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Walker's Haute Route Guided
Arrival day: Arrive in Chamonix
Your trip starts on arriving at your hotel in Chamonix. This is a bustling Alpine centre as trekkers, mountaineers and tourists pass through. Enjoy dining out in the town centre.
Hotel in Chamonix (breakfast)
Your trip starts on arriving at your hotel in Chamonix. This is a bustling Alpine centre as trekkers, mountaineers and tourists pass through. Enjoy dining out in the town centre.
Hotel in Chamonix (breakfast)
Stage 1: Chamonix to Argentiere
Red 3 (grade) 17.5km with 1340m ascent, 1100m descent
Our aim is Argentiere higher up the Chamonix valley, and to reach it we take in one of the area's most impressive spots: the high mountain lake of Lac Blanc.
Hotel in Argentiere (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 17.5km with 1340m ascent, 1100m descent
Our aim is Argentiere higher up the Chamonix valley, and to reach it we take in one of the area's most impressive spots: the high mountain lake of Lac Blanc.
Hotel in Argentiere (breakfast)
Stage 2: Argentiere to Trient
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 1150m ascent, 1100m descent
Climb the first pass of the route, Col de Balme, via the ridge of the Aiguillette des Possettes. The col is one of the easier ones on the Haute Route and is the border with Switzerland. We are now in Switzerland for the rest of the trek.
Auberge in Trient (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 1150m ascent, 1100m descent
Climb the first pass of the route, Col de Balme, via the ridge of the Aiguillette des Possettes. The col is one of the easier ones on the Haute Route and is the border with Switzerland. We are now in Switzerland for the rest of the trek.
Auberge in Trient (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 3: Trient to Champex
Black 3 (grade) 14.5km with 1370m ascent, 1180m descent
There are two options on today's stage - the harder of the two is one of most challenging passes on the Haute Route, the Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m). There are higher passes to come, but few as rocky and steep. Descend for a night in the quiet resort of Champex with its lake. A less challenging, yet still unusually scenic, alternative goes via the Bovine alp.
Hotel in Champex (dinner and breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 14.5km with 1370m ascent, 1180m descent
There are two options on today's stage - the harder of the two is one of most challenging passes on the Haute Route, the Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m). There are higher passes to come, but few as rocky and steep. Descend for a night in the quiet resort of Champex with its lake. A less challenging, yet still unusually scenic, alternative goes via the Bovine alp.
Hotel in Champex (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 4: Champex to Le Châble
Blue 3 (grade) 13.9km with 240m ascent, 890m descent
Today is a more relaxing day's walk through quiet Swiss countryside to Le Châble. Drop to Sembrancher in the valley, a taste of small-town Switzerland, then walk steadily up to Le Châble. This is a gentle day as an interlude before the three tough days to come.
Hotel in Le Châble (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 13.9km with 240m ascent, 890m descent
Today is a more relaxing day's walk through quiet Swiss countryside to Le Châble. Drop to Sembrancher in the valley, a taste of small-town Switzerland, then walk steadily up to Le Châble. This is a gentle day as an interlude before the three tough days to come.
Hotel in Le Châble (breakfast)
Stage 5: Le Châble to Cabane de Louvie
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 1510m ascent, 100m descent
After a valley walk to Fionnay we settle into a steady rhythm for this solidly uphill stage, our goal being the charming Louvie hut by its mountain lake. Views widen throughout the day as we gain height. A hearty meal awaits and a first night in the mountains.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 1510m ascent, 100m descent
After a valley walk to Fionnay we settle into a steady rhythm for this solidly uphill stage, our goal being the charming Louvie hut by its mountain lake. Views widen throughout the day as we gain height. A hearty meal awaits and a first night in the mountains.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 6: Cabane du Louvie to Cabane de Prafleuri
Black 3 (grade) 11.2km with 1020m ascent, 420m descent
This remote, rocky stage will be among the trickiest and a challenge for everyone with some boulder-hopping along the way - it's also one of the most spectacular! Cross Col de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri, at 2,987m the highest point on the Haute Route, to arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 11.2km with 1020m ascent, 420m descent
This remote, rocky stage will be among the trickiest and a challenge for everyone with some boulder-hopping along the way - it's also one of the most spectacular! Cross Col de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri, at 2,987m the highest point on the Haute Route, to arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 7: Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla
Black 3 (grade) 18.3km with 760m ascent, 1400m descent
Perhaps the most consistently awe-inspiring and exhilarating stage of the whole journey, today we walk along Lac des Dix, climb up the lateral moraine, cross underneath Glacier de Cheilon and then cross the very steep Col de Riedmatten. There is a sense of being among high mountains. Dropping to Arolla seems simple after this, on solid paths, albeit at the end of a long day.
