Haute Route Glacier Trek

Alps: France & Switzerland

The famous Haute Route as a summer trek
6.5 days / 7 nights, hut-to-hut trek on glaciers and trails in the Western Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt

Haute Route Glacier Trek Highlights:

  •  The Alps most classic glacier trek
  •  60% on trails, 40% on glaciers
  •  Lodging in spectacular huts around 3,000 m / 10,000 ft
  •  Matterhorn & Mont Blanc close-ups
  •  Ideal warm up for Mont Blanc / Matterhorn
  •  Instruction in crampon/ice axe use first day

The Haute Route, a.k.a. the High Route or Mountaineers Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland is the mother of all hut-to-hut alpine traverses. From Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc (4,807 m / 15,770 ft), to the famous Matterhorn, the Haute Route leads along some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be found anywhere on earth. Contrasting the huge glaciers and rugged peaks are beautiful green valleys with high-meadow farms and quaint mountain villages.

The highest point along the Haute Route is the summit of the Pigne D’Arolla at 3,800 m / 12,500 ft.

We will overnight in historic and comfortable huts of the Swiss and French Alpine Club, often impressively perched on cliff edges above 3000m (10,000ft) and always nestled amongst towering peaks. These “huts” are more like lodges in the backcountry, with good and plentiful food, hot coffee, beer, and wine, often indoor plumbing, and scenic outdoor terraces on which to relax at the end of the day. Sleeping arrangements are co-ed dormitory-style.

After a week of acclimatizing on the Haute Route, why not take two more days and climb Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn with us?

Haute Route Trekking Itinerary

Your trip is 8 days in total – the first and last days are travel days plus 6.5 guided hiking days on the Haute Route

In total: 6.5 days hiking, 5,040m / 16,500′ ascent, 5,220m / 17,120′ descent, 71 km distance

Travel/Arrival Day:

Travel day. Most of our international guests arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland, from where scheduled shuttles run almost hourly to Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley (1.5 hours).

Day 1: Argentiere to Albert Premier Hut, Crampon and Ice Practice

Gondola and chair lift rides to the Col de Balme (2,195 m / 7,200 ft). Beautiful hike, with views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley, to the Albert Premier Hut (2,702 m / 8,870 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, introduction to safe glacier travel and use of crampons and ice axe. 500 m /1,640 ft climb, 4 km, ~2 hours of hiking.

Day 2: Albert Premier Hut to Mauvoisin / Bagne Valley

Early morning start (5 a.m.) via the Glacier du Tour to Col Superieur du Tour (3,300 m / 10,800 ft), which marks the border between France and Switzerland. Beautiful views of the whole Mont Blanc range. Descent via the Glacier du Trient, Glacier Orny to the Cabane Orny (2,830 m / 9,300 ft) for a late lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our traverse on a panoramic trail (exposed sections with chains for hand-railing) to the top station of the La Breya chairlift, which we will take to save ourselves a long and knee-rattling descent to the village of Champex (1,500 m / 4,920 ft). Lodging in double or triple rooms in a hotel located at the beautiful Champex Lake or we will take a one-hour taxi ride to the Mauvoisin Lake (1,850 m / 6,070 ft) in the Bagne Valley from where we continue our Haute Route Trek early the next day. 600 m / 2,000 ft climb, 1,100 m / 3,600 ft descent, 14 km, 8-9 hours of hiking time (not including breaks).

Day 3: Mauvoisin to Chanrion Hut:

A bit more relaxed of a day with a 7AM sleep-in and a beautiful above-treeline trail hike today. We follow the paved road for 15 minutes to the massive dam of the Mauvoisin Lake. After crossing the dam we follow the shore of the lake passing through some tunnels carved into the steep rock walls. Eventually the trail climbs gradually to the Col de Tsofeiret (2640m = 8660 ft) from where a mellow descent leads to the beautifully located Chanrion Hut (2480m = 8180ft). 780m = 2570ft, 170m = 560ft, 10.5km = 6.6 mi, 5 hrs walking time.

Day 4: Chanrion to Vignettes Hut

Big glacier day on the Otemma Glacier. 5AM departure first downhill to the outflow of the Otemma Glacier, then our long climb starts, first on a gravelly trail, then on the long Otemma Glacier all the way to the Cabane des Vignettes (3190m = 10,500 ft), which is located like an eagle’s nest on a rocky spur overlooking several glaciers. 850m = 2800 ft climb, 160m = 530ft descent, 13km = 8.2 mi, 5-6 hrs of walking time.

Should there be energy and time left in the afternoon, there is the option to climb to the summit of the Pigne D’Arolla  (3780m = 12,500ft) which usually takes about 3-4 hrs round trip for the 600 meters (2000 ft) of vertical rise. With the glacial retreat, the route has become a bit steeper and more technical than in previous years and may not be suitable for all Haute Route trekkers but it is entirely optional.

Day 5: Vignettes Hut to Bertol Hut

A beautiful glacier hike takes us over the Col de l’Eveque (3,400 m = 11,150 ft) to the Upper Arolla Glacier to an unguarded shepherd’s hut at Plan de Bertol (2,670m / 8,750 ft) for a picnic lunch. From there we hike steeply across a small glacier and climb the last 250 m / 800 ft on ladders and chains to the Bertol Hut (3,310 m / 10,860 ft), one of the most spectacularly located huts in the Western Alps. 900m / 2,950 ft climb, 740 m / 2,400 ft descent, 12 km = 7-8 hrs hiking.

Day 6: Bertol Hut to Schoenbiel Hut

Big day mainly descending. Ascent of the Tete Blanche (3,725 m / 12,220 ft) with marvellous views across the whole route all the way from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Impressive glaciated descent right underneath the 4,000 ft north face of the Matterhorn (4,480 m / 14,700 ft) and the Dent d’Herens to the lower (usually barren) reaches of the Tiefmatten Glacier which we follow to the end or at times we traverse to the left to the trail connecting Zermatt to the Schoenbiel Hut(2,700 m / 8,856 ft). 600 m / 1,970 ft climb, 1,280 m / 4,200 ft descent, 11 km, 7 hrs of hiking.

