Chamonix - Zermatt the historic haute route

The haute route

The most famous ski tour in the Alps. The Chamonix - Zermatt crossing takes you to the heart of the Alps and offers breathtaking scenery.

Chamonix and Zermatt are recognised as the 2 capital cities of alpinism and mountain skiing.

During this crossing you will be able to admire the most beautiful summits of the Alps, Aiguilles Verte, Aiguille d'Argentière, Aiguille du Chardonnet, Grand Combin, Dent d'Hérens, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, Mont Rose and many others. It is a pleasure on the way up as well as on the descents, the glacial show and the views are on the programme every day.

It is a real high mountain trip for trained skiers who are at ease in all snow conditions and who have a good experience of ski touring.

Region

France - Switzerland

Duration

6 Days

Months

March, April, May

2,500€ /groupe for 4 people

Difficulties

Itinerary

Day 1

Checking of material and equipment in the morning in the Grands Montets car park.

We take the Plan Joran ski lift 2766 m, after a short traverse we put on the skins to cross the Col des rachasses, 3037 m descent by the Rognons glacier to take a foothold on the Argentière glacier, checking of the technical abilities of the participants.

We put the skins on again to reach the Argentière refuge where we will take half board (2771m).

D+ 550m / D- 500m

Day 2

Leaving the refuge in the morning, we pass either via the Chardonnet pass (3323 m) then the Saleina window (3300 m), or via the Passon pass (3028 m) and the upper Tour pass (3296 m) to switch to Switzerland.

Descent down the Trient glacier to the Col des Ecandies (2796 m) then a superb descent into the Val d'Arpette to the gîte.

D+ 1000m / D- 2120m

Day 3

Transfer by taxi from the gîte to Le Châble and up by the ski lifts to the Col des Gentianes.

We put on the skins to cross the Col de la Chaux. Short descent to cross the Col de Momin, to climb to the summit of the Rosablanche, 3335m.
We just have to slide down the Prafleuri glacier to the hut of the same name (2662m).

D+ 780m / D- 1000m

Day 4

We climb to the Col des Roux (2804m) then, by a long traverse, descend to the Lac des Dix (2386m). Climb up the Pas du Chat to reach the Cabane des Dix (2925m).

In the afternoon it is possible to make the summit of La Luette, 3547m, as an extra.

D4 D+ 750m-1370m / D- 430m-1050m

Day 5

Magnificent glacial stage: Ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla (3787m), the highest point of the raid, by the Tsena Réfien glacier. Then beautiful descent to the Cabane des Vignettes (3152m).

D+ 1000m / D- 700m

Day 6

Departure at the dawn of the Vignettes hut because it is the biggest day. We start with a descent to the Charmotane pass (3000 m), then we reach the Col de l'Évêque (3392 m) for a second descent. Again a climb, that of the Col du Mont Brulé (3578 m). Third short descent on the high glacier of Tsa de Tsan. You now have to cross the Valpelline pass, 3551 m, before starting the final descent on Zermatt (1650 m).The view is fantastic and the peaks of the Dent d'Hérens and the Matterhorn are magical. A flat section is to be crossed with the skins before reaching the village of Zermatt skiing at the feet.

Return to Chamonix by taxi.

D+1300m/ D- 2600m

Included

Not included

All Ecrins Prestige guides have gained the highest guiding qualification from the IFMGA and are certified to guide anywhere in the world