Hotel in Arolla (breakfast)
Arolla is the end point for the Walker's Haute Route West sub-trip and the start of the Walker's Haute Route East
Black 3 (grade) 18.3km with 760m ascent, 1400m descent
Perhaps the most consistently awe-inspiring and exhilarating stage of the whole journey, today we walk along Lac des Dix, climb up the lateral moraine, cross underneath Glacier de Cheilon and then cross the very steep Col de Riedmatten. There is a sense of being among high mountains. Dropping to Arolla seems simple after this, on solid paths, albeit at the end of a long day.
Hotel in Arolla (breakfast)
Arolla is the end point for the Walker's Haute Route West sub-trip and the start of the Walker's Haute Route East
Stage 8: Arolla to La Sage
Blue 2 (grade) 10.8km with 250m ascent, 580m descent
This is an easier valley walk. Take in the lush countryside between Arolla and Les Hauderes, typical Valaisian villages. There is an option to see Lac Bleu as a detour. Still in Val d'Herens, finish with a short uphill walk to the hamlet of La Sage.
Hotel in La Sage (dinner and breakfast)
Blue 2 (grade) 10.8km with 250m ascent, 580m descent
This is an easier valley walk. Take in the lush countryside between Arolla and Les Hauderes, typical Valaisian villages. There is an option to see Lac Bleu as a detour. Still in Val d'Herens, finish with a short uphill walk to the hamlet of La Sage.
Hotel in La Sage (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 9: La Sage to Cabane de Moiry
Purple 4 (grade) 11.4km with 1670m ascent, 520m descent
This is a stage of three sections: up, down and up again to Cabane de Moiry. The pass is the Col du Tsate, followed by a long drop to the foot of Glacier de Moiry. At that point we are in the basin near the Lac du Moiry, often a turquise blue in the sun. Our final climb is beside the glacier to Cabane de Moiry, perhaps the best-sited of all our Haute Route huts. Its modern extension offers tall windows over the glacier.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 11.4km with 1670m ascent, 520m descent
This is a stage of three sections: up, down and up again to Cabane de Moiry. The pass is the Col du Tsate, followed by a long drop to the foot of Glacier de Moiry. At that point we are in the basin near the Lac du Moiry, often a turquise blue in the sun. Our final climb is beside the glacier to Cabane de Moiry, perhaps the best-sited of all our Haute Route huts. Its modern extension offers tall windows over the glacier.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 10: Cabane de Moiry to Zinal
Purple 3 (grade) 15.7km with 530m ascent, 1680m descent
A traverse and a relatively short climb lead to Col de Sorebois. This is a grassy col overlooking the two upper sections of the Val d'Anniviers. Then we descend, steeply at the end but with a cable car option, to Zinal. Zinal is a village at the head of the valley and has good options for dinner.
Hotel in Zinal (breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 15.7km with 530m ascent, 1680m descent
A traverse and a relatively short climb lead to Col de Sorebois. This is a grassy col overlooking the two upper sections of the Val d'Anniviers. Then we descend, steeply at the end but with a cable car option, to Zinal. Zinal is a village at the head of the valley and has good options for dinner.
Hotel in Zinal (breakfast)
Stage 11: Zinal to Gruben
Red 3 (grade) 16.9km with 1220m ascent, 1080m descent
A traversing path gains height from Zinal with long views back to the head of the valley. Higher up, reach the Forcletta pass. We now enter the German-speaking part of the Valais. Gruben is a small village in the quiet Turtmanntal valley.
Auberge in Gruben (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 16.9km with 1220m ascent, 1080m descent
A traversing path gains height from Zinal with long views back to the head of the valley. Higher up, reach the Forcletta pass. We now enter the German-speaking part of the Valais. Gruben is a small village in the quiet Turtmanntal valley.
Auberge in Gruben (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 12: Gruben to St Niklaus
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 1090m ascent, 1820m descent
The Augstbordpass at 2,893m is the last pass before the valley of Zermatt is reached: the Mattertal. The ascent should feel very manageable, being well-angled and full of interest. Drop to Jungen above the Mattertal valley and with views into its upper reaches but not yet to Zermatt or the Matterhorn themselves. A last descent in woods and you arrive in the valley at St Niklaus.