Day 7/ Departure Day: Schoenbiel Hut to Zermatt 

All downhill today: On well-marked trails via the hamlet of Zmutt with plenty of opportunities for postcard shots of the Matterhorn all the way to Zermatt. 1,100 m / 3,600 ft descent, 10 km, 3 hours hiking. Trip concludes after lunch together.

Please Note: Days 6 and 7 can be combined into one long day of hiking if the group prefers to go all the way to Zermatt. In this case, we will cover the lodging in Zermatt with breakfast in a two-star hotel instead of the night in the Schoenbiel Hut. This option is only suitable for strong groups/hikers as the last two hours of the day turn into a bit of a “death march” :  Totals if days 6 & 7 are combined: 1900m = 6250 ft descent, 460m = 1500ft climb, 18.3 km = 11.5 mi distance, 8 hrs walking time.

Haute Route Custom Trip Options:
For custom group bookings we can offer to adjust our advertised itinerary to fit your groups preferences in terms of trip duration, departure dates, difficulty and lodging standard during the trip. Following are some options to modify our standard Haute Route itinerary:

Shorter Durations: If time is short, you can still take part in a stunning section of the Haute Route by hiking from Champex, Verbier or Mauvoisin to Zermatt in 3 – 4 days.

Longer Durations: Some groups prefer to split the long last day into 1.5 days by spending an additional night at the Schoenbiel Hut en route to Zermatt. This could eliminate expensive lodging in Zermatt and comes with the benefit of another night in an awesome hut with world-class views of the north face of the Matterhorn.

Haute Route without hut lodging:  Very fast groups can do the entire Haute Route in 4 days with only 1 hut night in the Bertol Hut – all other nights would be in hotels in villages along the way..

Haute Route out of season: Before June 20 and after September 15 the huts offer so-called “winter quarters”, which offer sleeping rooms and a simple kitchen. The trip becomes a lot “wilder” as few people travel during that time and groups have to carry food and assist the guide with food preparation. If you are seeking a bigger adventure and don’t mind carrying a heavier backpack, this is a very worthwhile consideration.

Haute Route more challenging: 4 Saddles (“Quatre Cols”) variation: The challenge level of the Haute Route Trek can be increased by replacing the Chanrion Hut with the Dix Hut, which changes day 3 and 4 of our itinerary as described below. This comes with the advantage of traversing the highest peak on the Haute Route, the Pigne D’Arolla (3800m) but also adds a technical crux to the trip as with the glacial retreat the descent to the Vignette Hut has become steeper and more challenging. This route can only be recommended in early season (good snow coverage) and technically strong groups.

Day 3: We commonly take the route via the “4 Saddles”: Col du Tsofeiret (2,640 m / 8,660 ft), Col de la Lire Rose (3,100 m / 10,200 ft), du Mont Rouge (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and the Col de Cheilon (3,240 m / 10,600 ft) which traverses the smaller glaciers Gietroz and Cheillon in order to arrive at the Dix Hut (2,930 m / 9,600 ft). 1,450 m / 4,750 ft climb, 480m / 1,550 ft descent, 14 km makes for 8-9 hours walking time. Depending on conditions and group preferences we can also take a shorter but steeper trail (with exposed sections, protected by chains and cables for hand-railing). Either way, this day takes us through rarely traveled alpine terrain, where sightings of ibex, chamois, and Edelweiss are commonplace.
Day 4: Big summit day – all on glaciers! From the Tsena de Refien Glacier to the summit of the Pigne D’Arolla (3,800 m / 12,500 ft), the high point of the Haute Route and one of the finest viewpoints anywhere in the Alps – the mighty Matterhorn is right in front of us. First easy, and then steeper and more challenging descent to the Vignette Hut (3,160 m / 10,360 ft, showers available!). 870m / 2,850 ft climb, 650 m / 2,100 ft descent, 6 km makes for 6-7 hrs of hiking.

Mont Blanc Ascent: The Haute Route Glacier Trek provides perfect acclimatization for climbing Mont Blanc (4,810 m / 15,778 ft.)  in 3 additional days.  An ascent of Mont Blanc is technically more difficult than the Haute Route, has more objective dangers, and requires a client to guide ratio of two to one. This trip extension is very popular with our clients! Please refer to our Mont Blanc page for further details.

**2 day Mont Blanc ascents will be possible in summer 2026 when the construction work on the Mont Blanc Tramway are complete and the Nid D’aigle Station reopens.

 


Haute Route Glacier Trek Gear List.PDF

Please download a PDF copy to use as a checklist when preparing for your trip.


Considerations

Packing for a trekking trip is a balancing act. You want your pack to be as light as possible so you can truly enjoy the trek. But you also need to have enough gear to be warm (or cool), comfortable, and well-fed and watered. When buying, renting, or borrowing gear for the trip, please keep weight, performance, and function in mind. Chamonix is a sports enthusiast’s shopping mecca. There are dozens of outdoor stores intermingled with the lovely cafes, bistros, bookstores, and restaurants. If you need to purchase clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire.

Technical Gear

This section is divided into 3 portions: Gear provided by OnTop on request, gear provided by your guide and gear you need to provide yourself.

Bring the Following:

  • Light mountaineering boots or sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that cover your ankles (make sure they are comfortable and don’t give you blisters!)
  • Backpack (35-45 litres) with rain cover fitted to the pack
  • Collapsible hiking poles

Provided by OnTop Mountaineering, Upon Request:

Should you require the use of this gear, please inform your Trip Coordinator. This rental is included as part of your trip package.

