Vic Chelton has been out on the Walkers Haute Route over the past few days, the route is higher in altitude than other long distance treks, which is why we dont start this trek until later in the season.
The section between Le Chable & Arolla is always problematic in early season, this is what she had to say...
This Summer Trail conditions are somewhat more challenging than normal.
Lots of snow still remains in the Mountains, in addition to periods of heavy flooding.
Some ground has become unstable and caused disruption to public transport.
Champex to Le Chable & Cabane de Louvie
It's important to note and plan access to Cabane Louvie carefully.
Currently the bus service from Le Chable only runs to Champsec not all the way to Fionnay.
The section of road between Champsec and Lourtier is fully closed off.
From Champsec it's around 1 hr of Hiking on a well marked trail to Lourtier.
There is very limited bus service from Lourtier to Fionnay.
Information can be found here
Allow plenty of time to make sure to arrive at the Cabane Louvie before 6pm.
The Trail from Fionnay to Cabane takes 1.5 / 2hrs.
Cabane Louvie to Cabane Prafleuri
The section of trail between Cabane Louvie to Cabane Plaflueri Is more difficult than an average summer so extra time is needed for this day. 50 percent of time will be spent walking on snow.
It's Important to have equipment to deal with this.
Crampons or Microspikes are essential.
The snow line starts around 2500m, on the approach to Col Louvie, It's currently very hard packed and icy in the morning.
From the Col Louvie to Col Plaflueri it is mostly on snow crossing the Grand Desert.
The descent from Col Louvie to the Lac Desert is on steep snow slopes.
The Snow is difficult to walk on as the surface has been weather affected causing wave type formations and is difficult underfoot.
It's also important to note the trail from Cabane Louvie to Col Louvie is very narrow in places.
There are chains in place on the exposed sections however there has been a lot of path damage due to landslides and some areas of ground are still unstable.
Care is needed and not recommended to pass in bad weather.
From the Lac of Grand Desert , attention is needed to navigate and look for painted markers and signs for Col Plafleuri and some are buried under the snow.
There have been people out hiking so there are tracks through the snow fields.
Concentration is needed to stay on the trail.
There is one section of the trail heading towards the Col Plaflueri around 2700m that involves a short descent on exposed terrain.
A small snow lip needs to be passed and also a short traverse on exposed snow slopes. It’s passable but care is needed.
The snow continues all the way to Col Plaflueri 2965m.
The descent from the Col Plaflueri to Cabane Plaflueri is straightforward, still has patches of snow but easy to cross.
Cabane Prafleuri to Arolla: This day is mostly snow free and any patches are easily passable.
It's recommended to pass over the Col de Riedmatten not Pas de Chevre.
The flowers are truly incredible on the descent to Arolla & there were many people out hiking in this area.
It's Important to note there is no telephone signal between the Cabane Louvie and Col de Riedmatten.
