This trek is designed for experienced skiers who love high mountains and glacier crossings. Each day offers total immersion in a wild environment, with mountain huts, technical passes and challenging descents. The route is demanding but accessible to those who are physically fit and skilled at ski touring. It is supervised by passionate guides who ensure safety and a friendly atmosphere.
Beyond the sporting challenge, it is a human and alpine adventure, a timeless interlude where you share the effort, the beauty of the landscapes and the magic of sunrises over the peaks. The Imperial Crown is the perfect combination of commitment, aesthetics and exploration.
Day 1: Annecy-> Zinal → Cabane du Grand Mountet
Elevation gain: approximately 1,200 m
Elevation loss: negligible
Distance: ~10 km
Estimated duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highlights: gradual climb in the Zinal valley, glacial atmosphere at the end of the day, view of the 4,000-metre peaks of the Val d'Anniviers.
Accommodation: Cabane du Grand Mountet (2,886 m)
Day 2: Ascent of Blanc de Moming (3,653 m) → Cabane Arpitettaz
Elevation gain: approx. 800 m
Elevation loss: approx. 1,100 m
Estimated duration: 6 to 7 hours
Peaks: Blanc de Moming, panoramic summit with views of the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn and Dent Blanche.
Descent: on the Blanc glacier, technical but beautiful, to the Arpitettaz hut (2,786 m)
Day 3: Arpitettaz Hut → Tracuit Hut
Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m
Elevation loss: approx. 300 m
Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours
Route: ascent via the Milon Pass or the slopes of the Turtmann Glacier, depending on conditions.
Accommodation: Tracuit Hut (3,256 m), perched opposite the Bishorn and Weisshorn.
Fitness level
Day 4: Ascent of the Bishorn (4,153 m) → Descent to Zinal
Elevation gain: approx. 900 m
Elevation loss: approx. 2,000 m
Estimated duration: 7 to 8 hours
Summit: Bishorn, accessible glacier summit, breathtaking view of the Weisshorn.
Descent: long and varied to Zinal, via the Tracuit glacier and the slopes of the Zinal valley.
Return to Annecy
