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Hiking Chamonix to Zermatt
Duration:
6 days
Level:
Level 1: You have never practiced.
Level 2: You have some initial experience.
Level 3: You practice occasionally.
Level 4: You practice regularly.
Level 5: You have a sustained practice.
Price from: 1 525€
General information
Chamonix and Zermatt, the two main capitals of the Alps! The Mont-Blanc Massif and the Swiss Valais encompass 69 out of 82 peaks in the Alps that exceed 4000 meters. The spectacle offered by these mountains is grandiose, and the history of their valleys and inhabitants is powerful: everything invites us to travel, to discover these riches. Our alpine trek crosses several Valais valleys on varied trails and terrains, through landscapes sometimes lush, sometimes rocky. Each day, our route offers breathtaking panoramas over 4000-meter peaks: Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Matterhorn... This varied itinerary meanders along glaciers and lakes, pastures and villages and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. Luggage is transported by taxi for almost the entire route, and you will stay in small local hotels, dormitory-style refuges, or small rooms. Transfers are also done by taxi. You only need to carry your daypack, and daily picnics are organized by the accommodations.
This journey is part of a series of programs we have developed to extend the experience of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Our itinerary, connecting Chamonix to Zermatt, or our route straddling the Valais and Bernese Alps, will allow you to enjoy the picturesque ambiance of the Swiss Alps. Similarly, our route in the Grand Paradis National Park or around the Ruitor will let you savor a bit more of the Italian Dolce Vita in the heart of Val d'Aoste.
Group booking
The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : See below for the group booking module
Price 2024 : 1525€ per person - based on a minimum of 7 participants
This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (4-bed room & dormitory)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- shuttle back to Chamonix
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended
Private booking
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your guide who will meet your specific needs. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal formula that guarantees you maximum comfort. Accommodation and itinerary can be tailored, and you are free to choose your departure date depending on accommodation availability.
Prices 2024 :
1 person : 7870€ per person
2 people : 4450€ par person
3 people : 3310€ par person
4 people : 2740€ par person
5 people : 2400€ par person
6 people : 2170€ par person
7 people : 2010€ par person
8 people : 1885€ par person
9 people : 1790€ par person
10 people : 1715€ par person
11 people : 1655€ par person
12 perople : 1525€ par person
The price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (4-bed room & dormitory)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- shuttle back to Chamonix
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience
Meeting point : Meet at 8.30 am in front of the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix.
Ability level : 4/5 - The Chamonix Zermatt haute route is a strenuous trek. A minimum of 800m (2700ft) and a maximum of 1380m (4527ft) vertical gain and about 8 hours of hiking daily day. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including out-of-trail sections. For active people who do not mind training to prepare for the hike. A great multiday hike for people with trekking experience.
Itinerary: The guide may need to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions and/or the physical and/or technical abilities of the group
Guiding policy : minimum 7 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice. Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.
Accomodation :
- During the trip : 1 night at Fluhalp mountain hut (quadruple rooms), 1 night in an inn (in room or small dormitory) and 3 nights in a hotel (double room*). Luggage transported by a taxi along the trip except on day 5.
* For people signing up alone, we cannot guarantee that you will share your room with a person of the same gender.
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.
Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Preparing for the trip : An information meeting with your guide is scheduled the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagie des Guides office. We highly recommend your participation, as this meeting provides an opportunity to fine-tune your preparation.
