Day 1 – Arrival day
Arrival day at your hotel in the pretty village of Les Praz, just a few kilometres north of Chamonix centre. Your guide will come to meet you in the evening for a briefing about the itinerary, the weather and conditions. You can check with your guide if you have all the equipment required and ask any questions. The trip package begins with a three-course dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Argentiere to Albert 1er Hut
A short cable car ride up from Le Tour and a hike of 2-3 hours brings us to the Albert Premier hut at 2720m. This is the perfect place to practice crampon and ice axe techniques in the afternoon. We will have dinner at the hut and spend the night here.
Distance: 4km
Ascent: 600m
Descent: 80m
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Day 3 – Col Superior du Tour to La Fouly, via Cabane d’Orny
We leave the Albert 1er hut early in the morning when the snow is still frozen, to catch the best conditions underfoot. Making our way across the Col Superior du Tour (3289m) into Switzerland. From here we cross the glacial terrain of the Trient Plateau, before dropping down the Orny Glacier to the Cabane d’Orny (2831m) where we rest for the night.
Distance: 10km
Ascent: 850m
Time: 6-7 hours
Day 4 – Cabane d’Orny to La Fouly
The day starts with a long but comfortable descent of about 1600m from Cabane d’Orny to Praz de Fort. We then head back uphill on a lovely trail that leads us all the way to our finish point at La Fouly. Take advantage of having your trek bags here, you’ll be able to pack your technical gear away as it is not required for the next three days. You’ll also be able to enjoy a shower, and pop into the village to stock up with goodies at the local shops and get cash from the ATM.
Distance 16km
Descent 1640m
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Day 5 – La Fouly to Bourg St Pierre
A gentle walk out of La Fouly leads to a steeper trail up to Col du Neve de la Rousse at 2752m, a tranquil spot where you have a good chance of spotting marmots, chamois, bouquetins, and other alpine wildlife. From this elevated pass you can also take in wonderful views of the Mont Blanc massif and across to the Grand Combin. A long but steady descent takes us past the snowy waters of the wonderfully-named lake Gouille du Dragon (dragon’s puddle!) and on to Bourg Saint Pierre. We stop here for the night – make the most of your last chance for a hot shower! You’ll also be able to buy a few snacks and delve into your trek bag for a change of clothes and any items that you might want.
Distance: 16km
Ascent: 1350m
Descent: 1140m
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Day 6 – Bourg St Pierre to Cabane Brunet
We start today with a long but gradual climb towards Tour des Combins. Shortly after crossing Col de La Vuardette at 2440m we traverse across to Pointe de Boveire at 2493m. A descent along a lesser-trodden trail brings us into the La Chaudiere valley and then up again to the west ridge of Mont Rogneux, where we have some fun scrambling over easy terrain to the summit cross at 3083m. We descend via the east ridge, passing a lake on the way down to Pindin where we pick up the 4×4 track that takes us easily down to Cabane Brunet at 2103m – our home for tonight.
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 1400m
Descent: 1000m
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Day 7 – Cabane Brunet to Cabane de Chanrion
A bright and early start today, beginning with a climb up to the Col des Otannes at 2846m, where in good weather we have fantastic views across the crevasses of the Corbassière Glacier to the impressive summit of the Grand Combin. We then drop down to the Mauvoisin dam where we can refuel with coffee and cake! We continue across the top of the dam to follow a long but gentle ascent alongside the lake to Col de Tsofeiret. From here it is a short sharp descent to our night stop at the Cabane de Chanrion, a beautiful place amid summer pastures and surrounded by mountain lakes where you can enjoy a refreshing dip, if you’re brave enough. Our trek bags will be available if we want a change of clothes.
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 995m
Descent: 1700m
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Day 8 – Cabane de Chanrion to Cabane des Vignettes
Glaciers and imposing mountains set the scene for today. Crampons and harnesses come back into action for our ascent of the Otemma glacier, dry at first but becoming snowy as we progress. Long but not steep, you’ll have plenty of time to look around and drink in the views of La Singla and Petit Mont Collon to your right, and Pointe d’Otemma and Pigne d’Arolla to your left. We sleep tonight in the Cabane des Vignettes, surrounded by dramatically beautiful scenery.
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 870m
Descent: 210m
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Day 9 – Cabane des Vignettes to Cabane Bertol
Leaving Cabane des Vignettes behind us, we continue our glacial journey overlooked by the north face of the Petit Mont Collon up towards Col de L’Eveque (3386m), before descending to the Haute Glacier d’Arolla via snowy slopes and dry glacier. From the glacier’s snout we return to alpine trails all the way to the bergerie at Plan de Bertol. Take a breather here, as we have a big push of 600m up to Col de Bertol (3268m) and then a series of ladders to access the Cabane de Bertol. You’ll fall into bed tired but happy here, it is not the longest day but it is possibly one of the most demanding! Be sure to enjoy the views of Matterhorn and the Dent Blanche before you close your eyes for the night.
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 1230m
Descent: 1070m
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
Day 10 – Col de Bertol to Schonbiel Hutte
Our penultimate day of trekking offers an optional ascent of Tete Blanche (weather permitting). A bright and early start to the day begins with a scramble back down the ladders from the hut, roped together we set off along the Mont Mine Glacier towards the snow-capped peak of Tete Blanche (3724m) from where we gain a marvellous view of the Matterhorn. The descent is through the labyrinth of crevasses that make up the rugged Stockji Glacier until we reach the rocky island in the middle were we meet the trail leading sharply up to a pleasant alpine path through the moraine on the north side of the valley. Crossing beneath the Smutt Ridge of the Matterhorn, we trek up to the grassy pastures that surround the Schonbiel Hut. All going well, we should arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved lazy afternoon on the sunny deck of the hut. From here, we’re close enough to watch alpinists climb the Matterhorn.
Distance: 13km
Ascent: 890m
Descent: 1440m
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Day 11 – Schönbiel Hutte to Zermatt
We finish the trip with an easy hike from the hut down to the town of Zermatt. This is a lovely 4 hour descent through alpine meadows, pretty woodland, and charming little hamlets – all overlooked by the imposing north face of the Matterhorn. We’ll arrive into Zermatt in time for lunch and then the afternoon is free to relax with a celebratory drink or to explore the town before dinner. Our last night is spent in a hotel in the town.
Distance 7km
Ascent 150m
Descent 790m
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Day 12 – Leaving Day
Enjoy a last breakfast with your Haute Route companions. Don’t forget to swap email addresses so that you can share photos of your trip!
