Haute Route ski touring: Chamonix to Zermatt

Since 1924, the winter version of the Haute Route, from Chamonix to Zermatt, is one of the most famous ski touring traverses in the world and a classic mountain journey. The route offers everything you would expect on a high mountains tour: amazing scenery, glacier terrain every day, tough climbs and great downhill descents.

Price: starting from 2350 €

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There are now multiple variations of this route, Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides offers you the classic 7 days route: starting from Argentière (upper side of the Chamonix valley), through some of the Alps' most spectacular scenery, arriving in Zermatt at the foot of the famous Matterhorn.

The Haute Route is an Advanced Level trip for experienced ski tourers. The tour involves several big climbs and long technical descents, with a number of sections where the use of the rope for security is necessary. Like most high altitude ski tours, reasonable weather and snow conditions are required in order to complete the whole tour.

Your high mountain guide:

  • Alpinism state qualified
  • English and French speaking

 

Please use the tabs above to read about the day by day itinerary, and other useful information.

Haute Route Day by Day Itinerary

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather / mountain conditions & participants fitness.

Day 0:

Evening before, telephone appointment with your guide for a Program briefing, plus gear check, and confirm meeting time on the morning of Day 1.

Your guide will bring the gear you have requested from us on day 1.

Night in the hotel (2 or 3 *** depending availability) in shared twin room on Bed & Breakfast base. Dinner is at your charge.

Day 1: Argentière hut or Albert 1er hut

Depending on the availabilties in the huts and opening of the cable cars, we either aim for Argentière or Albert 1er hut.

We head to the col du Passon through easy south and sunny slopes, a beautiful climb facing the impressive north face of the Argentière basin.

Once at the bottom of the couloir, we put our skis on our back-pack, put crampons on and ascend the 80m of couloir, to arrive at the col du Passon (3030m.)

Here we can admire the Tour Glacier and the north face of the impressive Chardonnet mountain.

We ski down to Albert 1er hut by crossing the glacier Plateau.

This first day is not that long and will be a good occasion to practice our ski touring skills and avalanche safety.

Hours: 5 to 6 h

Altitude range: -900m / +540m


View from the top of Grands Montets

Day 2:  Albert 1er to Champex

We climb the Col supérieur du Tour pass (3388m) then have an easy ski down the Trient glacier into Switzerland to reach the col des Ecandies (2796m).

Here we have some short steep sections and we will most likely use ropes and crampons. 
A superb ski descent takes us to the picturesque lakeside village of Champex, where we spend the night in a gite.

Hours: 5 to 6h

Altitude range: +1041m/ -1100m


Towards col du Chardonnet

Day 3: Champex to Prafleuri hut

We take a bus or taxi to Chable, part of the vast Verbier ski area. We can ski a few runs here before taking the skilift up as far as the Gentianes pass (2903m), and ski tour up to the summit of the Rosablanche (3336m). Here a panoramic view of peaks surrounds us, before we ski down to the Prafleuri hut (2624m).

Hours: 4 to 5h

Altitude range: +400m/ -2372m


On the way to Pra Fleury hut

Day 4: Prafleuri hut to Dix hut

A 6 am departure to cross the short col des Roux  followed by a long traverse above Dix Lake which we follow to the Pas du Chat.

We climb up to the Dix hut (2928m) opposite the imposing north face of the Mont Blanc de Cheilon.

Hours: 6 to 7h

Altitude range: +730m/ -430m

Day 5: Dix hut to Vignettes hut

A climb to Serpentine pass (3423m) - most likely using crampons - leads to the Brenay pass (3639m) and finishes with the spectacular Pigne d'Arolla (3796m).

Here we can admire the view stretching from the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn before skiing between seracs down to Vignettes.

Hours: 6 to 7h

Altitude range: +868 m/ -602m


The Vignettes hut

Day 6 : Vignettes hut to Bertol hut

We descend to the Mont Collon glacier then climb to the Evêque pass (3392m) dominated by the peaks of the Evêque and the Cardinal.


Traverse of the col Collon and a superb descent on the Arolla glacier to Plan de Bertol (2615m). An 800 m ski tour up brings us to the Bertol hut (3311m) perched on a rocky spur facing the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn.

Hours: 6 to 7h

Altitude range: + 1100m / - 852m


Bertol hut

Day 7: Bertol hut to Zermatt

We cross the Mont Miné glacier to ski up to the Tête Blanche (3724m) to take in the awe of the Matterhorn pyramid. Then we have the final descent to Zermatt on the famous Stockji and Zmutt glaciers.

You can then choose to stay and rest in Zermatt, or join the other group members who plan to head back to Chamonix.

