Itinerary

Day 1: We rendezvous at the Geneva Airport at 1:00 pm for a group transfer to our hotel in Chamonix, France. This transfer is included in the cost of the trip. Welcome dinner and orientation. (hide)

Day 2: From the end of the Chamonix Valley, we begin our journey ascending to the Col de la Balme (7,230′). Magnificant views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and glaciers will grace us as we enjoy the first day of our hike. Our day will end in the quiet hamlet of Trient.

Day 3: There are two hiking options for today, one via the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and the other more difficult route up and over the ruggedly beautiful Fenetre d’Arpette. Our hike will conclude in the picturesque lakeside village of Champex.

Day 4: Morning transfer from Champex Lac to the gondola in Verbier. From Verbier, we take the gondola to gain easy elevation to Ruinettes from where we begin our hike to Cabane Louvie, where we spend the night. This narrow trail, called the “Sentier des Chamois”, leads us close by several clusters of chamois and bouquetin. In the distance rise the stunning Grand Combin (14,149′), draped with its numerous glaciers, and the Mont Blanc Massif.

Day 5: This is a day of great variety, the route rises to a high belvedere with expansive views of the Val de Bagnes and the Grand Combin before reaching the Col Louvie at 9,640′. From Louvie we traverse a landscape of barren rock with views of massive, remote mountains including the Rosablanche (11,000′), tumbling moraines, and drying glaciers before ascending to Col de Prafleuri (9,785′), our final col, and on to the Cabane Prafleuri for the night.

Day 6: From Cabane de Prafleuri, a short climb brings us to the Col des Roux with its views of the great triangular mass of Mont Blanc de Cheilon, and the green pastures of the Val des Dix with its five kilometer lake. Descending to the lake, we will follow its west bank, and, at the southern most end, begin our climb to Cabane des Dix, our overnight stop. This is a stunning hike.

Day 7: Leaving Cabane des Dix, a short, steep descent leads to the Glacier de Cheilon. Crossing this relatively “level” glacier presents no extra challenges and no special equipment is needed. After about 45 minutes we begin the rocky climb up to the Pas de Chevre. With the assistance of iron ladders (70′ high) secured to the cliff, we reach the col with its dazzling views of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Collon, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Dent Blanche and the distant Matterhorn. Descending from the col, the route soon becomes less demanding as it parallels a grassy moraine carved out by the long Tsijiore glacier. The hike concludes in the village of Arolla with a transfer to our hotel in Evolene.

Day 8: Transfer to a small hamlet above La Villa. Our morning will be spent climbing through green alpine pastures to the Col de Torrent (9,632′) with its magnificent views. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mont Blanc as well as the Berner Alps on the far side of the Rhone Valley. Descending to Lac de Moiry, we hike through pastures and farms and past the small picturesque mountain Lac des Autannes. From the dam at the north end of the lake, we’ll follow the stream La Gougre down the Val de Moiry to Grimentz, said to be one of the most attractive villages in the Valais.

Day 9: From Grimentz, we will transfer by bus across the valley to the village of St. Luc. After a short funicular ride, we’ll begin our hike up over the Meidpass (9,207′) from the French-speaking Valais into the German-speaking Valais. The descent down to the hamlet of Gruben in the Turtmanntal is like a hike into the past. Remote and relatively undisturbed, this valley affords a beautiful and restful stopover.

Day 10: Today we cross the last pass of the Haute Route, the Augstbordpass. During the middle ages, this was an important trading route from the Rhone Valley to Italy. It is a varied route through woodlands, pastures and stony wilderness and offers stunning views of the high mountain peaks including Balfrin, Nadelhorn, Lenzspitzen, Dom and Taeschhorn to the east and the Bruggenhorn, Bishorn and Weisshorn to the south. To the north and well across the Rhone Valley the Bietschhorn and the Breithorn stand tall and massive each rising well over 12,000′. The day will end in the village of St. Niklaus from where a short bus trip takes us to the picturesque village of Grachen, our overnight stop.

Day 11: From the hotel in Grachen, we start the day with a very pleasant 45-minute walk to the hamlet of Gasenried. Once in Gasenried, we begin the climb to the high belvedere and the famous Europaweg to the Europa Hut. This wonderful hike offers a completely different view of the mountains including the Weisshorn, which dominates the skyline. There are outstanding views of the Rhone Valley to the north and the Mischabel Range to the south. The Matterhorn will now be showing herself with some regularity.

Though the mountain scenery has been fantastic all along, some say this hike is the “jewel in the crown”. However, this is a strenuous plus day and the very rocky and rugged trail is open and exposed for many sections.

Note: It is possible to skip the hike to Europa Hut and the overnight at Europa Hut and travel independently to Zermatt, meeting the group the next night at the hotel in Zermatt for the farewell dinner. Please contact us for more details about this option.

Day 12: By now the mountains: the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Ober Gabelhorn, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn will be readily recognizable. After many days on the trai,l we begin the final and spectacular hike into bustling village of Zermatt. This is not a day to rush as the route continues to amaze. Farewell dinner.

Day 13: Individual departure from Zermatt. Please allow for travel time when making plans.

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