  • Ice axe for glacier travel (50-75 cm long)
  • Crampons with anti-snowballing plates (usually integrated into modern crampons) that are suitable for your boots. Note: rigid crampons will not work on hiking boots. If you require specialty sizing please let us know with your request.
  • Harness for glacier travel
  • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners

Your Mountain Guide Will Bring the Following:

  • Ropes for glacier travel
  • Crevasse rescue equipment (Prusik cords, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device)
  • General repair kit and Leatherman

*Optional
**Optional but recommended

Clothing

Temperatures on the Haute Route Glacier Trek can vary hugely. Temperatures can range from lows of -10°C (14°F) overnight to +15°C (60°F) during the day, or from +5°C (40°F) overnight to +30°C (85°F) during the day in the valley bottoms. Somewhere in between is normal and having several clothing layering options is important. Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet.

  • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Wind and waterproof over-pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Mountaineering pants (eg. lightly lined Schoeller fabric or similar)
  • Medium weight Primaloft jacket with hood
  • Medium weight fleece sweater
  • Thin synthetic or wool underwear, top and bottoms
  • Synthetic or wool t-shirt
  • Quick-drying sports bra
  • Two pairs of gloves (one pair lightweight and one pair waterproof and heavier weight)
  • 2-3 pairs good quality trekking socks
  • Gaiters that fit over your boot (unless pants seal tightly to your boots)
  • Wool or fleece hat that covers your ears
  • Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
  • Bandana or neck gaiter (eg. Buff)*

Lodging

  • Sleeping bag liner (silk is lightest) MANDATORY
  • Light down jacket or vest*
  • Spare underwear and socks
  • Light hut shoes or crocs*
  • Toiletries (keep to a bare minimum – the huts have minimal washing facilities)
  • Ear plugs**
  • Alpine Club Card*

Other items

  • Sunglasses with high UV protection
  • Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
  • Small container bug spray or cream
  • One or two, one-litre water bottles
  • Water purification tablets or small personal water filtration system*
  • Headlamp with new battery
  • Your favourite hiking snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Lunches and snacks can be purchased at the huts or in the villages
  • Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
  • Pocket knife*
  • Passport, health and travel insurance documents
  • Light stuff sacs or Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry**
  • Camera, spare batteries*
  • Compass, maps, GPS, altimeter watch*
  • Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes
  • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
  • Cellphone with charging cable*
  • Adaptor for European charging system*

Required Hiking Boots and Crampon Compatability: 

The image below shows pretty well the different types of boots and crampons on the market. The crampons we provide you with are “strap-on” type C1 and the B1 trekking boot with gore-tex-leather laminate is the minimum standard required. If your trip is cold or the snow is very slushy, your feet may be cold and wet at times? The better boot for this trip is the B2-type (Scarpa Charmoz or Sportiva Trango GTX)  for more warmth and a bit stiffer, which makes it easier for the crampons to stick to your boot.

Custom Trips: You bring a group and pick the dates / duration of your Haute Route

We will gladly set up the Haute Route Glacier Trek for your private group anytime from mid-June to mid-September. Assuming the same format as our scheduled 6-day / 7-night trek, we offer the following pricing relative to the price of our scheduled departures. Shorter or longer trip durations will be pro-rated:

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

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


Can I Do It?

The Haute Route Glacier Trek involves strenuous alpine trekking. Although not very technically difficult, the trip requires up to 9 hours of hiking per day – mostly uphill and at times on rough, steep trails and on glaciers, where you will be roped together with your fellow trekkers and your guide. The use of crampons might sometimes be required but participants are not expected to have previous experience. We will spend the afternoon of the first trekking day learning about and practising glacier travel.

Relative to multi-day treks in most parts of the world, your backpacks will be relatively light (5-8 kg / 11-18 lbs) as we only need to carry the day’s lunch, snacks, water, a light sleeping bag liner, and clothing. We recommend a backpack size of 35-45 litres (2100-2700 cubic inches).

The Haute Route Glacier Trek is also referred to as the Mountaineer’s Route and should not be confused with the Hiker’s Haute Route, which is a low-level traverse entirely on hiking trails with lodging mainly in hotels rather than high alpine huts. Should you be interested in the less challenging, but still beautiful Haute Route hike, we recommend the trip of our friends Karin & Louis at alpineinterface.com

Getting There

Meeting Point

We usually meet at 8 a.m. on the first trekking day at our preferred hotel in Argentiere (first hotel night with breakfast included), about 15 minutes up the valley from Chamonix. Depending on the guide’s schedule, some trips will have their first meeting at 6 p.m. on the day of arrival.

Transport options to Chamonix Valley

Airport & Shuttles:
The closest international airport to Chamonix Valley is Geneva Airport where there are regular shuttles to Argentiere and Chamonix (1.5-2 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 Euros, depending on the time of year.


By Train:
If you arrive at Zurich Airport then travel by train: Schweizer Bundesbahn SBB which will take approximately four hours via Martigny and Chatelard.

If you arrive at any Paris airport then travel by train: TGV which will take approximately 4-5 hours via St. Gervais.


Your Haute Route Trek will end in Zermatt

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

You can either buy your train ticket upon arrival in Zermatt or you can book it ahead online. While the latter is sometimes cheaper, the former offers more flexibility. The train station is only 10 minutes by foot from our hotel.

Train tickets can be booked online at Swiss Rail. Trains leave Zermatt as early as 6:30 a.m. and depart almost hourly thereafter. If you return to our hotel in Argentiere for an ascent of Mont Blanc with us, it is best to enter the following request: Departing “Zermatt”, arriving “Argentiere Haute Savoie” via “Martigny. The cost is about 85 Swiss Francs per 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 the train stations are small and it’s easy to navigate the connections. For returning to the Geneva Airport, the cost and trip duration are similar.