Due to variations in clients arrangements from Zermatt, the cost of transport from Zermatt or additional accommodation will be at the charge of each individual.

We will of course reserve a hotel or taxi for you if you let us or your guide know.

Hours: 5 to 6h

Altitude range: +400m / -2000m


The Dent d'Herens from Stockji glacier


At the bottom of Matterhorn

Haute Route Chamonix to Zermatt Technical Information

Technical level required for the Haute Route Ski Tour

Snow slopes of up to 40 degrees in varying snow conditions (deep powder, wind crusted, hard packed, etc).

You need to have previous ski touring experience, master downhill and uphill kick turns, and be able to ski in all snow conditions (style is less important!).

Ropes and crampons will sometimes be necessary, and you may have to carry your skis on your back to traverse / climb certain sections.

Fitness level for the Haute Route Ski Tour

Daily altitude ranges from 800 to 1200m with up to 8 hours walking. You should practise an endurance sport regularly.

We climb about 350m per hour, which is not difficult in itself, however it can be strenuous with backpacks and changing weather and snow conditions.

Changes to the program

The high mountain guide reserves the right to modify or interrupt the program at any time for safety reasons, technical or physical problems with one or several participants or due to bad weather and snow conditions.

Meeting point

The day before the course, at the end of afternoon, Telephone appointment with your guide to review the program, equipment and confirm the appointment of day 1.

Access

By train (SNCF): Chamonix train station via Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains - Le Fayet.

By plane: Geneva airport by coach or shuttle.

There are regular airport shuttles between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. Special discount rate on Mountaindropoffs, please ask us for the code.

Accommodation

3* hotel the night before, thereafter in catered alpine huts. Pillows and blankets are provided, but please bring a sleeping bag liner.

Meals

Half board in the huts (dinner and breakfast).
 You can buy lunche in the huts for the following days.

You should also bring your own additional snacks, e.g. energy bars, dried fruit and nuts (nothing heavy or squashable).

Gear

The gear list will be provided upon booking.

Haute Route Chamonix to Zermatt in 7 Days Pricing and Availability

Course Date Price (per person) Status Book
08 March 20262350€Available - 6 places
15 March 20262350€Available - 6 places
22 March 20262350€Available - 6 places
29 March 20262350€Available - 6 places
05 April 20262350€Available - 6 places
12 April 20262350€Available - 6 places
19 April 20262350€Available - 6 places
26 April 20262350€Available - 6 places
03 May 20262350€Available - 6 places

The cost is based on a group of 5 up to 6 people. If you are a private group, please contact us to discuss dates and prices. 

IMPORTANT NOTE :  we get back to you as quickly as possible to confirm your booking, as all depends on the places available in the huts. Please don't book your flight before we confirm the date as we could start the trip one day before or after the original date.

GET IN TOUCH directly by e-mail or phone/whats app +33 6 95 04 23 02 as we have other different dates / program and routes available too.

 

The price includes:

  • Organisation of the trip
  • High mountain guide (state qualified)
  • 1 night B&B in 3* hotel in Chamonix the night before (day 0)
  • 6 nights in mountain huts with dinner and breakfast
  • 2 picnics
  • Taxi on day 3

The price does not include:

  • Transport to Chamonix
  • Transport from Chamonix to Les Grands Montets on Day 1:  regular bus or train
  • Transport from Zermatt back to Chamonix at the end (taxi is approx 90€ per person, depending the number of people and taking into account the guide)
  • 5 picnics (buy them in the huts = about 15 CHF per day)
  • Additional snacks and drinks in the huts
  • Personal ski and safety equipment (touring skis, boots, harness, transceiver, shovel,probe)
  • Any unplanned additional expenses due to weather forecast, snow conditions, lack of fitness, etc
  • Alpine insurance (rescue, medical fees & repatriation)

IMPORTANT: if you plan to stay in Zermatt after the course, please note that you will still have to contribute to the guide's taxi fee to return to Chamonix. Price to be confirmed upon number of participants.

Mb 5 day course

Bonjour Sandrine and Piere
 
Merci beaucoup pour le cinq jour ascent de Mont Blanc 
Nous retournons aujourd’hui
 
We got to the Gouter hut b...read more
Wilkinson David
June 4th 2025

Exceptional Guide

Hello Pierre, 

 
Just wanted to let you know that we summited last Friday with our guide Julien Miller. 
He is truly an exceptional professional and fun personality. Thank ...read more
Ruedi Stoffel
MB course 3 day

wonderful time on Mont Blanc

I had a wonderful time on Mont Blanc, thanks. Javier was a terrific guide – he was well prepared, skilled and, above all, he listened. He understood the importance of two-way communication on a cli...read more

Susan
Mont Blanc 3 days course - September 2023

best service Mont Blanc 3 days

I had the best Service i could ask for. Thanks a lot to Jimmy Heredia and you Monica. I will never forget this Expedition to Mont Blanc.

