Chamonix to Zermatt High Level Route

The High Level Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is one of the best and most well known ski tours in the world, and justifiably so. It is a journey through spectacular high mountains and complex glaciated terrain. This is a tough journey and one that should only be undertaken when you have the necessary skills to deal with the high mountain environment. The rewards and satisfaction you will feel on completing this tour will last for a lifetime.

Day 1

Arrive in Chamonix for the first meeting with your guide in the evening.

Day 2

Off piste skiing and skills training in the Grand Montets ski area.

Day 1

We take and early lift up the Grands Montets and ski down to the Argentiere Glacier where we “gear up” for the first uphill of the tour. We will skin up to either the Col du Chardonnet or the Col du Passon this choice of route is generally made the day before based on current snow conditions. Whichever route is taken the views are spectacular and the route has many classic ski mountaineering challenges on route to the Trient hut where we spend our first night.

Day 4

We start the day by skiing down the Trient Glacier to the Col des Ecandies. This is at the head the Val d'Arpette, a stunning valley that leads down to the picturesque village of Champex in Switzerland . From here we transfer to Verbier ski area by road, where we use uplift and ski to the Mont Fort hut.

Day 5

From the Mont Fort hut we skin up to the Col de la Chaux then traverse to the Col de Momin. From here an ascent of the Rosablanche can be made, this gives us an outstanding view of all the surrounding mountains. From Rosablanche we have wonderful ski descent to the new Plafleuri hut where we will spend the night.

Day 6

The day starts with a short climb over the Col des Roux this gives us a fantastic view down onto the Lac des Dix and our route ahead. We traverse around lake side then up to the Pas de Chat on-route to the Dix hut.

Day 7

Skin across the Cheilon Glacier and up to the Col de la Serpentine. Continue up to the Col de Brenay and then up the final slopes to the beautiful summit of the Pigne d` Arolla (3796m.) A stunning ski descent to the Vignettes hut with Mt. Collon providing a perfect backdrop.

Day 8

A pre-dawn start is needed from the Vignettes hut to enable us to reach the Col de Valpelline by late morning. We then have a breathtaking ski down the Stockji and Zmutt glaciers with North face of Matterhorn towering above us. We now only have the final stages left down to Zermatt . We then return to Chamonix where the course finishes.

General Information

Booking

This is a suggested program for a tailor made booking, if you have a preformed group or would like to make a private booking please e-mail hello@alpineadventures.co.uk to dicuss dates | prices | Options.

If you are an individual and would like to join a group to ski the Haute route please have a look at this page Chamex Haute Route

Ratio

1 guide to 6 clients (maximum ratio)

Accomodation

Hotels and mountain huts.

Useful information

Nearest airports: Zürich 90 miles - Geneva 150 miles
Maps of region: 1.50 000 Swiss 264S Jungfrau 265S Nufenenpass
Currency: Euro (Cash) and mainly Swiss Franc (Cash)

Level 2 - Ski Touring - Your ability should be

On Piste

You have had a good number of weeks skiing in recent years. You do not have a problem skiing the mountain all day (including the Blacks). At the end of the day you sometimes wish for a little more adventure.

Off Piste

This is your preferred environment and a rucksack is no longer a hindrance. In conditions of powder snow or breakable crust you have the necessary skills to ski in a safe and effective manner without becoming unduly tired. You can uphill and down hill kick turn.

Ski Touring

You have completed a level 1 tour or similar in the last few years. You know how to put skins on and have knowledge of how to use an avalanche transceiver. Your fitness level will allow you to be able to climb uphill for about 4 hours per day. We will generally be out on the hill for around 7 hours per day.

Advise

If you are unsure of your ability or have any other questions please contact us on hello@alpineadventures.co.uk or call: 0044 (0)1825 762 778