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


Private Transport:

We can organize a private taxi service from Zermatt to any destination of your choice. Price for the return trip to Chamonix Valley is around 500 Swiss Francs. 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 will gladly assist in organising pre/post trip lodging and airport transfers – just ask us!

Best Season, Weather and Temperatures for the Haute Route Mountaineers Route

The best season for all summer mountaineering trips in the western Alps runs from mid-June to mid-September. The huts are open for business, with good and plentiful food, beer, wine, and coffee being served. Day time temperatures can vary between 30°C (86°F) in the valleys to -10°C (14°F) on clear mornings when we start our day from a high-level hut. Here is a link with precipitation, sun and temperature averages for the town of Zermatt .

Ideal conditions on the Haute Route means good snow coverage with well settled, easy-to-walk-on snow on the glaciers and largely dry trails in the non-glaciated terrain.

June is often still too snowy, especially in early June (which also means participants have to carry food / self-cater) and the weather can be more unsettled.

Late June until mid-August is the main season with mostly good weather and good snow coverage on the glaciers, which commonly deteriorates during warm summers as the season progresses.

Mid-August to mid-September: In warm summers and especially after a low-snow winter, our late-season trips may require itinerary adjustments because: 1) Low snow coverage on the glaciers has reduced or eliminated crevasse bridges, which makes the glacier travel more cumbersome, 2) Increased rock fall hazard on some route sections, namely the ascent to the Bertol Hut, 3) more difficult crampon work in steeper sections, sometimes with bergshrunds and motes opening up, namely on the ascent to the Col Superieure de Tour.

Early September often brings the first snowfalls at higher elevations which makes for a very pretty, pristine ambiance in the mountains, but it is often not enough to improve travel conditions in warm summers. However, colder temperatures and often stable fall weather with fewer travelers make for great trips in those summers where snow coverage on the glaciers held up over the summer. The huts usually close down in mid-September.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Haute Route

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

How much clothing should I bring for the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

It strongly depends on the weather. It may stay well above freezing all the time (even at 5 a.m. when leaving the hut and stepping onto the glacier) but it could also dip well below freezing with snow every day of your trip, even in mid-summer. We’ve seen it all and our recommendation is to be ready for anything upon arrival in Chamonix Valley. At the last practical moment, we will look at the Swiss Weather Forecast and pack accordingly. Anything you decide not to take can be left behind for your return or packed in your bag to be transported to Zermatt.

What do the guides carry on the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

Most guides, if they attach their rope and crampons to the outside of the pack, get away with a 35-litre pack, which is only a little larger than a day pack. The only clothes they bring on the Haute Route is what they wear on their body on a colder day plus a spare set of underwear, two pairs of spare socks, a spare short sleeve shirt, rain (over)pants with side zippers, a light Gore-Tex jacket, and flip flops or crocs for the huts (although many huts provide footwear). If the forecast is for colder weather, they also bring thin long underwear, a thicker base layer and heavier gloves. Lots of our North American guests are used to carrying heavy backpacks on multi-day trips due to the fewer amenities in North American huts. Unfortunately, with the steepness of the terrain in the Alps and the typically fast European pace, some participants figure out too late that they are carrying too much. There is a strong correlation between lighter packs and the ability to finish the trip in Zermatt.

What about drinking water on the Haute Route?

Drinking water is available by purchasing bottled or boiled water/tea at a cost of approximately US$10 per litre. Your group may consider bringing one water filter for everyone to use along the way however contamination is not much of a concern in those altitudes and the use of filter – pumos is not customary in the Alps. If you choose to bring Iodine or other water purification tablets, please be aware that most of the higher huts have a very limited amount of snow-melt water available, which the hut keepers only pass on to patrons in boiled form for a fee.

Do you offer luggage transfers?

Yes, we commonly organize a luggage transfer from Chamonix Valley to Zermatt for an additional fee. Delivery is also possible for the valley / hotel night in Champex or Mauvoisin on the second night of the trek. Please ask us about current cost and details.

Can I rent mountaineering equipment in Chamonix?

We can provide you with the necessary technical equipment for the Haute Route Glacier Trek (crampons, ice axe, harness & locking carabiner). If you need to rent boots or clothing items, there are two stores we recommend in Chamonix – Sanglard Sports or Snell Sports. Please note that if you decide to rent boots, you should arrive a couple of days early to wear the boots in hiking terrain and make sure they don’t give you blisters! Also, returning the boots to Chamonix can be a challenge if you plan to return directly from Zermatt to Geneva Airport.

What sort of boots do I need for the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

First and foremost, make sure your boots are comfortable and don’t give you blisters! They should be waterproof, and you should have worn them at least a few times before the trip. If you choose a trekking boot, it should be an upper-end one like the LOWA Mens Trekking boot which is what our head guide has used the most on the Haute Route over the last 15 years. Another option is to use light mountaineering boots, a little stiffer in the sole than trekking boots, like the Sportiva Trango or the Scarpa Charmoz. Our head guide also has both of those boots and they are both excellent, with the Trango being a little narrower in the toe box.

The image below shows pretty well the different types of boots and crampons on the market. The crampons we provide you with are “strap-on” type C1 and the B1 trekking boot with gore-tex-leather laminate is the minimum standard required. If your trip is cold or the snow is very slushy, your feet may be cold and wet at times? The better boot for this trip is the B2-type (Scarpa Charmoz or Sportiva Trango GTX)  for more warmth and a bit stiffer, which makes it easier for the crampons to stick to your boot.

Will I need gaiters for the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

We suggest you bring gaiters unless your pants close tightly around your ankles and to your boots. Not only do gaiters protect your socks and inside of your boots from getting wet, they also protect your pants and calves from crampon punctures. Short, summer gaiters will also do the job.