Hotel in St Niklaus (breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 1090m ascent, 1820m descent
The Augstbordpass at 2,893m is the last pass before the valley of Zermatt is reached: the Mattertal. The ascent should feel very manageable, being well-angled and full of interest. Drop to Jungen above the Mattertal valley and with views into its upper reaches but not yet to Zermatt or the Matterhorn themselves. A last descent in woods and you arrive in the valley at St Niklaus.
Hotel in St Niklaus (breakfast)
Stage 13: St Niklaus to Zermatt
Blue 3 (grade) 20.1km with 650m ascent, 145m descent
We set off for the last stage, as standard following a picturesque route through the Mattertal valley to Randa and Zermatt. It might be possible for the group to hike some of the famous Europaweg trail, high above the valley, but this is a particularly challenging route and your guide will be able to decide what is most appropriate for the group. The stats above assume the valley route is taken. Arriving in Zermatt is a special experience with the Matterhorn high above.
Hotel in Zermatt (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 20.1km with 650m ascent, 145m descent
We set off for the last stage, as standard following a picturesque route through the Mattertal valley to Randa and Zermatt. It might be possible for the group to hike some of the famous Europaweg trail, high above the valley, but this is a particularly challenging route and your guide will be able to decide what is most appropriate for the group. The stats above assume the valley route is taken. Arriving in Zermatt is a special experience with the Matterhorn high above.
Hotel in Zermatt (breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Zermatt
Breakfast in Zermatt is a treat. Afterwards, take the train out of the valley and connect to the Swiss network for Zurich or Geneva airports. Please ask us to advise on onward Swiss travel. Congratulations on the completing the Walker's Haute Route!
Breakfast in Zermatt is a treat. Afterwards, take the train out of the valley and connect to the Swiss network for Zurich or Geneva airports. Please ask us to advise on onward Swiss travel. Congratulations on the completing the Walker's Haute Route!
2025 Dates
Please join one of our guided Walker's Haute Route trips:
HRTg1 19 Jul to 2 Aug 2025
Scheduled Guided Trips
On each of our scheduled guided trips you have the option to select the full route or can opt to just walk the Western or Eastern section of the trail. The maximum group number at any one point will be 8 clients to 1 Alpine Exploratory International Mountain Leader.
Although the start and end dates on our scheduled guided trips are fixed, we'd be very happy to book extra nights in Chamonix or Zermatt before or after your trip for you to explore the areas a little more. Please do just ask for more details.
Private Guided
We would be delighted to plan a privately guided trip for your family or group of friends at any time within our walking season. We will find you a guide and book your accommodation on the dates your choose. You will have full flexibility over the length of your trip, your choice of accommodation and your dates. 
2025 Prices
|
Walker's Haute Route Guided 14 July to 18 Sept 2025 |
|||
| Hutty | Classic | Comfy | Scheduled guided |
|
13 stages (14 nights) Full Route |
Private trips only |
GBP 3,280 Singles 470 Main Trip |
Private trips only |
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our Classic mix of accommodation aims to give a broad taste of trekking in the French and Swiss Alps. We mix good family-run hotels in the towns and villages with the auberges and huts that fit the route. This includes 3 nights in mountain huts (2 on the West and 1 on the East) and 2 nights in auberges (1 on the West and 1 on the East). The remaining nights are spent in 2* and 3* hotels.
Hut accommodation options
On our scheduled guided trips, we book places in dormitories at all of the 3 huts, shared with your fellow walkers. These are the huts of Cabane de Louvie, Cabane de Prafleuri on the Western part of the trail and Cabane de Moiry on the Eastern part of the trail. The huts are an important part of the route and offer splendid views from remote locations along the trail which more than make up for their basic accommodation offerings.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms. The single supplement is only applied to nights where single rooms are available, and is not applied to hut nights which do not offer single rooms. In the auberges, we may be able to book single rooms or if not, we will book the smallest room available.
Route
Our guided Walker’s Haute Route gives a complete journey on foot from Chamonix to Zermatt (Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn), walking every step of the way. The route itself is often loosely defined and there are no official waymarks – this is what your guide is there to help with, allowing you to relax and enjoy the walking! The route does have a number of variants and your guide will discuss these options with the group each day.
