Trek with Smiler and his team, from Chamonix to Zermatt, on the famous Haute Route.

Using a variety of mountain huts, hostels and hotels, we will cross glaciers and mountain passes amid sensational and beautiful mountain scenery. If time allows at the end of out trek, we will add to the superb but straightforward mountain peaks we will, with weather and conditions permitting, have climbed en route, the Pigne d ‘Arolla (3796m) and the Tete Blanche (3724m). We will ascend to the summit of the Zermatt Breithorn (4165m), putting the ‘icing on the cake’ of a remarkable and inspiring journey.

Strong and experienced walkers who are physically fit, will enjoy crossing in the footsteps of Hannibal (no elephants on this trip). The aim is to cross the Alps, viewing the many superb peaks on the way, Mont Blanc and the Chamonix peaks, and then the wonderful peaks of the Valais, Dent Blanche, Zinal Rothorn, Weishorn and the mighty Matterhorn.

Mountain conditions can change from day to day, but there are many variations we are able to use, to complete our traverse of the Alps. The actual route taken will be dictated by these mountain conditions at the time. Our final destination, Zermatt, is a must-see alpine venue, situated directly underneath the most famous peak in the world.

A typical itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Chamonix or Argentiere. Equipment check, Briefing, prepare and pack for the departure.

Day 2: We take a leisurely walk via a cable car to the Albert Premier Refuge, where some snow and crampon skills will be shown on a nearby glacier. (3 to 4 hrs plus time on the glacier).

Day 3: We leave the refuge early, and cross into Switzerland by the Col Superior du Tour (3289m) and continue across the Glacier du Trient to the Cabane d’Orny Refuge. Descending on good tracks we arrive at the lovely village of Champex and our accommodation for the night. (7 to 8 hrs).

Day 4: Leaving the refuge, we descend easily down the Val d’Arpette de Saliena to where we join the Tour du Mont Blanc paths leading to the lovely Swiss village of La Foully and a comfortable hotel for the night. (around 6hrs)

Day 5: If weather and conditions are suitable, after a short trip along the road, we will climb to the Col du Neve (2752m) and the Point des Planards (2866m) before dropping down to the good path leading to our evening hotel location in Bourg St. Pierre. (a good 8hrs).

Day 6: This morning, using public transport, we relocate to the end of the Mauvoison Dam and trek along the eastern lakeside, crossing a couple of small cols before descending to the Chanrion Refuge. (5hrs in good conditions).

Day 7: We follow the superb Otemma glacier, crossing the Col de Chermotane (3053m) and continue for our overnight stay in the Vignettes Refuge. Circa 6 hours).

Day 8: A great mountain day. We cross the Col de L’Eveque (3392m), slowly descend to the moraines and then take the  ascending path to the Bertol Refuge (3311m). (around 7 hrs).

Day 9: Our main ascent peak on the Haute Route traverse. We cross the glacier to the rounded summit of the (Swiss version) Tete Blanche (3724m) and have amazing views of the Matterhorn (it seems so close). Descending down the Stockji Glacier, we take a secret diversion which allows us to gain a spectacular higher traverse to our overnight stay, the Schonbeil Hut (2694m).

Day 10: Relaxed and satisfied with our trek almost complete, we take superb tracks and paths down into our final destination - Zermatt, and all the while, THAT mountain dominates the scene. About 6 or 7 hrs.

If, due to weather and poor conditions, we arrive at Zermatt with a day to spare, we will take the cable car to the Klein Matterhorn lift stop (3825m) and ascend to the summit of the Breithorn (4165m). Circa 5 to 6 hrs round trip.

That all-important celebration meal in The Potter’s Bar restaurant needs to be fitted in before making our way to our destinations.

Suitability

Fit and experienced in multi-day walks and treks will allow you to fully enjoy this spectacular alpine crossing. Previous mountaineering skills and experience in snow and ice techniques are useful but not essential as we will teach you the basics necessary for some of the more rocky and steeper snow sections where crampons and a walking axe will be necessary.

E-mail for a booking form and get ready to trek.

The Haute Route