Walker's Haute Route (Chamonix to Zermatt) West
Self-guided walking holiday

+ Walk half-way to Zermatt in one week
+ Rugged Alpine trekking with remote stretches
+ Expert planning to find your ideal itinerary

Latest news May 2010
Please contact us to trek this half of the Haute Route in 2010. We are looking ahead to the summer, which will be upon us before we know it!

Trek the first half of the Walker's Haute Route, from Chamonix as far as Arolla, in a week's Alpine trekking of the highest order.

The Walker's Haute Route is a trekking route, as distinct from the Classic Haute Route which crosses the glaciers. This trek calls for no rock climbing or technical skills but is nevertheless a very tough trek even by the standard of Alpine walks. Many sections call for self-reliance, strong fitness and good navigation; passes at nearly 3,000m take much climbing to reach and the terrain is very often rocky and rugged. This Western section is tougher than the Eastern one. The crucial part is the 3-day stretch to Arolla, covering remote ground and staying in 2 huts.

This being a self-guided holiday, you're free to complete the walks as you choose: we arrange everything for you, including booking accommodation and providing you with routecards for the walking, and then it's up to you to carry out the walks yourself.

We book your accommodation in an intriguing mix of hotels, auberges and mountain huts. The huts are high, remote, yet quite comfortable refuges.

Options

We can adjust your Haute Route West in various ways, as follows:

Alternative starts
As normal, our schedule spends the first stage high above Chamonix in order to make the most of the walk to Argentiere. The direct walk to Argentiere is a half-day along the valley. If you'd like to skip a day, this can be added to the next stage so that you walk straight to Trient. Or, arrive early enough in Chamonix and walk to Argentiere for your first night. Please let us know if either of these appeals.

Rest days
The Haute Route West has a relatively easy valley day to Le Chable; however, we can easily add a real rest day. An ideal location is Champex, a pleasant little resort. Please ask and we'll advise.

Accommodation
Please let us know if you fancy a more comfortable or a more basic trip. Our normal schedule is at the comfy end; at certain villages we can adjust your accommodation, booking more auberges or more smart hotels as you prefer.