Haute Route Ski Traverse

Alps: France & Switzerland

6 Days – Hut to Hut Ski Touring / Backcountry Skiing in the Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt
Optional: Mont Blanc Ski Ascent or Valley Blanche Descent

Haute Route Ski Traverse Highlights

  • Most classic ski traverse of all!
  • Stunning, glaciers of the Alps
  • Awesome Huts around 3000 m
  • Matterhorn and Mont Blanc
  • Manageable backpacks
  • Great food & wine!
  • Chamonix and Zermatt

The Haute Route Ski Traverse, the High Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland is “the mother” of all ski touring traverses. From Europe’s tallest mountain, the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, our route leads along some of the most exciting mountain scenery to be found anywhere. After spending a week in the winter backcountry of the Western Alps walking down Zermatt’s bustling main street will feel like returning into a different world.

We offer both, the “easier” and nowadays more popular Verbier variation (i.e. “Regular Haute Route”) as well as the classic Haute Route via the Valsorey. On a custom trip basis, we invite you to take advantage of your good acclimatization after the Haute Route and do some ski ascents of the high peaks, such as the Monte Rosa or even the Mont Blanc! Or why not extend your trip by two days and finish off in Saas Fee after a day of resort skiing in Zermatt?

We will lodge in remotely and spectacularly located huts of the Swiss and French Alpine Club. The food is good and plentiful, the dormitories clean – but you should be able to survive without a hot shower for three days in a row.

Haute Route Ski Traverse: Day-to-Day “Verbier Variation” Itinerary

We offer two itineraries for the Haute Route Ski Traverse. Both trips take 6 days but differ in the duration of 2 full and 2 half days starting on day 2 after crossing the border into Switzerland. Our group departures use the “Verbier variation” which is described below in our itinerary. For private and custom groups interested in the “The Classic” Route via the Valsorey Variation, please refer to the tab above titled “Valsorey Variation”. Also, we strongly encourage you to do the “warm-up and training day” skiing the Valle Blanche from Aiguille du Midi before we start with the actual Haute Route Traverse.

Verbier Variation: “The Regular Route”: The most commonly done variation of the Haute Route Ski Traverse, stays north of the divide of the Alps in terrain less committing in terms of avalanche hazard and involves less technical difficulty and shorter days. On Day 2, the use of the gondola in Verbier makes gaining altitude easy. Guide to client ratio: 1:6.

Total of 5100m = 16700 ft climb, 8360m = 27420′ descent over 73.5 km = 46 miles

*Your trip is 8 days in total – the first and last days are travel days and the 6 middle days are guided ski days*

Travel/Arrival Day: Argentiere, Chamonix Valley, France

Travel to Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley (1.30 hrs driving time, Argentiere is about 10 min up-valley from Chamonix, Airport pick-up in Geneva optional). Lodging in our Hotel in Argentiere.

Day 1: Argentiere to Refuge Albert Premier

Meeting with the guide, trip briefing, and equipment check. Gondola to Lognon (2000 m) and with a chairlift to 2600 m. (Please note the gondola to Grand Montet (3300m) is closed after a fire in 2018 until further notice).

Ski descent to the Argentiere Glacier (about 2100 m) and 1000 m (3300 ft) climb to Col de Passon  (3030 m). The last 100 vertical meters are a steep climb bootpacking in a narrow couloir, that requires boot crampons at most times.  Descent to the Refuge Albert Premier (2750m=9060ft). 1040 m = 3460 ft climb,  300 m = 1000 ft descent, 10 km, 5 hrs walking / skiing time.

**If the Refuge Albert Premier is closed we will lodge at the Trient Hut, modifying the itinerary slightly.
***If both the Refuge Albert Premier and Trient Hut are closed we will substitute the Albert Premier Hut and the Cabane Mont Fort for the Argentiere Hut and Hotel Glacier in Champex.

Day 2: Refuge Albert Premier to Cabane Mont Fort 

Early morning departure. We skin across the Tour Glacier and up to the Col Superieur du Tour (3289 m), which marks the border to Switzerland. A long, low-angle descent across the Trient glacier, followed by a short climb to the Col des Ecandies (2 796 m) opens up a magnificent run into Val d’Arpette, and the quaint village of Champex (1 480 m). Taxi ride in the afternoon to the resort town of Verbier and Gondola ride to the top of the resort (Mont Fort) and descent to the Cabane Mont Fort(2560 m) or lodging (shared showers available). Climb 600 m = 1980 ft, descent: 1780 m = 5870 ft not counting the descent to Cabane Mont Fort in the Verbier resort.

Day 3: Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri

Climb to the Col de la Chaux (2940 m), short descent and another climb to Col de Momin (3003 m). Optional ski ascent of the Rosablanche (3 336 m) and beautiful ski run to the Prafleuri hut (2 662 m) – showers available.

Climb: 900 m = 2950′, descent: 900 m = 2950′ not counting the descent in the Verbier resort.

In stable conditions, a strong group could also skip the Cabane Prafleuri and descend and traverse directly in a long day to the Cabane Dix (see day 5).

