Set off on one of the most beautiful ski tours in the Alps: the Chamonix – Zermatt Haute Route, an exceptional itinerary linking two mountaineering capitals through the great glaciers of Valais.
Guided by a high mountain guide from the Annecy Guide Office, this 6-day tour immerses you in the world of high mountain adventure: perched refuges, glacial passes, powder snow descents, and spectacular views of iconic peaks like Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, and the Matterhorn.
Day 1: Departure from Argentière. Grands Montets Cable Car – Argentière Refuge (2770m)
From the Grands Montets cable car, an initial descent on the Argentière glacier will give us time to admire the north faces of Les Courtes, Les Droites, as well as the valley floor and Mont Dolent. We will then climb back up to Argentière Refuge to drop off some of our gear before ascending to the Col du Tour Noir—a short hike that will allow us to review your equipment and skiing technique. 1.5 to 2 hours to the refuge.
Positive elevation gain: 130m
Negative elevation loss: 660m
Accommodation: Argentière Refuge
Day 2: Departure from Argentière Refuge (2771m) – Trient Hut (3170m - Switzerland) – Descent to Champex (1477m)
Ascent to the Col du Chardonnet (3323m), followed by a descent on the Saleina glacier. Passing through the famous Saleina Window will then let us glide onto the Trient Plateau toward the eponymous hut. 5.5 to 7 hours. A magnificent ski descent awaits us in the Val d’Arpette via the Col des Ecandies, taking 2 to 3 hours.
Positive elevation gain: 1,040m
Negative elevation loss: 2,370m
Accommodation: Val d’Arpette Lodge
Day 3: Shuttle from Champex to Le Châble, then ascent to Prafleuri Hut. 5 to 6 hours.
Cable car ascent to the Col des Gentianes (2869m). Short climb to the Col de la Chaux (2939m), then via Col de Louvie (2920m), we reach the Prafleuri Glacier. Passing at the foot of Rosablanche (3335m) with the option to summit (+200m). Overnight at Prafleuri Hut (2652m). Showers available.
Positive elevation gain: 900m
Negative elevation loss: 1,400m
Accommodation: Prafleuri Hut
Day 4: Prafleuri Hut – Dix Hut (2928m)
Short climb to the Col des Roux (2804m), then crossing to the end of Lac des Dix. A slightly steeper section via the Pas du Chat (2384m) leads to Dix Hut (2928m). 5 to 6 hours.
Positive elevation gain: 800m
Negative elevation loss: 450m
Accommodation: Dix Hut
Day 5: Dix Hut – Vignettes Hut (3160m)
A superb stage passing at the foot of Mont Blanc de Cheilon and the summit of Pigne d’Arolla (3790m). Overnight at the high-altitude Vignettes Hut (3194m). 6 to 7 hours.
Positive elevation gain: 900m
Negative elevation loss: 700m
Accommodation: Vignettes Hut
Day 6: Vignettes Hut – Schönbiel Hut (2694m) – Zermatt
A royal stage of the crossing with three high passes. Ascent to the Col de l’Evêque (3377m), then descent on the Arolla Glacier; ascent to the Col du Mont Brûlé (3213m), crossing the Upper Glacier of Tsa de Tsan, to the Col de Valpelline (3554m). Finally, a beautiful descent on the Zmutt Glacier, with views of Dent d’Hérens, leads to the Schönbiel Hut at the foot of the Matterhorn (the Swiss name for the Cervin). 7 to 8 hours. A superb descent of 2 to 3 hours brings you back to civilization.
Positive elevation gain: 1,290m
Negative elevation loss: 2,800m
