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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
The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix shares its favourite destinations in Switzerland and Italy with you. These tours are a must and guarantee a total escape. Here you can discover the local natural and cultural heritage, while admiring the most famous peaks in the Alps:
- Chamonix to Zermatt, 6 days: Hike the famous Haute Route
- Verbier to Zermatt, 7 days: Discover the wonders of the Valais mountain range
- Gran Paradiso National Park, 7 days: Immersion an the heart of the Valle d’Aosta
The Haute Route From Chamonix to Zermatt : the two great capitals of the Alps. The Mont Blanc Massif and the Valais Alps alone include no less than 69 of the 82 peaks on the official list of summits over 4000m. The spectacular mountain views, the long history of these valleys and their people… Everything here invites us to a journey to explore the heritage of these places.
Our hike takes us to several valleys in the Valais region, crossing a variety of trails and terrains, through green, but also rocky sceneries. Every day our circuit is overlooked by summits of over 4000m: Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Matterhorn ... This varied itinerary going along glaciers and lakes, pastures and small villages, is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps.
Benefit from the knowledge of our mountain leaders without worrying about the logistics. Our luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel throughout the stay, except on the first and last evening when we sleep in mountain huts.
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
- transfers throughout the hike
- shuttle back to Chamonix
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, maximum 15kg - No hard-shell suitcase)
WARNING : Bags weighing more than 15KG cannot be transported under the terms of the legislation applicable to the transport code.
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 mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.
Prices 2024 :
1 person : 7870€ per person | 7 people : 2010€ par person
2 people : 4450€ par person | 8 people : 1885€ par person
3 people : 3310€ par person | 9 people : 1790€ par person
4 people : 2740€ par person | 10 people : 1715€ par person
5 people : 2400€ par person | 11 people : 1655€ par person
6 people : 2170€ 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
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, Maximum 15KG per bag, No hard-shell suitcase)
WARNING : Bags weighing more than 15KG cannot be transported under the terms of the legislation applicable to the transport code.
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. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
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.
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.
Important: 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 : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.
Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 30 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack.
- A compact and solid travel bag, maximum 15kg. In case of overweight, the client will be charged 20€ per additional kilo)
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.
Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)
Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry
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
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 miles
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
The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.
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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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