Day 4: Cabane Prafleuri to Cabane Dix 

Short climb to the Col du Roux, short descent followed by a long level traverse above the Dix Lake. After about 2.5 hrs, we climb up to the Pas du Chat and on to Cabane Dix(2990m = 9800ft), probably the nicest of all huts along the Haute Route in a spectacular setting. 800m = 2620′ climb, 350m = 1150′ descent, 9 km, 5 hrs. In the afternoon, an optional ascent of La Luette, an easy ski touring peak with good views above the hut with a light pack.

Day 5: Cabane Dix to Cabane Vignette

Spectacular climb through the rugged glacier to the Pigne D’Arolla 3800m and descent to the Cabane Vignette. This hut is the busiest of our 5 nights as tomorrow’s itinerary is the same for both the Valorsey and the Verbier routes, making this hut the meeting place for all mountaineers doing the Haute Route.

(3157m = 10360 ft), 900m = 2950′ climb, 640m = 1340′ decent, 7km, 6 hrs.

Day 6: Cabane Vignette to Zermatt, Switzerland 

Today awaits the famous Three-Col-Traverse with a Matterhorn view, probably the best day of the whole trip! Via Col de l’Eveque (3392m), Col de Mont Brulee (3213m) and Col de Valpelline (3568m) and a long, glaciated descent underneath the impressive North Face of the Matterhorn all the way into Zermatt, where we lodge in a 3-star Hotel. If you organized through OnTop for your luggage to be transferred to the Zermatt Train Station your guide will either walk you to the station (a very short distance to retrieve it from the lockers) or will point you in the right direction along with instructions while assisting the rest of the group with hotel check-in.

1120m = 3675′ climb, 2670m = 8760′ decent, 25km, 8 hrs.

Departure/Travel Day:

The trip officially concludes after breakfast where you will return by to the Chamonix Valley or to the Airport in Geneva. Alternatively, we gladly help you to make arrangements to stay in Zermatt to enjoy some of the world’s best and most scenic resort skiing in Zermatt.

Optional Extension Day 7:

a) Spare day for off-piste skiing or adding another peak ascent around Zermatt, should things on the Haute Route work out as planned.

b) Extension to Saas Fee: Train to Gornergrat and by cable car to the Hohtaelli (3400m=11150ft). Traverse to the Stockhorn (Great views!). Descent on the Findelen Glacier. Steep ascent to the Adlerpass (3802m) and on to the summit of the Strahlhorn (4190m = 13750ft), descent all the way to the Britania Hut and on to the town of Saas Fee, where we lodge in a B&B or depending on the preferences of the group, return to the Chamonix Valley the same evening. 1180m = 3870′ climb, 2800m = 9185′ descent, 7-8 hrs.

The above itinerary is subject to changes depending on conditions at the time in regards to weather, avalanche hazard or the abilities of the group at the discretion of the guide and in the interest of the safety of the group.

Haute Route Ski Traverse: Day-to-Day “Valorsey Variation” Itinerary

Valsorey Variation: “The Classic Route”: Less popular nowadays, uses smaller huts and the route sticks closer (and south) to the divide of the Western Alps with more glacier travel than the “Regular”, more vertical and longer days. This variation is suitable later in the season when the snowpack is more stable. No lift assistance. The ability to safely front point up a 40-degree snow slope without a rope belay while carrying skis on your pack is required when climbing from the Valsorey Hut to the Plateau de Couloir on Day 5. Guide to client ratio: 1:5.Total of 6000m = 19430′ climb, 7600m = 25000′ descent over 77 km = 48 miles.

Haute Route Classic Route via Valsorey Variation (For Regular Route via Verbier see the Verbier Itinerary tab)

*Your trip is 8 days in total – the first and last days are travel days and the 6 middle days are guided ski days*

Travel/Arrival Day: Argentiere, Chamonix Valley, France

Travel to Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley (1.30 hrs driving time, Argentiere is about 10 min up-valley from Chamonix, Airport pick-up in Geneva optional). Lodging in our Hotel in Argentiere.

Day 1: Argentiere to Refuge Albert Premier

Meeting with the guide, trip briefing, and equipment check. Gondola to Lognon (2000 m) and with a chairlift to 2600 m. (Please note the gondola to Grand Montet (3300m) is closed after a fire in 2018 until further notice).

Ski descent to the Argentiere Glacier (about 2100 m) and 1000 m (3300 ft) climb to Col de Passon  (3030 m). The last 100 vertical meters are a steep climb bootpacking in a narrow couloir, that requires boot crampons at most times.  Descent to the Refuge Albert Premier (2750m=9060ft).

1040 m = 3460 ft climb,  300 m = 1000 ft descent, 10 km, 5 hrs walking / skiing time.

Day 2: Refuge Albert Premier to Champex

Early morning departure. We skin across the Tour Glacier and up to the Col Superieur du Tour (3289 m), which marks the border to Switzerland. A long, low-angle descent across the Trient glacier, followed by a short climb to the Col des Ecandies (2 796 m) opens up a magnificent run into Val d’Arpette, and the quaint village of Champex (1 480 m). Lodging in a nice hotel in town.

