Skitour Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
The classic ski tour
Endurance
5Walking time more than 10 hours. Over 1800 metres in altitude. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests.
Technique
3You are experienced in the terrain. You are proficient in hairpin bends, even in steeper terrain (35°), can ski in a controlled manner in all types of snow and can move safely and with stamina on ascents.
Duration
6 daysAbout 6-7 h per day
Date
Mid-March - Mid-May
Participants
1 - 6 people
Gallery (5)
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is the most famous ski tour in the Alps. It connects the mountaineering metropolises of Chamonix and Zermatt in five to six days and covers 94 km, 6,700 m ascent and around 8,345 m descent. Along the way, you will cross eleven high passes and move between the highest peaks in the Alps; the highest point is at 3,787 m. Glacier valleys, long ascents at dawn and spectacular deep-snow descents make this tour an incomparable experience.
Highlights
Description
The Haute Route begins in the village before Chamonix (Argentière), where you will meet your mountain guide. Together you take the cable car to Aguille des Grands Montets 3,233 m, where the first descent awaits.
The next few days are characterized by ascents over breathtaking passes and descents over spectacular glaciers, with each day ending with food and good conversation in the mountain huts before the next day starts.
From France, the route crosses the Alps, over the Swiss border and into the Upper Valais to Zermatt - a classic multi-day tour and a must for passionate ski tourers!
Program
Day 1: Argentière - Cabane du Trient
- Meet at 9:00 a.m. with your local, IFMGA-certified mountain guide in Argentière
- Joint cable car ride to the Aguille des Grands Montets mountain station (3'233 m)
- Descent to 2'532 m and ascent to Col du Chardonnet (3'323 m) via the Glacier du Chardonnet
- Descent to 3'091 m, ascent to Fenêtre de Saleina, and descent to Cabane du Trient (3'170 m)
Day 2: Cabane du Trient - Cabane du Mont Fort
- Ascent to the Aiguille du Tour and descent through the Val d'Arpette via the Col des Ecandies (2'796 m)
- Taxi ride to Verbier
- Train ride to the Cabane du Mont Fort (2'457 m)
Day 3: Cabane du Mont Fort - Cabane de Prafleuri
- Ascent to Col de la Chaux (2'940 m) and descent to 2'764 m
- Ascent to Rosablanche (3'336 m) via Col de Moming (3'003 m)
- Descent to Cabane de Prafleuri (2'624 m)
Day 4: Cabane de Prafleuri - Cabane des Dix
- Ascent to Col de Roux (2'804 m) and descent to La Barma (2'458 m)
- Ascent to Cabane des Dix (2'928 m)
Day 5: Cabane des Dix - Cabane des Vignettes
- Ascent to Pigne d'Arolla (3'796 m) via Col de la Serpentine
- Descent to Cabane des Vignettes (3'194 m)
Day 6: Cabane des Vignettes - Zermatt
- Descent and ascent to Col d'Evèque (3'292 m)
- Descent and ascent to Col du Mont Brulé (3'213 m)
- Ascent to Col de Valpelline (3'568 m)
- Descent via the Stockji and Zmutt glaciers to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Possible train and cab rides
- Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person and per day from 5.00 p.m. the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 5 p.m. at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt or Chamonix
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Backpack should not weigh more than 8-9 kg (skis must be able to be tied on)
- skins
- crampons
- crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet (optional)
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Headlamp
- Silk sleeping bag (obligatory)
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Wash kit
- Minimal spare underwear
- Plasters
- Personal pharmacy
- Cash, identity card
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
General information about the Haute Route
- The route starts in France, passes through the Lower Valais (also French-speaking) and ends in the Upper Valais, which is part of German-speaking Switzerland. For a short stretch you are even in Italy!
- The Haute Route connects the two most important destinations for mountaineers: Chamonix and Zermatt, making it the ultimate ski tour across the Alps.
- The five huts on the Haute Route are all located in French-speaking Switzerland.
- Length: 94 km
Special features of the Haute Route
- At 3,787 m, the Pigne d'Arolla is the highest point on the Haute Route.
- You enjoy six days in the Alps, in a safe environment and with a certified ZERMATTERS guide at your side.