Documents available for download
Equipment
Weight is a hiker's adversary, so it is crucial to carefully select your equipment as it plays a key role in ensuring the success of your trip
Your gear
-A 30L backpack
-A compact and sturdy travel bag, maximum 15 kg
-A pair of top quality hiking boots
-A pair of telescopic poles
-A hat or cap
-A warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long and short-sleeved T-shirts
-A polar fleece
-A warm down jacket
-A Gore-Tex waterproof jacket
-A rain poncho
-A hiking trouser
-A Gore-Tex waterproof trouser
-A short
-A pair of gloves
-Hiking-appropriate socks
-A minimum 2L water bottle
-A pocketknife and a spork
-A flashlight or headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-A sleeping bag liner
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs, and toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister pads like Compeed, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
ID, money for personal expenses
-Spare shoes
-Flip flops for the hut with no luggage access
-Spare clothes as per your preference
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Aiguillette des Posettes
We leave the Trélechamps hamlet and take a path which works its way up through a forest of spruce and pine trees to join the stunning belvedere of the Aiguillette des Posettes (7,221ft). There are stunning, wide panoramic views from here. We descend towards the Col des Posettes and make the most of the Vallorcine gondola to rejoin the valley. A bus transfer takes us into Switzerland, to the Lac des Dix (about 1h30 driving). We sleep at the hotel du Barrage de la Grande Dixence, which used to accomodate the builders of the river dam. Night in hotel.
Elevation gain : 3,000 feet - Vertical loss : 3,000 feet - Distance : 6 miles
Day 2
Lac des Dix - Arolla
Walking along the Lac des Dix, we can see the Mont-Blanc de Cheilon. At the end of the lake, we cross the Pas du Chat (7,782ft), allowing us to go through the other side of the lake. This is the start of a long hike up along the Cheilon glacier's moraine. We go across the Pas de Chèvres (9,366ft) and its ladders. We finally descend to Arolla, while admiring the beautiful Tsijiorne Nouve glacier and the top of Matterhorn. Amazing ! Night in the charming village of Arolla.
Elevation gain : 4,000 feet - Vertical loss : 5,000 feet - Distance : 11 miles
Day 3
Arolla - Grimentz
Quick transfer in the morning to Le Cotter, above the Haudères village. We enjoy a pleasant walk up to the Col de Torrent (9,566ft). The track here passes through a picture postcard backdrop of high-mountain pastures and the Dent Blanche to the Lac de Moiry. From here there are stunning views of the Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn and Obergabelhorn. We explore the Val d’Anniviers and the extremely pretty village of Grimentz. Night in hotel.
Elevation gain : 3,000 feet - Vertical loss : 2,000 feet - Distance : 6 mile
Day 4
Saint-Luc - Grüben
We take the local bus to get to the village of Saint-Luc starting point of our hike. Our path quickly abandons the forest to offer us an alpine setting. We will enjoy the splendid landscape and many lakes that we find on our climb to the Meidpass (9,074ft). Navigating through the rocky landscape, we descend to the lush Swiss alpine pastures to the village of Grüben. This village, where we spend the night, is only occupied in the summer and lies in the Turtmann valley (Turtmanntal). Night in the Schwarzhorn Hotel.
Elevation gain : 4,000 feet - Vertical loss : 3,000 feet - Distance : 8 miles
Day 5
Taësch Alp - Fluhalp Hut
The day begins with a 1½ hour transfer. The minibus takes us to Täsch Alp in the Mattertal (Matter valley). We start our walk in the Täsch pastures. There are peaks strung out all around us - the Weisshorn, Alphubel, Allalinhorn - as well as the Rimpfischlhorn glacier, all offering up stunning views. The path climbs up to the beautiful Pfulwe pass (10,351ft) from where there are breathtaking views of the Monte Rosa peaks - the Dufourspitz and the Breithorn to name but two - and, of course, the much coveted Matterhorn. We continue as far as the Fluhalp hut, an incredible location! No access to luggage.
Elevation gain : 3,000 feet - Vertical loss : 1,100 feet - Distance : 6 miles
Day 6
Zermatt
We descend to the Grüen lake, at the foot of the Hohälli. A final climb through grasses and scree lifts us onto the Riffelberg plateau and the station of the famous Gornergrat cog railway. We are in the heart of the Monte Rosa and the view here is spectacular. We, of course, take the train down before continuing our journey through the legendary Zermatt valley, and its combination of tradition and modernity. We now have some spare time to explore the small streets of Zermatt. At 3pm a taxi takes us back to Chamonix (roughly 2½ hour drive). End of trip.
Elevation gain : 2,000 feet - Vertical loss : 2,000 feet - Distance : 5 miles
Booking
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Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 107 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 107 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 10.7€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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