Climb 600 m = 1980 ft, descent: 1780 m = 5870 ft.

Day 3: Champex to Cabane de Valsorey

Taxi ride to Bourg St. Pierre (45 min) and ascent through the beautiful and quaint Valsorey to the relatively small Cabane de Valsorey(3037m = 9960ft). Later in spring, you might have to carry your skis for the first hour or two.

1400m = 4600′ climb, 8km, 7 hrs.

Day 4: Cabane de Valsorey to Cabane de Chanrion

Steep climb (usually crampons necessary while carrying the skis on your back!) to the Plateau du Couloir (3664m) and magnificent descent on the Durrand Glacier towards the Lac de Mauvoisin and back up to the Cabane de Chanrion (2460m=8070ft).

940m = 3090′ climb, 1510m = 4950′ descent, 12km, 7 hrs.

Important: This is one of the crux days on the classic itinerary in remote terrain and requires both good weather and good snowpack stability. The Chanrion hut is very remote and hard to reach from the valley – that means there is no easy way out, should the weather deteriorate and preclude the group from continuing the Haute Route.

Day 5: Cabane de Chanrion to Cabane des Vignettes

Summit day! Via the Glacier Brenay to the summit of the Pigne d’Arolla (3800m = 12500ft) with great views of the entire traverse. Descent to the Vignette Hut (3185m=10450ft). 1330m = 4360′ climb, 640m = 1340′ descent, 10km, 7 hrs.

Day 6: Cabane des Vignettes to Zermatt, Switzerland

Last day of both itineraries are identical, which is only one reason, why the Cabane des Vignettes tends to be the busiest of all huts along the Haute Route. Today awaits the famous Three-Col-Traverse with Matterhorn view, probably the best day of the whole trip! Via Col de l’Eveque (3392m), Col de Mont Brulee (3213m) and Col de Valpelline (3568m) and a long, glaciated descent underneath the impressive North Face of the Matterhorn into Zermatt, where we lodge in a 2-star Hotel. 1120m = 3675′ climb, 2670m = 8760′ decent, 25km, 8 hrs.

Departure Day:

The trip officially concludes after breakfast where you will return by to the Chamonix Valley or to the Airport in Geneva. Alternatively, we gladly help you to make arrangements to stay in Zermatt to enjoy some of the world’s best and most scenic resort skiing in Zermatt.

Optional Extension Day 7:
a) Spare day to be spent doing off-piste skiing or adding another peak ascent around Zermatt, should things on the Haute Route work out as planned.

b) Extension to Saas Fee: Train to Gornergrat and by cable car to the Hohtaelli (3400m=11150ft).Traverse to the Stockhorn (Great views!). Descent on the Findelen Glacier. Steep ascent to the Adlerpass (3802m) and on to the summit of the Strahlhorn (4190m = 13750ft), descent all the way to the Britania Hut and on to the town of Saas Fee, where we lodge in a B&B or depending on the preferences of the group, return to the Chamonix Valley the same evening. 1180m = 3870′ climb, 2800m = 9185′ descent, 7-8 hrs.

The above itinerary is subject to changes depending on conditions at the time in regards to weather, avalanche hazard or the abilities of the group at the discretion of the guide and in the interest of the safety of the group.

Detail and Logistics

Meeting Point

At our preferred Hotel in Argentiere, located at the beginning of the traverse (about 15 min. up-valley from Chamonix, hotel night included in our trip package) – Meet your guide at 8AM on the first ski day after breakfast and trip meeting,
We gladly assist in organising any pre/post trip lodging and airport transfers.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

Beginning of March – Mid May, with April being the most popular time. Avoid the long Easter weekend as well as starting the trip on a weekend to skip the crowds. Late winter season makes for more settled weather, more settled snowpack and better coverage on the glaciers (less crevasse issues!).
Temperatures can vary hugely: If wintery weather patterns prevail, you can expect temps between -5 C and -22 C. In spring the temperature spread increases from -10 C overnight to +15 C, especially on sunny days and when descending to the valleys.

Services Included in the Total Price

includes 6 Days Guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA) certified, multilingual, mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision, all guide expenses. All lodging: 2 nights in a Double room in 2 and 3 star hotels in Argentiere and Zermatt with breakfast; 5 nights in huts (dormitories) of the French or Swiss Alpine Club with half-board dinners and breakfast, Grand Montets gondola in Argentiere.

Not Included

Air fares, rental of ski touring equipment (we can provide you with a discounted rate with our partner shop in the Chamonix Valley), lunch (sandwiches, snacks can be purchased in the huts or in the valley), drinks (beer is about CHF 7/ can, wine starts at CHF 30 / bottle), dinner while lodging in Zermatt and Argentiere (2 nights), gondola cost for the Verbier resort (CHF 60) or for the Furi Gondola in Zermatt (CHF 15) should the snow coverage not be sufficient to ski all the way into Zermatt, single room supplement for all lodging in the valleys, rental of technical and avalanche safety equipment: Harnesses, crampons, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes, any additional transport or lodging cost due to unforeseen itinerary changes.