What should be my food allowance per day for huts and hotels along the Haute Route?

We recommend budgeting 35 Swiss Francs /day (about US$35). This should cover buying lunch, snacks, water, and one beer at each hut.

Will I get cell or internet service on the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

Wi-Fi is available in Chamonix/Argentiere, Champex, and Zermatt at our hotels and at many bars and cafes. Currently, the huts do not offer Wi-Fi; most people rely on cell service which is pretty good along most of the Haute Route Glacier Trek with the occasional gaps. Be sure to inquire with your cell phone provider as to your roaming capabilities in Europe. It is usually cheaper to buy a SIM card in France but you must have an unlocked phone.

The huts have plugs (220 volts) to recharge phones, etc., but there is usually competition for them.

I am arriving in Geneva before the trip, where should I stay? 

Three options stand out to us: If you want to explore Geneva, we recommend Hotel des Tourelles right in the city of Geneva. Travel by train is convenient: board the train from Geneva-Cointrin to Geneva–Cornavin (one stop; six minute ride) and walk to the hotel (500 meters).

If you want to settle in as soon as you arrive in Geneva, an airport hotel would be your best option, we recommend NH Geneva Airport Hotel www.nh-hotels.com, some of our guests have stayed there and it comes highly recommended.

If you’re up for more travel, head straight to Chamonix Valley. We can arrange an airport transfer from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix Valley for around 40EUR per person (the rate may be higher as it is peak season). Let your trip coordinator know if you would like to transfer directly to Chamonix as we may be able to arrange an additional night in a hotel in Argentiere.

I want to spend the day before the trip exploring in Geneva, when should I arrive in Chamonix? 

Expect travel time to Chamonix to take approx. 2 hours. Mountain Dropoffs is our go-to for transfers between Geneva and Chamonix Valley (Argentiere). They will drop you off right at your hotel.  Plan to arrive in Chamonix in the late afternoon, leaving enough time to settle into your hotel, eat dinner, and prepare for your trek the following day. Depending on the guide’s schedule you will either meet the day before the trip at around 6PM at your hotel or you will meet the morning of the trek, around 8:00am.

I am traveling back to Geneva after the trip, what is the best way to get there? 

For your leg back to Geneva the most economical transport is by train (we could arrange a private transfer but that would amount to approx. 700 EUR) You can either buy your train ticket upon arrival in Zermatt or you can book it ahead online. While the latter is sometimes cheaper, the former offers more flexibility. The train station is only 10 minutes by foot from our hotel.

Train tickets can be booked online at Swiss Rail. Trains leave Zermatt as early as 6:30 a.m. and depart almost hourly thereafter. For returning to the Geneva Airport, the cost is about 85 Swiss Francs per person for the 4-hour train ride.

What’s the difference between the so called Hiker’s Haute Route and the “Mountaineer’s Haute Route itineraries?

The Hiker’s “Haute Route” is an entirely non-technical hike without any glacier travel or exposed trails. Here are the main characteristics listed for each trip:

Hiker’s Haute Route (aka “Low Route”):

Starts in Argentiere (Chamonix Valley) and ends in St. Niklaus (about 20 km down valley from Zermatt),  usually takes about 10 – 12 days, non-technical trail hiking with lots of up and down, low elevation lodging primarily in valleys in hotels and hostels, luggage transfer possible but involves a lot of driving, views of the high glaciated peaks only from a distance, the Matterhorn does not come into sight until arriving by taxi or train in Zermatt, very busy because one of the most popular multi-day hikes in Europe, rivalled only by the Tour Du Mont Blanc.

Mountaineer’s Haute Route – (aka ‘High Route”):

Starts in Argentiere and ends in Zermatt, usually takes 6 – 7 days, about 30% glacier travel (usually roped) and 70% mountain trails, at times exposed, lots of up and down, lodging mainly in high mountain, fully catered, helicopter supplied huts in spectacular locations, often above 3000 meters, dormitory sleeping, no showers, travel over high passes face to face with the highest peaks of the Alps including the Matterhorn, not as busy as the “Hiker’s Haute Route” the because the technical nature requires a mountain guide and more stamina and fitness than the low route, no luggage transfer except to the hotel in Champex or Mauvoisin and to Zermatt in the end.

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Haute Route Glacier Trek – A high level glacier tour from Chamonix to Zermatt

References of prior guests: 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.


“Philippe was great! We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. His personality, technical expertise and overall great attitude made the trip a once in a lifetime experience. On Top did a great job meeting our requirements and desires for this custom trip/We feel that all of our questions where answered in a prompt and thorough manner. Hotel in Argentiere was perfect for our needs. It was nice being in a small town but also having dining close by. The food and lodging at huts was as expected.”
Robert P., VA, USA


“Seb was extremely compentent and knowledgeable. It was obvious we were in very capable hands. I (Trish) felt that the precautionary measures he took at various stages of the trip were most appropriate. We would gladly be guided by Sebastion again.
We were very pleased with the organization. The trip had a few ‘escape’ routes in Champex and again another night where a person could bail if it was too much.
OnTop Communication was punctual and thorough.
The drescription of the itinerary difficulty was accurate. It was a tough 7 days. The hiking times quoted were very close to our actual times. The route was incredible, awesome, challenging, unforgettable. The lodging in both Argentiere and Zermatt was perfect. Not fancy, but clean, in great locations, small family-run places with alot of history. We really enjoyed the lodging choices. We thought the small hotel in Argentiere was perfect; Chamonix easy to get to, but our hotel was in a nice quiet location. I(Trish) went to church in Argentiere the sunday before our trip. Felt like a real town. Breakfasts in both Argentiere and Zermatt were wonderful. The food varied a bit by hut. Some cooks really took pride in their meals, and it showed. We were impressed with what came out of the kitchen on most occasions. Quantity was consistent. Only one hut was a disappointment in the food department – and that was only a lunch stop for us. That said, all of us ate all of the snacks we brought with us – we expended some serious calories. We would recommend this company to friends in a heart beat. We were very pleased..”
Tennis & Trish O., WA, USA


