trekking con historia en los Alpes italianos
  • Alta Via 1. The great trekking of the Dolomites

7. Contacto
Muntania Outdoors, S.L.U. CICMA: 2608
+34 626 379 894  info@mutania.com  https://www.muntania.com/
c/ Las Cruces Nº 1, portal 2, 2ºC, 28491 Navacerrada (España).