Additional Trip Services Available

Airport shuttles Geneva to our Hotel in the Chamonix Valley: from Euro 40/ person
Luggage Transport from our Hotel in the Chamonix Valley to Zermatt: Euro 60 / bag
Lodging in Zermatt: Double room B&B, clean two star standard: From Euro 65 / person.
Lodging Chamonix Valley: Double room B&B: From Euro 60 / person.
Single room supplement for all lodging in the valleys (surcharge applies).
Return trip from Zermatt to Chamonix, (please enquiry if quote needed).
Any additional cost in case of itinerary changes.

Strenuous ski mountaineering traverse in alpine, mostly glaciated terrain on alpine touring (randonnée) or sturdy telemark equipment. You must be able to ski safely and controlled at all times while wearing a mid-weight backpack (7-10 kg /15 lb-22 lb). Depending on the conditions, we might have to rope on while skiing both up and downhill. You need to be in very good physical and mental condition, ready to be on your feet for about 8 – 10 hrs including, steep, continuous uphill climbs of up to 1200 meters (4100 ft) that require repeated kick-turns on some of the days. Being on your feet every day for 7 days requires a good deal of stamina! If in doubt whether you have the required skills and fitness level, feel free give us a call to discuss your options! It is very beneficial to have one or two other ski traverses under your belt before tackling the Haute Route and we certainly do not recommend this trip for backcountry ski touring beginners.

This trip is not recommended for splitboarders. Splitboarders with lots of prior touring experience in technical terrain may be suitable, please give us a call to discuss your options.

We encourage our guests to organize their own group for the Haute Route Ski Traverse as it ensures maximum compatibility among participants socially, skill and preference-wise. Depending on group size we offer group discounts and we gladly customize itinerary, departure date and trip duration.

Custom Group Pricing:

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 8% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants 8% discount from our advertised per person price*

*6 participant discount applies to the Verbier Variation Route only.

For groups larger than 6, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Here are a few tips for custom group Haute Route departures:
1) If possible, plan in a day or two before starting the Haute Route to ski the Valley Blanche in Chamonix. It’s one of the most spectacular backcountry ski days in the Alps, it gives you good acclimatization and we can get the safety training out of the way already a day early. Most importantly, it gives your luggage a chance to catch up with you as delays appear to become more and more common with airlines nowadays.

2) Try to shoot for a mid-week departure as most groups fit the Haute Route into a one-week vacation from weekend to weekend. It will eliminate most of the overcrowding issues that the Haute Route typically faces in the mid-March – mid-April High Season.

3) Often we add a day of off-piste, ski touring or even heli-skiing in Zermatt to round up the Haute Route experience. There are several 4000-meter peaks to choose from including the Pointe Dufour, the second-highest in the Alps (2 days), or the Adlerhorn or Breithorn (1 day).

4) On a custom basis, we can incorporate a short first day with an overnight at the Argentiere Hut which gives us the option to do the classic route via the Col du Chardonnet, which has fallen out of favour over the last decade due to deteriorating conditions causing rockfall. The 60-meter rappel is for many Haute Route candidates outside the scope of what they would like to do. However, we can still do the route across the Col du Passon and catch an early start before most other groups, giving us the option to make it all the way to Champex in one day from the Argentiere Hut. Itinerary looks as follows after the arrival day:

Day 2: Meeting with the guide(s), trip briefing, equipment check. Gondola to Lognon (2000 m) and with a chairlift to 2600 m. (Please note the gondola to Grand Montet (3300m) is closed after a fire in 2018 until further notice). Ski descent to the Argentiere Glacier (about 2100 m) and traverse across the glacier to the Argentiere hut (2770m=9085ft). 170m = 560′ climb, 650m = 2130′ descent, 4 km, 2.5 hrs. In the afternoon instruction on crampon use and kick turn refresher on the slopes around the hut.

Day 3: Early morning departure. Short run down the Argentiere Glacier, then up the Col de Passon (3028 m), towards the top often crampons required. Short descent underneath the Aiguille du Chardonnet north face and we skin across the Tour Glacier and up to the Col Superieur du Tour (3289 m), which marks the border to Switzerland. A long descent across the Trient glacier, followed by a short climb to the Col des Ecandies (2 796 m) opens up a magnificent run into Val d’Arpette, and the quaint village of Champex (1 480 m). Lodging in a nice hotel in town. Climb 1 020 m = 3 345 ft, descent: 2 345 m = 7 692 ft.

Alternatively across the Col du Chardonnet 3320 m, rappel and short descent, reascend into the Fenetre Saleina 3315 m where the route joins the route across the Col du Passon traversing the Plateau de Trient.

Optional Ascent of Mont Blanc (two additional days):
The Mont Blanc ascent is technically more difficult than the Haute Route, implies more objective dangers and requires a client-to-guide ratio of 2:1 or 1:1. Please inquire for a quote.