“Philippe is an incredible guide. Very professional, knowledgable and helpful. We would go with him again. We did not spend a lot of time with Didier, but he was very friendly. Everything was organised nicely, the hotel in Argentiere is great, very helpful and friendly people. Everything we received was great and very helpful. As mentioned the hotel in Argentiere was great. Their breakfast was excellent, a lot of food and great variety. The huts and the food there were far beyond our expectations. If any of our friends would ever consider a trip like this, we would definitely recommend OnTop.”
Helma & Jonathan G., AB, Canada


“Till was a good guide althought some huts/routes were new to him. Trip organisation was good. The itinerary was pretty challenging and made it worthwhile. Huts and sleeping rooms seemed too crowded to me. Food quality was good but last 2 huts only offereed bread with butter/jame to eat for breakfast. I would rate my experience with OnTop about 8 out of 10. ”
August M., CA, USA


” The guides were amazing- so impressed with Geoffroy’s professionalism and always felt safe. Nick also had a great 2 days with him after the trip instead of Mont Blanc. Fridjon was also a fantastic guide – very entertaining and great customer service. Also great at teaching. Both complement each other. All organisation was great. Needed more info about how much cash to take into mountains. Didn’t realise we’d be buying water and it was SOOOO expensive. Maybe iodine tabs would be better? Very environmentally unsound to be buying plastic bottles. Also the trek was much harder than I’d anticipated and if I’d been any less fit I wouldn’t have coped. Definitely need more detailed explanation of degree of difficulty in trip notes. I do like a challenge though so it was great for me but I can think of plenty of people who may have thought they could managed based on basic trip notes.
Itinerary fantastic. Loved it all. Geoffroy was a bit worried about the very long day (?day3) but we did the steeper route instead and though tough, was fine.
Lodging was fine. Food good and plentiful, though breakfast a bit sketchy. Would have liked more info as to what to expect on our first morning as it was so crowded, rushed and stressful. Not a great start to the day – just needed to know what it would be like in advance. Take more face wipes for washing (women). Broad spectrum antibiotics. Can’t think of anything else I needed.
Would definitely recommend this trip and On Top to friends. It was absolutely incredible and a fantastic experience!! Thank you! ”
Nikki, Nick and Alice M., Australia


” I thought Till was an exceptional guide. We have had guides on all our climbs and treks in various parts of the world and he was certainly one of the best. He was very open and easy to communicate with and genuinely seemed to enjoy his time with us. His mountain knowledge was exceptional and he also was able to answer the many questions that we fired at him over the course of the trip. When we came off Mont Blanc Till offered to drive me back to Argentiere, which was above and beyond what I would expect from a guide. I would not hesitate to have Till guide me again if I was to go back to the alps.
The trip organisation and communication were very good. Apart from a hiccup with one of my emails to you, all our correspondence was answered promptly and accurately. Everything went smoothly with the organisation and communication and can only applaude you for that.
No problems with the itinerary. Plenty of time to do everything we had to do on any particular day, with enough time at the end of the day in each hut to relax and rest for a while before the dinner bell rang.
Lodging and Food. Considering the locations of the lodges we thought they were fine. Some of the lodges are showing signs of wear and tear but I would guess that the Alpine Clubs responsible for their upkeep would be aware of that and would have regular maintenance programs in place. No problems with the food. People have to remember the location and situation of the these huts in providing food for many people who come from different parts of the world and are used to eating different types of food. We go into the mountains for the mountains, not to enjoy a fine dining experience.
I would not hesitate to recommend OnTop to anyone wishing to do any of your itineraries. On your website you might like to consider putting some testimonials up for people to read. I have always found them invaluable in helping me to make decisions on whether or not I would use a particular organisation. ”
Murray C., Australia


“Thomas was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. The terrain was new and unfamiliar to me, but I had complete confidence and trust in Thomas’ skills and judgement. He always made sure we arrived at our huts in great time (avoiding pending rain!), but was also flexible and understanding should we want to stop for an occasional break or photo. I would highly recommend Thomas to any group. Very fast communication and responses to my questions. Also really appreciated your commitment to ensuring the trip was still happening despite those last-minute cancellations. Also, I really appreciated the email we got the night before meeting our guide that connected me with Lu and Thomas. I think you should continue to send these pre-trip emails in the future – I think guests will really appreciate it.
The Haute Route was a spectacular hike; we got to walk through some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Huts were comfortable, and had great food. Really appreciated how the first and last days were shorter, with the more difficult days in the middle of the trip (allowed us time to ‘build up’ to those more difficult days). Also, the gradual ascent to the more elevated portions of the trip made it easier to acclimatize (sleeping at gradually more elevated huts was helpful!). Huts were warm, comfortable, and had great food. Only thing was that some of them were quite crowded (and making it difficult to sleep sometime), but I understand that this was out of your control! 10/10 would recommend this trip to my friends.” Rosalinda C., Canada


“We adored both Geoffrey and Fridjion and they worked very well together. Geoffroy was a consummate professional who NEVER got ruffled even when I was convinced we would all die grin He said in his inimitable French accent when I asked if he was worried about the huge drop offs to the side of the trail with loose gravel, “yes, you must watch how you step.” I loved him. Fridjion was inspirational as well -what a tremendous story about how he came back after his accident. He was super funny, kind and super patient helping those who were timid or not as sure footed without making them feel bad – a real art. For both guides, we literally entrusted our lives in their hands and I felt VERY safe knowing that they would do anything to help us. Fridjon could also be a stand up comedian – his positive attitude rubbed off on all of us.
The huts were SPECTACULAR – great food, some had awesome beer – only ONE didn’t have running water and more showers would be nice and more women’s only bathrooms but I’m nitpicking for my dream hut! For high alpine huts, they were better than I expected.”
Michele B., VT, USA


