Walker's Haute Route in Refuges Self Guided

Trek Itinerary

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  DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX:

  As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.

  If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.

  Accommodation:

  Lodge, private rooms, B & B

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  DAY 2 CHAMONIX TO TRIENT:

  You take a short bus ride to Montroc where you start the route with an ascent to the Col du Balme via the beautiful Aiguillette des Possettes. You make your way to the col by crossing the border into Switzerland and descending to the Swiss village of Trient.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1000m

  Guide notes:

  The route over the Aiguillette des Possettes is magnificent and one of my favourite peaks in the Chamonix valley. Enjoy the 360 degree far reaching views over the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille Rouges & the Swiss Valais. Refreshments of a kind at the Col du Balme but don't expect service with a smile!! It's worth the experience nonetheless!

  Accommodation:

  Auberge, dormitory, evening meal with breakfast.

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  DAY 3 TRIENT TO CHAMPEX-LAC:

  Leaving Trient, you climb steeply to the Fenetre d’Arpette. A tricky descent over boulders leads us to pastureland and to the picture postcard village of Champex-Lac.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 8hrs | Height gain: +1400m | Descent: -1200m

  Guide notes:

  Option to take the Bovine route if the weather isnt so good which is more sheltered in poor weather. The true Haute Route goes over the Fenetre d'Arpette and although tough you wont be disappointed.

  Accommodation:

  Pension, dormitory, evening meal with breakfast.

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  DAY 4 CHAMPEX-LAC TO CABANE LOUVIE:

  You start the day with an easy descent into to the Orsiére Valley and trough the Swiss villages of Sembrancher and Châble. From Châble, you will then take the 30 minute bus ride to Fionnay. From Fionnay you make a steep ascent through beautiful terrain with spectacular views of the emerging Grand Combine. A warm welcome awaits at the Cabane de Louvie.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 8hrs (Inc. transport) | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  A lovely leisurely start to the day as you wander down to Le Chable. Enjoy the easy angled terrain before the final descent to the refuge. Fabulous terrain to come over the next few days!

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 5 CABANE LOUVIE TO CABANE PRAFLEURI:

  An easy start as you traverse the Lac Louvie before the steep ascend over rocky terrain to Col de Louvie. The descent from the col takes you into the the vast moraine filled Grand Desert with its river crossing & receding glacier above. You will pass a series of small tarns before ascending once more to the Col de Prafleuri and descend steeply to the Cabane de Prafleuri.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 6hrs| Height gain: +900m | Descent: -550m

  Guide notes:

  It’s up and out early as possible today as the day is long & hard. Amazing views of the Grand Combin and the lunar landscape of the Grand Desert. The statistics don’t give the day justice, as the high altitude terrain is larger than life!

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 6 CABANE PRAFLEURI TO AROLLA:

  Passing over the Col des Roux, you descend to the Lac Dix and contour above the shoreline for several kilometers before rising again to the Col de Riedmatten, from the col after an straightforward descent you finally reach the small Alpine village of Arolla.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7 hrs | Height gain: +850m | Descent: -1400m

  Guide notes:

  Another big day over challenging terrain so an early start is a must. Fabulous views of Mont Blanc Cheilon as you ascend the glacial moraine. There is of course the option of the Pas de Chevre for those with a head for heights!

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, dormitory, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 7 AROLLA TO LA SAGE:

  An easy day as you make your way via Lac Bleu to the typical Valaisian village of Les Hauderes and on to the hamlet of La Sage in the Val d'Herens. You arrive in Val d'Herens around mid-afternoon with time to rest and relax.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 4hrs | Height gain: +215m | Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  At last an easier day! Enjoy the lofty traverse and rest a while at the beautiful Lac Bleu with wonderful views back down the Arolla valley and the mighty Mont Colon.

  Accommodation:

  Hotel with private rooms, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 8 LA SAGE TO CABANE DE MOIRY:

  Leaving La Sage you climb steeply to the Col du Tsate and descend to Lac de Moiry. Following the shoreline of the lake for a while before a further climb towards Cabane de Moiry situated in the truly stunning location next to the Moiry glacier.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 8hrs | Height gain: +1650m | Descent: -500m

  Guide notes:

  Don't underestimate this col as its high at 2868m, with far reaching views from the col back towards Arolla and its significant peaks, on a good day you can see Mont Blanc!

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 9 CABANE DE MOIRY TO ZINAL:

  Taking the same path from the cabane that you ascended on the day before before traversing high bringing you to the far end of Lac Moiry and joining the path to the Col de Sorbois. Once over the col a descent through the Zinal ski area brings you to the cable car de Sorbois and beyond on a steep track through the trees to Zinal. Option to take the cable car to Zinal to shorten the day and descent if needed.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 5hrs | Height gain: +500m | Descent: -1550m

  Accommodation:

  Auberge, dormitory, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 10 ZINAL TO GRUBEN:

  A steady climb through woodland to the high mountain pastureland passing the remote Barnueza Alpage. Once at the Col du Forcletta, you make your descend in to the Gruben valley to the small village of Gruben.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +1200m | Descent: -1000m

  Guide notes:

  Making your way over the Col de la Forcletta and into one of the most remote valleys of the trek is a fabulous experience. This valley is closed off from autumn to spring and is used during the summer months for cattle farming. Get ready for the Hotel Schwartzhorn which seems totaly incongruous to this remote valley.

  Accommodation:

  Auberge, dormitory, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 11 GRUBEN TO ST NIKLAUS.

  Another steep climb from Gruben to high-level pastures of the Augustbordpass. You make your descent steadily from the col towards Jungen where you take the little cable car to St Niklaus & your accommodation for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7hrs (Inc. transport)| Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1000m

  Guide notes:

  The Augustbordpass passes without any notable acclaim as the col seems to be somewhat hidden away, the views are reserved for later in the day with the narrow traverse above Jungen which reveals the delights of the Matterhorn valley!

  Accommodation:

  Hotel in private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 12 ST NIKLAUS TO EUROPAHUTTE:

  Low Route via the Matterhorn Valley
  Departing St Niklaus you take the low route through the Matterhorn valley via Mattsand and on to Tasch.The new route ascends back to the Europaweb beyond where it is closed. Continue on this lofty traverse high above the Matterhorn valley to the Europahutte.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 8hrs | Height gain: +1000m | Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  The first section of the Europaweg is now closed due to landslide and dangerous conditions. The route now takes you back into the Matterhorn Valley before ascending beyond the closed section.

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 13 EUROPAHUTTE TO ZERMATT:

  Departing from the refuge, you descend and take the impressive Charles Kuonen suspension bridge for the final day on this stunning Europaweg via Taschalpen, taking the hight route into Zermatt.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7hrs| Height gain: +300m | Descent: -850m

  Guide notes:

  In August 2017 this section of the Europaweg was reopened after closure for some years. My recommendation would be to include the final stage from Taschalp, which has stupendous views on the mighty Matterhorn.

  Accommodation:

  Hotel room only, dormitory.

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  DAY 14: DEPART ZERMATT:

  On the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  Option to add an additional day in Zermatt.

  Guide notes:

  Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Walkers Haute Route is truly an exceptional trek & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.

  "Take only memories, leave only footprints"
  Chief Seattle