Feedback

Haute Route Ski Traverse – Most Classic Ski traverse of all

We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants of each trip in order for interested guests to get more personalized references and their questions answered from a more objective point of view than what our office could provide.

References of prior guests

“Didier was excellent. He was professional, patient, and very aware of how we were all doing every step of the way. Most of all, he puts safety first and makes good decisions. I learned a lot from Didier. All information was very good and questions were answered very quickly via email. The trip preparation info was very useful along with the trip itinerary.
Good itinerary, at least as far as we made it. About the right effort each day, although I think the jet lag and altitude made the first couple days very challenging. By day 3 and 4 it was getting much easier. Next time I would plan to spend 2-3 days skiing the local resort, just to get warmed up and adjusted.
All the food was excellent, everywhere we went. The hotel was perfect. The huts were very organized and people were helpful. Earplugs – good suggestion! One bit of info – we found all the huts took Euros – even in Switzerland.”
Paul G., Manitoba, Canada

“Phillipe was the perfect guide, colourful, funny, laid back, stocked with Genepi and an all round great guy. We all really enjoyed his company! Safe but not too overly precious, perfect level for us.
Communication and organisation was top notch. Someone asked me how I got to chose you guys and my reply was that I found you through Google and you responded immediately to my query and every email I sent after which was just great.
Itinerary was perfect, all the booking were spot on, no problems at all.
Lodging were all great and the food fantastic, no negatives at all.
A definite 10/10 from us, we had a great time. Missed the last day through weather but that’s just one of those things and the Vallee Blanche on the first day made up for it. We also climbed the Breithhorn and skied the Schwaze Glacier the day after which was amazing.
All up was a fantastic trip and we all would like to express our gratitude and satisfaction with your service!”
Lester K., New Zealand

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Trip-related Questions:

Where can I rent equipment?

There are 2 stores we recommend in Chamonix, Sanglard Sports rental equipment or Snell Sports rental equipment

What if the weather is bad or avalanche hazard is high?

Nobody can guarantee excellent weather and low avalanche hazard throughout the Haute Route traverse! Generally, we manage to move on to our next hut destination even in relatively bad weather, if our clients are up for it. Avalanche hazard can be a larger problem (and it often goes hand in hand with bad weather) and may cause delays or itinerary changes.

Should itinerary / schedule changes be necessary, (1) we sometimes rearrange hut reservations and make up for a lost day or (2) we may have to skip a day or two by using public transport and pick up again at trailheads in either Verbier, Bourg St. Pierre, Evolene or Champex, depending on the itinerary chosen.

To give an estimate, about 80% of our Haute Route trips run in accordance with the schedule and in about 20% itinerary changes are necessary, more often due to lack of fitness and preparation on our client’s side than weather and avalanche hazard issues.

Will we need ski crampons and/or boot crampons?

For spring ski touring in the Alps the ski crampons are imperative for about 70% of all trips. Once the typical spring diurnal weather cycle kicks in you will likely be walking on a melt-freeze crust on any solar aspects. The boot crampons work well for shorter, steep bits that go straight up but you will likely find yourself on extended side-hilling on a melt-freeze crust that carries for skis but you’d post-hole on boots with crampons. Consequently, what travels easily with ski crampons turns into an excruciating nightmare on boots…

That being said, if you end up picking a week that has more wintery weather with snow fall every day you may not need them at all! But if you do need them, you REALLY need them!

Boots crampons are always a delicate subject. Whether clip-binding in front or behind, one fits on one shoe and not on the other or vice versa.The crampons that always fit are paradoxically the ones that are slowest to put on, those with a strap-binding front and back.

The weight is a very important factor, as well the protective cover to store them safely in the backpack. On Monte Cevedale, for example, we would not make it up to the summit (in certain weather conditions) without boot crampons. And on Monte Pasquale can be challenging without crampons because of 15 meters of hard ground. Please bring a pair along and if the guide feels you do not need them, they can be left with your luggage at the hotel.

Are there extras we can purchase at the huts and will we need cash?

All of the huts provide a three- to four-course dinner (soup, sometimes salad, main with meat and dessert), and breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam, cheese, sometimes also sausage). These meals are included in your trip price. However, be sure to bring some Euro cash for the extras in the accommodations as they often do not accept credit cards.

To be well on the safe side, we suggest bringing about 50 Euros in cash per day.

Beverages are available for € 3-6 . Good wine costs € 20-35 per bottle. The water at the huts is officially not drinkable, but our guides say “although it is good”. When showers are available, they cost around € 3, or shower + towel is around € 5.

You can purchase lunch-to-go at the huts and in the valleys. Snacks, sandwiches, and hot lunchtime meals can also be purchased in the huts for € 1o to 20.

Can the Haute Route Ski Traverse be done on a splitboard?

The Haute Route Ski Traverse gets done quite regularly on a splitboard, however boarding the Haute Route is more taxing than skiing.