“The Haute Route trip that your company has put together was truly outstanding! As you know it not only provides a variety of outstanding scenery in one of the worlds most beautiful mountain ranges but also gives opportunity for physical challenges and tests of one’s endurance. It was absolutely wonderful! Every day was met with anticipation of where and what we would see and do next. To my knowledge there wasn’t any day that upon arrival we didn’t say what an incredible day it had been no matter how tired or hungry we were. I am positive that Rosalinda would agree. Hopefully, Thomas too:) Thomas was the most skilled mountaineering guide I’ve had to date! Of course he was wonderful to hang out with and is kind, patient and personable. But what mattered most is that he had a sound knowledge of the terrain on every surface that was clear and pronounced especially nearing the end when the glaciers got complicated and routes altered due to changes in landscape. The final day other groups were crossing the glaciers paying close attention to the routes Thomas confidently chose. As, well he helped instill personal confidence in the two of us to do things that I never once felt afraid or doubted my ability to achieve. Hope that makes sense! The communication on your side was above and beyond. I joked that you all stay up way too late at night responding to any query in order to get back as soon as possible. Especially given the difference in time zones. Great job! The lodging was awesome both on and off the trail. Pretty and super clean rooms in all three spots that I personally stayed, Argentiere, Champex and Geneva. The huts..in my opinion the best one ever was Vignette! Just saying:) Eggs and Bacon for breakfast and what a location! They were all great and had a personality of their own as you well know. Without hesitation I would highly recommend OnTop Mountaineering! Giving out a 10 isn’t suppose to be a good thing so that it leaves room for improvement but from my experience I couldn’t have imagined it being better. Before leaving the Schoenbiel Hut I was asked by another groups members who I had used to organize this trip and your name was written down by several of them. This was one of the groups that was looking to where Thomas took us.” Lue W., Canada


Guide: Wow. I am speechless. Seb was absolutely amazing – extremely professional, tended to our needs, served as an example, kept the pace and morale – I really couldn’t ask for anyone better. I really hold him in the highest appreciation possible – I wouldn’t have been able to make this trip without him. I really respect his work, his style, and pretty much everything he did while on the tour.
Organization and communication were perfect – from the moment I made first contact, up until my summit certificate ;). I really appreciated and enjoyed the fact that everything was written, ordered, thought of, and delivered in mail. I think everything before the trip ticked very well, and it did as well during the trip – there was nothing missing, mis-communicated, and everything was very clear and precise.
Itinerary: In general, I think the days were perfect, balancing the correct amount of altitude gain and sleeping in relatively high-altitude huts, versus effort per each day. Some days were a bit longer and more tiring, but that’s the nature of these trips I guess.
Food was great, we had plenty, and ate very good food. The lodging in general was very good, save for one exception – as it happens, in the hotel at Champex Melissa and I had to share a room. It’s really not that big deal, and we were both very adult about it, but at least I was a bit surprised that this is the case. I think she and I might have felt a bit more comfortable to be notified of this arrangement ahead, and if possible not to share the room (of course, I can only speak to myself), but again, I don’t feel this created any complexity or unease that we couldn’t handle.
Score 9/10. Almost everything was perfect, and I mean it – you guys are very ordered, like I said – everything ticked and worked and went smooth, and I really felt I’m getting all the information I need and the value for my money. While this is not your direct responsibility, you are probably aware that we had to change course due to one of our party members having caught altitude sickness. I realize this can happen to anybody – I’ve been there myself. Seb handled this on the best possible and professional manner, and we didn’t even have to change too much of our original course, and had lodging in town, and even though we had this bump in the road, I think everything ticked pretty well. But, I do wonder if this could have been avoided – both in better screening and warnings for clients before the hike, and maybe following more of Seb advice regarding weight, sleep and such. It did not seem like the client had a lot of experience in hikes of this sort before, and I’m not sure how strict you are about registering clients (hey, you got me without too much trouble ;)), but I’m wondering if this could have been played out differently. The first 10 minutes of turning back down to the valley felt bitter, and while it was absolutely the right decision, it still stung a little bit. I don’t have a good advice as to how to overcome this issue without a tiring screening process, and eventually – this can always happen, but this is my food for thought and improvement.
Other than that, I had a perfect trip! I really enjoyed it, and felt it was challenging and interesting for me. I already did recommend this to numerous friends who might try their luck next year. Seb was really the best I could wish for, and all the logistics before and while on the trip were handled flawlessly.” Yochai E., Israel


“Markus and Lutz were first rate! I was very impressed with them during the second day out, orienteering us safety to our destination through the white out blizzard. They always had our safety first and were fun to hang out with and were encouraging the group during some tough sections. I thought all lodging was good except the lodging conditions at the Albert Premier hut, which was kind of crappy but excellent everywhere else, especially Arolla…”
Dan M, DC, USA


“Credit definitely foremost to Markus and Lutz who are the best– certainly several parties who seemed to be asking for directions/pointers during one of our stormier days probably wished they were with us as well. They are fantastic guides– made the whole trip so very enjoyable from start to finish despite having to juggle some weather issues, variance in tempos amidst the group, and all the things we were likely entirely unaware of…”
Meg J., NY, USA