Paths in Switzerland have undergoing re-classification of their grade over the past few years. This has led to instances whereby walking paths have been given a grade beyond the remit of a walk leader (as per our IMLs). Once such location is between Le Chable and Cabane de Prafleuri. Beyond Le Chable the Haute Route splits into three paths towards Cabane de Prafleuri, of which a trek led by an IML must take the route via Cabane de Louvie. This is due to the legal classification of the other two paths. All of our guided groups stay at Cabane de Louvie and enter the area from this different angle which is just as exciting in terms of views, just a little less technical underfoot!
The traditional end to the Haute Route is a 2-day hike along the Europaweg high level trail. However, since our first Haute Route season in 2009, the solidity of the first day on the Europaweg has reduced and the risk of rockfall has increased. As such, in the interest of group safety, our guided trips now cover the St Niklaus to Zermatt stages in one day instead of two, along the pretty valley route or suitable alternative. On private guided trips, please ask us for options for a 2-stage Europaweg finish and we can advise on options.
The Terrain
The Walker's Haute Route's terrain comprises wide tracks through forests, the odd country lane, zig-zagging hillside paths and steep, rocky mountain paths. A standard day would see you climb from the valley bottom up to a mountain pass before dropping down to the next valley in the afternoon.
It’s worth noting that in some places the paths are particularly steep and loose, for example on the Western part of the trail, the Fenetre d’Arpette and the 2 wild and remote stages before Arolla. Additionally, at one point between Cabane du Mont Fort and Cabane de Prafleuri (Pas de Chrevres), there is a very steep and loose section of path over the Col de Riedmatten. A standard day would see you climb from the valley bottom up to a high col before dropping back down into the valley in the afternoon.
Is it for me?
The Haute Route has a fantastic mix of high mountain passes and pretty flower meadows in the valley bottoms. The trail is generally good underfoot however there are some sections of steep, rocky and exposed paths requiring a head for heights and surefootedness.
This trip would be manageable for fit mountain walkers who are happy to walk for between 6h and 9h or more per day along a long-distance trail. Previous walking experience in the mountains is essential for this trek so if you are considering this as your first Alpine hike, we recommend you explore a slightly easier option first such as the Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1. As with all Alpine hiking, it will greatly help your enjoyment of the trek to arrive fit at the start, used to walks of similar distance and height gain to those that you are about to face.
Difficulty
The Walker's Haute Route is first and foremost a walk, but it is essential to note that it is graded a Black 4 (East and West sections are both graded at Black4) and is at the very top end of difficulty in terms of Alpine trekking. The difficulty of the terrain is often underestimated and previous hiking experience in mountainous regions is essential. The Eastern section is generally considered as being a little easier than the Western section with shorter days and a little less rocky underfoot but still both challenging routes. There is no glacier walking and there is no rock climbing. Your guide will of course be on hand to help and provide advice and assistance at all times.
Unusually even for an Alpine trek at this level, some of the mountain passes are particularly steep, loose and rocky, calling for good experience and steady balance. Your guide will be on hand to provide advice and to manage the navigational challenges of the route.
Walking Guide to Walker's Haute Route - our detailed read
How to get there
For a start or finish in Arolla, travel from most Swiss airports works well but Zurich is the easiest with Geneva a close second. From either airport, you can take a train to Sion for the bus up to Arolla.
For a finish in Zermatt, Zurich (or Geneva) are the easiest and both are accessible by train from Zermatt.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- An Alpine Exploratory International Mountain Leader
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner on 7 nights (4 nights on the West and 3 nights on the East)
- A topographical overview map of the route (2 on the full route)
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
- Baggage transfers (1 bag per person)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Local transport whilst on the trip unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals in the towns (this would be 8 nights on our main trip, 5 nights on the West and 4 nights on the East)
Baggage transfer
We include baggage transfer on this route to all stops except the huts.
Got questions about the Guided Walker's Haute Route?
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about any aspects of your planning and preparations! Lucy, Steph, Nicky, Rob, Evie, Ben and Amy will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time walking our routes and more broadly exploring ski and hiking trails around the world so do feel free to ask anything at all.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time Monday to Friday |
| Australia | 02 8319 2266 |
| Canada | 416-548-4819 |
| New Zealand | 04 889 4515 |
| USA | 646-757-1102 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Along with the UK, our best-represented countries are the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Please use our national-rate numbers for a cheaper call to contact our office in Edinburgh.
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