Boarders must be:
1) comfortable boarding with a heavy overnight pack,
2) ready to put in additional effort relative to skiers because uptracks tend to be established by skiers and are thus narrower than split board tracks,
3) able to negotiate low angle descent sections in “ski mode”,
4) well-practiced in transitioning quickly,
5) using a split board that comes with ski crampons (at least in times of “spring conditions” which is something that can usually only be decided within a week or so from the departure date and
6) ensure that their boots are compatible with their boots crampons

Additional, Haute Route specific challenges that tend to be harder to negotiate on a board than on skis are:
1) Bad visibility on some of the more rugged glaciated sections may require that the group is roped together on descent,
2) Short uphill sections during the descent that skiers tend to negotiate by “side-stepping” usually require boarders to get out of their board and boot kick uphill, which is more time consuming, more strenuous and can be more hazardous on the glacier.
3) Crevasses and other obstacles may require to follow precisely in your guides track, which can be challenging when side-hilling or traversing.

In summary, in order to keep up with skiers on the Haute Route, a splitboarder needs to be well-seasoned in the backcountry and very fit!

Splitboarders with lots of prior touring experience in technical terrain may be suitable, please give us a call to discuss your options. Other ski touring trips would be more enjoyable for a Splitboarder: Ortler Ski Traverse.

Will I be able to access a Cell Network or Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available in Chamonix/Argentiere, Champex & Zermatt at our hotels and many bars / cafes. Currently, the huts have no Wi-Fi; most people rely on the cell service, which is pretty good for most of the Haute Route traverse.  Make sure to inquire with your cell phone provider as to your roaming capabilities in Europe

Each hut has plugs to recharge phones etc.  but there is a bit of competition for them these days. All plugs are at 220 volts.

 

Booking

Please read and fill out this additional Reservation Form and FAQ.


Haute Route Equipment List as Downloadable PDF


Technical Equipment

 Alpine touring skis for spring ski touring, no wider than 100 mm underfoot
 Alpine touring boots, compatible with touring binding
Ski crampons compatible with your skis and bindings
Boot crampons fitted to your boots (best aluminium with front and heel bail)
 Adjustable ski poles
 Climbing skins, well glued and precisely fitted to your skis (leaving the edges free once applied to ski base)
 Modern, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver
 
Lightweight, metal snow shovel
Avalanche probe (two to three meters long)
Backpack (40 – 50 liters) with outside straps to attach skis and crampons
Climbing harness for glacier travel
One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
Crevasse rescue equipment, if you are familiar with it. (Prusik cords, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device). Your guide will bring a full set.
 General repair kit and Leatherman (can be shared between several people)
 Spare parts specific to your equipment
Ski helmet (optional)

Clothing

We suggest using the layering system: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers can be added and taken off quickly when weather conditions change during the day.  

Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
Wind and waterproof over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
Warm pants (eg. lined Schoeller fabric)
 Thick fleece or wool pullover, or PrimaLoft jacket
Medium weight fleece shirt
Capilene, fleece or wool underwear, top and bottoms
 Two or three pairs of gloves (lightweight and heavier weight)
Scarf or neck gaiter
 Socks (synthetic or wool, thick outer and thin liners)
Wool or fleece hat, covering the ears
 Gaiters that fit over your ski boot (unless pants seal tightly to your boots)
Sun hat, preferably with wide rim
Bandana (optional)

Around the huts and guesthouses

Spare underwear and socks 
Toiletries (minimum supply with small containers for soap and shampoo)
Small, lightweight travel towel
Down vest or light insulated jacket (optional)
Lightweight sleeping bag liner (preferably silk). Wool covers or duvets are provided in the huts
Light hut slippers or crocs (optional). Some huts provide them, others don’t.
Alpine Club card, if you are a member 
Ear plugs (recommended)

Other items

Sun glasses with high UV protection. Nose cover optional. Extra pair of glasses in the group is a good idea
 Goggles with high UV protection
Sun screen and lip protection with high SPF
 One-litre water bottle with an insulator. Water bladders not recommended
 Small thermos (optional)
Headlamp with spare battery
Rain cover specific to your pack, or large plastic bag
 Light stuff sacs or Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry (recommended)
Snacks (nutrition bars, dried fruit and nuts, etc.) Lunch food can be purchased in the huts and guesthouses
 Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
Pocket knife (optional)
Passport
Health and travel insurance documents
Camera, spare batteries (optional)
Compass, maps and GPS (optional)
Ski wax / skin wax
Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes

Here’s a description from Carl Von Mirbach who joined our 2017 Haute Route Ski Traverse:

I’ve had the Haute Route on my “radar” since I lived in Toronto and skied in the western states and occasionally saw Rossignol Haute Route alpine touring skis.  It is probably the most well-known ski tour in the world. Therefore, also the busiest!  It runs from the Chamonix area near Mont Blanc to the Zermatt area beside the Matterhorn. There are many route variations both for skiing and for hiking. Ours was probably the easiest. Appropriate for a ski tour company (such as our On Top Mountaineering out of Canmore) to organize without very careful vetting of the participants.

March 31-April 1

Manfred and I flew Calgary-Montreal-Geneva and were picked up for the transfer to Argentiere a few km above Chamonix.