“I had a great time on both the trek and Weissmies climb. Markus & Lutz were both great – very knowledgeable, professional, courteous and just fun to hang out with. We had a white out one day in a blizzard and they navigated us perfectly to our hut. I also appreciated their (and on top’s) flexibility with regard to changing our plans the last day. The hotel lodging – in Argentiere and Arolla – was very good. Most of the huts were nice, given their location. The food was pretty decent across the board as well, save breakfast. To some extent that’s to be expected, given the remote location of the huts. Thanks Jorg again for all of his help regarding answering questions. The only thing I’d recommend is emphasizing that people doing the Mt Blanc climb will need warmer clothing than the trek. our guides said it can be helpful to have a down jacket for rest stops during the climb…”
Mike M., NJ, USA


“Flory was a really great guide – always ready to help and always sensitive to how everyone was doing. If it wasn’t for my concern about being affected by the altitude (I had a cold as well), I would be quite tempted to book another trip straight away!…”
Martin R., UK


“Flory is a super guide. He is reassuring, knowledgeable, experienced, organized, interesting and a fun guy! He always let us know in advance what we should expect, how to be prepared and when to get up. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to have him as a guide on another trip. I definitely will (and have) recommended OnTop to other people. The trip was well organized.
The food at the huts was great! Being a vegetarian was not a problem, there was plenty for me to eat. Loved the rosti, but don’t eat too much at lunch and then hike or you could get heartburn!…”
Nancy D., NY, USA


“The whole trip was even better than I expected. Flory was awesome, one of the best guides I think I’ve ever had. Really knowledgeable and personable, and very responsive to individual concerns and abilities. La Couronne was a nice hotel, and I found the staff really friendly and helpful. All the other lodging was good, too, and the huts exceeded my expectations, as did the food. ..”
Heather S., Montana, USA


“…The hotel in Argentiere was wonderful! The room was very very nice, the breakfasts were great and the woman at the front desk was just terrific. Hotel in Arolla was lovely and dinner/ breakfast very good. Itinerary? Great … challenging for me, less so for my daughter. We skipped one day on the glacier because of rain / fog…”
Jeanne G., USA


“…For technical skills, knowledge and safety, Lutz gets an A+. He was also sociable and friendly in the afternoons and at dinnertime. He also gets an A+ for his excellent and creative work rearranging the canceled Mont Blanc expedition. Lodging in the huts was excellent, except for Albert Premier. Unpleasant “squat–style” bathroom. Food in all places excellent…”
Brad A., Nova Scotia, Canada


“Lutz is a fantastic climber, he takes extraordinary care for the safety of his clients, and he genuinely seeks out the company of his clients during the long hours that can be spent in a hut, which is unusual and not easy for someone who speaks English as a second language. The Hotel de la Couronne in Argentiere and Grand Hotel Kurhaus in Arolla were both wonderful places to stay. The dormitory facilities and food at the huts were superior to anything I expected. I was very impressed with the amount of work Lutz did to come up with alternative hikes and accommodations when plans had to change because of the weather….”
Stephen G., Oregon, USA


“I thought the huts were more than adequate, though the Albert could do with a some upgrades. Food everywhere was pretty good and plentiful, though the breakfasts could have been more substantial. Hotels in Argentiere and Alrolla were absolutely fine, with the award for hoteliers of the year going to our new best friends at the Sonne, which was excellent!!!!!!!!!! …”
Jim R., UK


“Thank you all for the excellent administration, granting discounts and upgrades and lastly for delivering quite superb weather. Is it any surprise we had such a cracking adventure…”
Ray M., Hong Kong, China


“Trient – modern and very nice. Chanrion also comfortable Bertol a real experience and very friendly welcome. Schonbielehutte serves excellent food (we didn’t stay there). Hotel Glacier in Arolla was excellent as was the Sonne in Zermatt…”
Mark D., UK


“The huts and hotels were great. The toilet facilities in the Albert were pretty rough and one of the hut guardians could do with a course in customer relations. Food was great. Breakfasts very basic. Ear defenders should go on your kit list…”
Alex B., Thailand


DIFFICULTY
Haute Route Glacier Trek
  • Up to 9 hours per day hiking
  • Backpack weighing 5-8 kg / 11-18 lbs
  • Requires stamina!
  • Roped glacier travel (no experience required)
  • Exposed, steep trails
  • Some scree slopes

Haute Route Glacier Trek

6 nights / 6.5 days trekking

2024 DATES:

Custom dates anytime June – September

July 1 – 08 (Monday departure)
July 08 – 15
July 15 – 22
July 22 – 29
July 29 – Aug. 05
Aug. 05 – 12
Aug. 12 – 19
Aug. 19 – 26

Ascent of Mont Blanc:

3 days, departing one or two days after every Haute Route Glacier Trek, pending Gouter Hut availability. For strong mountaineers only.

*2 day Mont Blanc ascents will be possible in summer 2026 when the construction work on the Mont Blanc Tramway are complete and the Nid D’aigle Station reopens.

Haute Route Glacier Trek
2024 PRICES

US $2575 per person

Included:

  • 6.5 days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or aspirant under supervision
  • 1 night lodging at a hotel or B&B in Chamonix/Argentiere with breakfast
  • 1 night lodging at a hotel in Champex or Mauvoisin with half-board
  • 4 nights lodging in huts with half-board
  • 1 night lodging at either: Schoenbiel Hut(half-board) OR Zermatt Hotel(Breakfast)
  • Taxi and bus transfers to and from trailheads
  • Guide expenses
  • Balme and Fui Gondola, La Breya Chairlift
  • Technical equipment rental: harness, ice axe, crampons, carabiner
  • All trip organization, reservations as well as assistance with all pre- and post-trip preparations.

Not Included 

  • Single Hotel Room Supplement ($60 for night in Chamonix)
  • Airfare
  • Airport transfers to Chamonix  and from Zermatt
  • Insurance
  • Additional hotel nights pre- and post-trip
  • All lunches, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic)
  • Luggage transfer from  Chamonix to Zermatt (see below)
  • 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 $100 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
  • 3 Day Mont Blanc Ascent  – inquire early – spots fill FAST