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WALKER'S HAUTE ROUTE WEST (GUIDED) 7 stages . 8 nights . French Haute Savoie & Swiss Valais
+ The first week of the Haute Route
+ Tough, rocky Alpine trekking with remote situations
+ Walk in our small groups of up to 8 people
Latest news December 2018
Booking is open for 2019! Please ask us about a trip. Thank you.
Our groups on the West week of the Walker's Haute Route go as far as Arolla. Reaching Arolla is a feat in its own right, and trekkers can continue if they wish on the second week to Zermatt (our East week).
The Walker's Haute Route is the trekking route, distinct from the Classic Haute Route which crosses the glaciers. The trek does not involve rock climbing or technical skills but is nevertheless a very tough trek even by the standard of Alpine walks. The culmination of this week is the 3 stages to Arolla. These are broken up by 2 mountain huts. Especially on the last 2 stages, the ground is stony and loose over large distances. We cross the Pas des Chevres involving ladders before the final descent to Arolla.
Our guided treks are led by our fabulous leaders, all International Mountain Leaders (IMLs). We keep our groups small, no more than 8 trekkers plus the leader.
The two huts involve dormitories, often quite busy ones, but the settings are splendid and the experience is a part of the trail. Meals are taken at long tables. The hotel nights are towards the comfier end of our Alpine hotels.
Map
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Prices
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Alpine Exploratory |
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 HRWg Walker's Haute Route West (Guided)21 July to 15 September 2019 |
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Prices in GBP per person |
Hutty | Classic | Comfy |
| Options on the scheduled guided trips | |||
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7 stages (8 nights) |
1,560 Singles 100 |
1,620 Singles 180 Our main HRW |
1,700 Singles 200 |
Options on a private guided trip |
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6 stages (7 nights) |
1,450 Singles 80 |
1,500 Singles 160 |
1,570 Singles 175 |
| Options | |||
| Baggage transfer | 240 | ||
Baggage transfer
There is not too much to carry on the Walker's Haute Route West. As per normal our trips do not include baggage transfer; groups carry their own kit throughout. Please ask us about our baggage transfer option, which gives drops on all nights except the 2 huts (and these are consecutive). We also advise on sending kit ahead to Arolla.
Why Alpine Exploratory for your guided Haute Route?
We trek the full route, missing nothing
On completing this trek you'll have walked every step from Chamonix to Arolla. Cable cars, buses and trains are available in places, and the group can use them if needed, but the plan is to trek continuously. Nothing is worth cutting out! We start with a full day above Chamonix, to appreciate it before trekking into Switzerland.
Expert knowledge of the route
The same careful research that goes into our self-guided Haute Routes informs our guided treks too. We keep on top of changes to the route and we place a lot of emphasis on good relations with our hotels and huts.
Flexible, personal planning
As per our general ethos, even on our scheduled guided trips we like to be flexible. Single rooms are no problem, except at huts and some auberges where they're unavailable. (The single supplement takes this into account.) If you'd like extra nights in Chamonix or Arolla, or to move on to Zermatt afterwards, please ask us.
Small groups expertly led
Alpine Exploratory follows best practice in the mountains. Our leaders are all International Mountain Leaders and we keep to a maximum group size of 8 clients. The aim is a small, tightly knit group with an engaging leader, trekking the Haute Route with safety, proficiency and fun.
About us - more about what makes us tick
Route choices for Summer 2018
Paths in Switzerland are currently undergoing classification, section by section. Each part of the Haute Route within Switzerland is subject to such changes in nominal grade; we don't expect any, but if they occur then we will re-route the trek to cause as little disruption as possible such that your IML can legally lead your group.
Mont Fort area
Beyond Cabane du Mont Fort there is a choice of 3 trails towards Cabane de Prafleuri; each has its own challenges for the IML to lead. For 2018 our guided groups will use the Cabane de Louvie and enter the area from this different angle.
Options (for private trips)
If you join us as a private group instead of joining our scheduled treks, then we can adjust your Haute Route West in various ways.
+ Shorten the trek to perhaps 6 or even 5 stages, or add rest days
+ See more of Chamonix by basing yourself there before the trek
+ Favour auberges or huts or up the comfort with our best hotels
Of course, on a private trip you can come on the dates that suit you. Except for the composition of the group and the dates, everything else is the same as on our scheduled Haute Routes.
Walker's Haute Route West (Self-guided) - all the options
Key information Summer 2019
Trip name: Walker's Haute Route West |
Dates Summer 2019
Scheduled dates 2019
Season for private groups 21 July to 15 September 2019 Please join us on your ideal dates 2020 (Provisional, TBC 1 Oct 2019) Departures: 18 July, 30 Aug Season: 19 July to 13 September 2020 |
Research Summer 2019
 Snow patches, Cabane de Moiry (Photo gallery) |
Alpine Exploratory's service
Accommodation |
The Haute Route in the Alps
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Find out more
Ready to book?
Our booking form to get things started: |
Alpine Exploratory
+44 (0)131 214 1144