April 2

A tourist day for Manfred but as long as I was in the area I had to get in a day of resort skiing. Probably not a big surprise. It was awful.  The snow was fine but most of the hill was in a thick fog. All morning I skied from one bamboo run marker to another never seeing anything else. It was a little better in the afternoon. But now I can say that I’ve skied at Chamonix! And the final run from Grands Montets down to Argentiere was the longest I’d ever done 2000m.

Tour Day One

We met our guides Thomas (German but with many years spent in BC) and Phillipe (from Chamonix) and the other participants. Don and Malcolm about my age from BC and Craig, John, John and Mike just turned 50 from Toronto.

It took a while to get everything organized and the whole crew up to the top of the Grands Montets via trams.

Luckily the weather was the polar opposite from the day before. We had a somewhat challenging ski down to the Argentiere glacier and a modest climb to the Refuge de l’Argentiere hut. Hut is a misnommer. These things accommodate well over 100 people, serve everybody at once for dinner and breakfast. The eight clients slept in dorm rooms for ten. The easy first day allows the guides to get some idea of our fitness for the trip and to do a little avalanche procedure training.

Day 2

A tricky ski down the frozen snow on the glacier a ways to a point where we strapped our skis to our backs and donned boot crampons to climb a steep pitch.  Then there was a stretch using ski crampons and another boot pack (this time short-roped to a guide). All to get to the Col du Passon, the first of three steep cols through gaps in the ridges between glacial valleys. Then we skied down to the Glacier du Tour and up to the Col du Tour.  The weather to this point was pretty good. It was generally overcast, sometimes foggy, occasionally drizzly for the rest of the day.  The ski down the Trient glacier was at times similar to a resort hill several days after a snowfall. There are probably close to 100 people skiing each leg each day! The climb to the Col des Ecandies was actually a challenging scramble up loose rock and dirt. But the ski down to the town of Champex was great.  A little mushy and the snow ran out about a km before town. But we got to stay in a lovely hotel, have a shower, and a great dinner. Champex was the 6th night on my Tour du Mont Blanc hike with Anders two years ago.

Day 3

Started with a taxi ride to the Verbier ski area and three lift rides and some skiing on the resort runs to our skin-up point. Then it was another up and down day. For the rest of the trip we had fabulous weather. Barely a cloud. We skied up to the Col de la Choux, had a modest run down, skied up to Col de Momin and down again. We had an option to climb our first peak in the afternoon. Thomas took me and Manfred, Don and Malcolm, and Craig up to Rosablanche 3336m from where we could see both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.  It was a lovely ski down to the Cabane de Prafleuri where there was a real apres ski party going on in the sunshine on the deck.

Day 4

A short climb to Col de la Roux and then the one forgettable portion of the trip. For about 6-8 km one must traverse high above Lac des Dix generally on frozen almost icy snow sometimes on foot where the snow had been taken out by an avalanche or melted always with the right foot significantly higher than the left. After that we had a climb up to the Cabane des Dix. We did arrive early enough for Thomas to take Manfred Craig and I up toward La Luette. Manfred skied down from just below the col.  We three had a great view and a fabulous run down from Petite La Luette 3400m.

Day 5

Started with our longest continuous climb (900m) to the highest point on the trip Pigne d’Arolla 3796m.  There were so many people on the summit and it was so windy that this was a bit of a “shit show”. But the views (again Mont Blanc to Matterhorn and much else) were still nothing short of spectacular.  So-so run down to the incredibly located Cabane des Vignettes.

Day 6

Arguably the most spectacular day of the tour as we did it. Up and down three cols (Col de L’Eveque and Col de Mont Brulee on boot crampons and a nice ski over Col de Valpelline). Then we had a 2000m descent between glacier crevasses and under the imposing north face of the Matterhorn to the quintessential European ski resort Zermatt.

Drinks and pizza in town before our guides had to leave. And dinner with “the lads” as I came to think of the Toronto crew.

Overall impressions:

– completely different than any of my previous ski trips

– snow was rarely great, occasionally pretty crappy

– the speed of the group was never a problem for me. The lads were not experienced backcountry skiers, and much was new to them. Craig and Don were generally a little faster than me. And of course, Thomas and Phillipe were far stronger and truly great especially as a team.

– the fabulous weather and therefore views really made the trip for me.

– the number of people travelling with us was I guess to be expected. But I’m not used to seeing fifty people in eight groups ahead of me and a few less behind me

– I absolutely recommend the experience and could even imagine doing it again on a somewhat different route. But there are many other European Hut to Hut tours that are possible.

April 9

I skied on my own.  Everyone else more interested in resting and sightseeing.

A day of skiing off lifts on groomed runs – 97 Swiss francs ($134 cdn). A day of skiing back and forth between Switzerland and Italy, on 14 vastly different and far apart lifts, on two sides of the Matterhorn, at up to 3880m, and in brilliant weather – Priceless!

Dinner with all eight of us and goodbye to the lads.

April 10

Manfred and I took the lift to the Klein Matterhorn (the highest ski lift in the Alps) and then ski toured up to the Breithorn 4160m. This is probably the easiest 4000m peak to bag in Europe. In the afternoon I skied the parts of the massive Zermatt ski resort that I hadn’t done the day before and Manfred enjoyed the Cervinia Zermatt runs that I saw yesterday.