Safety and risk warnings
Even though the tour is not technically very difficult, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by a professional and equipped with the necessary safety equipment on ZERMATTERS. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Haute Route, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
- Endurance
5Walking time more than 10 hours. Over 1800 metres in altitude. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests. - Technique
3You are experienced in the terrain. You are proficient in hairpin bends, even in steeper terrain (35°), can ski in a controlled manner in all types of snow and can move safely and with stamina on ascents. - Duration
6 daysAbout 6-7 h per day - Date
Mid-March - Mid-May - Participants
1 - 6 people
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is the most famous ski tour in the Alps. It connects the mountaineering metropolises of Chamonix and Zermatt in five to six days and covers 94 km, 6,700 m ascent and around 8,345 m descent. Along the way, you will cross eleven high passes and move between the highest peaks in the Alps; the highest point is at 3,787 m. Glacier valleys, long ascents at dawn and spectacular deep-snow descents make this tour an incomparable experience.
Highlights
Date
Daily from mid-March to the beginning of May, depending on the conditions and availability in the huts
Description
The Haute Route begins in the village before Chamonix (Argentière), where you will meet your mountain guide. Together you take the cable car to Aguille des Grands Montets 3,233 m, where the first descent awaits.
The next few days are characterized by ascents over breathtaking passes and descents over spectacular glaciers, with each day ending with food and good conversation in the mountain huts before the next day starts.
From France, the route crosses the Alps, over the Swiss border and into the Upper Valais to Zermatt - a classic multi-day tour and a must for passionate ski tourers!
Program
Day 1: Argentière - Cabane du Trient
- Meet at 9:00 a.m. with your local, IFMGA-certified mountain guide in Argentière
- Joint cable car ride to the Aguille des Grands Montets mountain station (3'233 m)
- Descent to 2'532 m and ascent to Col du Chardonnet (3'323 m) via the Glacier du Chardonnet
- Descent to 3'091 m, ascent to Fenêtre de Saleina, and descent to Cabane du Trient (3'170 m)
Day 2: Cabane du Trient - Cabane du Mont Fort
- Ascent to the Aiguille du Tour and descent through the Val d'Arpette via the Col des Ecandies (2'796 m)
- Taxi ride to Verbier
- Train ride to the Cabane du Mont Fort (2'457 m)
Day 3: Cabane du Mont Fort - Cabane de Prafleuri
- Ascent to Col de la Chaux (2'940 m) and descent to 2'764 m
- Ascent to Rosablanche (3'336 m) via Col de Moming (3'003 m)
- Descent to Cabane de Prafleuri (2'624 m)
Day 4: Cabane de Prafleuri - Cabane des Dix
- Ascent to Col de Roux (2'804 m) and descent to La Barma (2'458 m)
- Ascent to Cabane des Dix (2'928 m)
Day 5: Cabane des Dix - Cabane des Vignettes
- Ascent to Pigne d'Arolla (3'796 m) via Col de la Serpentine
- Descent to Cabane des Vignettes (3'194 m)
Day 6: Cabane des Vignettes - Zermatt
- Descent and ascent to Col d'Evèque (3'292 m)
- Descent and ascent to Col du Mont Brulé (3'213 m)
- Ascent to Col de Valpelline (3'568 m)
- Descent via the Stockji and Zmutt glaciers to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Possible train and cab rides
- Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person and per day from 5.00 p.m. the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 5 p.m. at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt or Chamonix
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the Haute Route, you should definitely have this equipment with you.
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Backpack should not weigh more than 8-9 kg (skis must be able to be tied on)
- skins
- crampons
- crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet (optional)
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Headlamp
- Silk sleeping bag (obligatory)
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Wash kit
- Minimal spare underwear
- Plasters
- Personal pharmacy
- Cash, identity card
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
General information about the Haute Route
- The route starts in France, passes through the Lower Valais (also French-speaking) and ends in the Upper Valais, which is part of German-speaking Switzerland. For a short stretch you are even in Italy!
- The Haute Route connects the two most important destinations for mountaineers: Chamonix and Zermatt, making it the ultimate ski tour across the Alps.
- The five huts on the Haute Route are all located in French-speaking Switzerland.
- Length: 94 km
Special features of the Haute Route
- At 3,787 m, the Pigne d'Arolla is the highest point on the Haute Route.
- You enjoy six days in the Alps, in a safe environment and with a certified ZERMATTERS guide at your side.
Meeting point and program
At 09:00 a.m. at the Grands Montets valley station and joint cable car ride to the Aguille des Grands Montets and start of the Haute Route.
Safety and risk warnings
Even though the tour is not technically very difficult, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by a professional and equipped with the necessary safety equipment on ZERMATTERS. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Haute Route, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
