France & Switzerland | Hiker’s Haute Route
Walk the famous "High Level Path" from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Trip Highlights:
-
Hike through the Pennine Alps, the highest mountains in Europe.
-
Sip wine beneath the Alps’ famous icons, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
-
Experience Valasian culture including fondue, chalets and tucked away villages.
The world famous Haute Route crosses the highest mountain range in Western Europe, the Pennine Alps, and links the Mont Blanc region in France with the rugged canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Starting in the bustling alpine center of Chamonix, France, beneath the mighty massif of Europe’s highest summit, Mont Blanc (15,781 feet), the trail crosses eastward into Switzerland and finishes in the famous resort village of Zermatt, set beneath the soaring pyramidal flanks of the Matterhorn.
First walked in 1903, and dubbed the “High Level Route” by early explorers, the path from Chamonix to Zermatt connects two distinct cultural regions, the French and German speaking Alps. The Haute Route also passes beneath Europe’s highest glaciated mountains, Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, Obergabelhorn, Weisshorn, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn, and the Matterhorn, just to name a few. A network of trail systems connects sleepy little villages, with their lush pastures, blackened timber houses and slate roofs, while lonely mountain passes lead to a stunning world of glaciers, aguilles (rock needles), and sparkling tarns.
Despite the fame of Chamonix and Zermatt, the trails remain largely untraveled. Quiet mountain paths lead to rough, remote sections with superb vantage points, while ancient trade routes wander in the shade of Arolla pines and larches. Accommodations range from three and four-star inns, as well as two nights in simple hiker’s hotels offering south-facing decks and unforgettable views.
Trip Itinerary
Independently transfer to Chamonix. Overnight in a grand, old world hotel. Meet your group and guide(s) for dinner and drinks at 7 pm.
Enjoy a gentle introductory hike with spectacular views over the Mont Blanc range. Our hike along the Grand Balcon Sud offers some of the best photo opportunities of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace, and the Aiguilles, or rock needles, of the Chamonix Valley. Overnight in a three-star inn in Argentière.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1000/3500 ft.
Hike from Argentière to the village of Trient over the Aiguillette des Posettes, with spectacular views of the Aiguilles of Chamonix, its glaciers, and Mont Blanc. Overnight in a simple mountain hostel in Trient with shared bathrooms/showers in the hall. Private rooms are subject to availability.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3000/3500 ft.
Enjoy awesome views of the Rhone Valley as we find our way through high alpine meadows. Descend through a gorgeous side valley to the lovely little resort village of Champex and our Swiss chalet.
Distance: 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3200/2500 ft.
Transfer to Verbier, ascend the Les Ruinettes cable car and enjoy a lovely and gentle walk to the beautifully situated Cabane du Mont Fort. Overnight in this well-appointed hut with a very good kitchen.
Distance: 4 miles. Elevation gain: 860 ft.
Hike through remote alpine terrain to the base of the Rosablanche (10,945 feet). Overnight at the Cabane Prafleuri, which sits at an impressive 8,734 feet.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3000/2340 ft.
A short trip up to the Col de Roux offers great views of the terrain to follow. Descend to the banks of the Lac Des Dix, where we follow a new trail to the Col Reidmatten, or Pas des Chevres. Climb to the Col and enjoy a relatively gentle descent into the tiny village of Arolla.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/4450 ft.
A spectacular hike lies ahead with views of Mont Collon, L’Evêque, the Pigne d’Arolla, and the Aiguilles Rouges. Descend to the charming village of La Sage, known for its weathered timber houses. Spend the night in a quaint, historic hotel.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3300/3800 ft.
Descend to the head of the Val d’Anniviers and transfer to St. Luc. Overnight in a charming country inn, rich with antiques and old-world character.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4500/2500 ft.
Enjoy views of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Dent d’Hérens, as well as the famous peaks above Zermatt: the Matterhorn, Obergavelhorn, Dent Blanche, and Weisshorn.
Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain: 3000/3200 ft.
Another pass lies along a medieval trading route with views of the Mischabel range separating Zermatt from Saas Fee and the peaks of the Oberland to the southeast. The descent ends in a tiny village perched high above the Mattertal and accessible only by cable car. A short bus transfer takes us to Zermatt and a lovely hotel.
Distance: 11.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 5000/4500 ft.
We recommend spending an additional day or two in Zermatt. Otherwise, enjoy one last delicious breakfast, then depart. The transfer from Zermatt to Geneva Airport takes about four hours by rail.
Trip Rating
Guided Tour
July 3-14, 2025
Pricing
**$6,800 per person double
Single (+$700)
**Minimum of two people required to run this tour
Private Guided Tour
July-Mid September
Pricing
**$8,065 per person double
Single (+$700)
**Price based on a group of four
Please contact us to schedule a private guided tour.
Self-Guided Tour
July-Mid September
Pricing
$3,280 per person double
Single (+$700)
Note that this itinerary includes 10 days – skipping the nights at the Cabanes. Luggage transfers not included in the price for self-guided treks.
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
11 nights/12 days
Hiking up to 11.5 miles
Ascents up to 5000 ft.
Accommodations
4 nights in first-class hotels, 2 nights in charming country inns, 2 nights in simple inns, 1 night in mountain hostel with shared bathrooms/showers, and 2 nights in mountain huts.
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Luggage Transfer
Guided Itinerary: Luggage access every night except for nights 5 and 6 at the Cabanes.
Self-Guided Itinerary: Luggage transfers everywhere but the Cabanes are available for an additional cost of $1300 for two people; $900 for one person. There is also a single luggage transfer option from Chamonix to Zermatt for $350 (2 people).
Restrictions: One bag per person no more than 33 lbs/15 kg. Extra baggage will be an additional charge.
Transportation
Guided Itinerary Only: All lifts and transfers during the tour between Chamonix and Zermatt are included.
Self-Guided Itinerary: Taxi transfers included during the tour between Chamonix and Zermatt, lifts and public transfers not included.
Gateways
Geneva, Switzerland