April 11

As I write this Manfred and I are en route to Innsbruck for three days before we transfer to Stilfs/Stelvio for our second ski tour.  This time the “Cappuccino Traverse” in the Ortler Mountains in northern Italy.

My better photos are on my Flickr album:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mirbach/albums/72157680130090004

 

Cheers,

Carl

Transport options to Chamonix Valley:


Airport & Shuttles:
The closest airport to Chamonix Valley (where our Haute Route ski traverse begins) is Geneva Airport where there are regular airport shuttles to Argentiere (our preferred hotel location) & Chamonix.  Airport Shuttles to Argentiere take around 1.5hours & Chamonix takes 2 hours.
There are a number of airport shuttle services that provide door to door service from Geneva International Airport at very competitive prices for any destination in the Chamonix Valley.
Mountain Drop Offs provides a reliable airport transfer from Geneva to Argentiere or Chamonix for about 40 euro, depending on the time of year.


By Train:
If you arrive into Zurich airport then travel by train: Schweizer Bundesbahn SBB which will take approx 4 hrs via Martigny and Chatelard.

If you arrive into any Paris airport then travel by train: Take the metro to the train station (Paris Gare de Lyon is a good station for connections) – approx 50 mins. Take a TGV regional train  via St-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet (approx. 5 hours). From St. Gervais take a train to Argentiere, travel time is approx 80 mins (you can find times using the same link above).


Travel from Zermatt to the Chamonix Valley, Geneva Airport or elsewhere in Europe:

Often our clients just buy the train tickets upon arrival in Zermatt or when they decide to leave Zermatt the “old fashioned way”. The train station is only 10 min by foot from our hotel.

However, if you already know when you’d like to leave Zermatt, you are better off to book your ticket online at Swiss Rail . Trains leave Zermatt as early as 6.30AM and depart almost hourly thereafter. If you return to our hotel in Argentiere for the Mont Blanc portion of your Haute Route trip, best you punch in: Departing “Zermatt”, arriving “Argentiere Haute Savoie” via “Martigny”. Cost should be around CHF 80 / person for the 4 hour train ride. You will have to switch trains in “Visp”, “Martigny” and “Chatelard la Frontiere”, which sounds a whole lot more complicated than it really is as those train stations are really small and it’s easy to navigate the connection. For Geneva airport, cost and trip duration are comparable.

The train trip is a neat adventure and some of the routing provides scenery that you don’t see when travelling by car. It works efficiently, both economically and ecologically!


Private Transport:
Alternatively, we can organize a private taxi service from Zermatt to any destination of your choice. Price for the return trip to Zermatt is around CHF 500. The return transfer is not included in our trip price due to the large number of clients wishing to spend time in Zermatt before returning to Chamonix.


We gladly assist in organising any pre/post trip lodging and airport transfers.

DIFFICULTY:
Haute Route Ski Traverse

Regular Itinerary – Verbier Variation 

  • Fitness and stamina required
  • Up to 10 hours per day
  • Mid-size backpacks
  • Steep, glaciated terrain
  • Difficult skiing
  • Rappelling section
  • Not recommended for splitboarders

Classic Itinerary – Valsorey Variation 

  • As above but more strenuous, hazardous and more exposed climbing with crampons required (Classic itinerary only available for custom trips)

Haute Route Ski Traverse

Winter 2024 DATES

7 nights, 6 days of touring
Sunday to Sunday
Custom trips any time, duration and itinerary!

Mar. 3-10
Mar. 10-17
Mar. 17-24
Mar. 24 – 31
March 31 – 7
Apr. 7 – 14
Apr. 14 – 21
Apr. 21 – 28
*First and last day are travel days

Haute Route Ski Traverse

2024 PRICES

US $2400 per person

Included:

  • 6 days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide
  • Guide expenses
  • 2 nights hotel lodging in Chamonix & Zermatt with breakfast
  • 5 nights in huts with dorm lodging and halfboard (dinner and breakfast)
  • 2 lift/ gondola rides
  • 1 taxi transfer
  • Luggage storage
  • All trip organization, reservations as well as assistance with all pre- and post-trip preparations.

Not Included:

  • Single Hotel Room Supplement ($55 per night x 2)
  • Airfare
  • Airport transfers to Chamonix  and from Zermatt
  • 2 x dinners in Chamonix & Zermatt
  • All lunches, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic)
  • Luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt
  • Rental fees for equipment
  • Insurance
  • Additional costs in case of itinerary changes (adverse weather or mountain conditions, preferences, fatigue, lack of skills etc…)

Add-Ons:

  • Luggage Transfer – Chamonix to Zermatt Train Station – US $110 per bag
  • 3 bag minimum per group (please inquire for more details)
  • Pre-stay hotel night in Chamonix/Argentiere – please inquire for price
  • Post-trip hotel night in Zermatt – please inquire for price
  • Airport shuttles