Gabriel
Mont Blanc 3 days - July 2023

Mont Blanc 3 days - July 2023

Thank you. I had an amazing time and Bastien was great guide!!!!

Ted
Mont Blanc 3 days - august 2023

The Matterhorn week. August 2023

Pierre was  our guide for climbing the Matterhorn. He was incredibly friendly, pushed us well and was as professionnal as you could hope for - I intended to use Chamonix Mont Blanc guides again for...read more

James Kirkwood
Matterhorn 4 days

What a Matterhorn week! August 2023

Pierre has been a fantastic guide throughout our time in Chamonix. After 3 days of rigorous training during which Pierre continuallly pushed us to our limits in order to ensure we were in good enou...read more

Macintosh Joseph
Matterhorn 4 days

Grand Paradis August 2023

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the great support and coordination. 

It was definitely tough/challenging, but absolutely beautiful and worth every minute. An experience I wil...read more

Alexandra
Grand Paradis 3 days

Mont Blanc 3 days - July 2023

I summited Mont Blanc with Logan and our guide Juan two days ago and had a blast. Juan was fantastic, knowledgeable and all about safety, the perfect guide. And you, thanks for your great customer ...read more

David
Mont Banc 3 days course

Mont Blanc 5 days course

I just want to give some feedback and say thank you for some amazing five days in the mountains last week.

Our Mt Blanc course was very well organized, and the programme exactly as we hoped ...read more

Trine
Mont Blan 5 days - July 2023

Mont Blanc / Matterhorn / Eiger

Thank you for putting together a wonderful guide trip for my European Trifecta climbs in France and Switzerland.

My guide, Yann Grava, was excellent and put the extra time in early to assess...read more

Wayne - United States

Very good experience

I'd like to thank you for the good organization of the trip last week (june 20-24). It was a very good experience and we were lucky that we could summit the Mont Blanc on Friday the 23rd. Chamonix ...read more

Marc

250 m from the summit

-25 with the wind near the summit! 
But we tried. That’s all anyone can do climbing a mountain. 
The late season, the huts closing and the bad weather all came together unfortunately. <...read more

Scott - United States - September 2022
Mont Blanc 3 days private course

Great Fun & Amazing Summit

Many thanks for the course! It was great fun and amazing to summit.

I believe the first 2 days were a good pace to make sure we were ready for the ascension of Mont Blanc! It was good to pus...read more

Ryan - september 2022
Mont Blanc 5 days course

Mont Blanc 5 days course

I'm back home happy, healthy and in a good mood due the successful summit attempt. 

I consider we had the best possible weather to climb, a marvellous guide and a good alignment of the team ...read more

Daniel
Mont Blanc 5 days - september 2022

Mont Blanc 5 days Course - september 2019

"My boyfriend and I signed up for the five days training and climbing expedition on Mount Blanc chancing the last week of the climbing season. We got paired with a fantastic mix of people from acro...read more

Andra & Chris
Mont Blanc 5 days course

"Well organised, interesting, challenging and rewarding!"

Had a great experience with Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides last week with a successful ascent of Mont Blanc.

First and the most important – I was really pleased with the safety component. From t...read more

Ivan S, Russia
Mont Blanc 6 day climb, August 2018

"Excellent experience, well organised tour"

I was part of a week long training and climbing expedition on Mount Blanc. It was a truly wonderful experience and very well organised. Our guide was good at training the group for the first two da...read more

Marco P, Brazil
Mont Blanc 6 day climb, July 2018

"I will come back and climb or ski with them again!"

Had a great week climbing with Pierre and later Gaylord. Excellent guides which adapted our schedule to our abilities as climbers and also the weather to have the best possible condition on Matterh...read more

Nick P, Sweden
Matterhorn 5 day climb, July 2018

"Absolutely marvellous experience"

Thank you for your assistance getting me onto the mountain. I've had an absolutely marvellous experience and thoroughly enjoyed the company of my three fellow climbers. I was not disappointed not m...read more

Peter D, Australia
Grand Paradiso climb, July 2018

"What an incredible adventure"

"What an incredible adventure! This is just a quick note to say thank you to chamonix mont blanc guides for a most memorable experience.

Our guide, Pierre was outstanding. He taught us what ...read more

Eva

"Looking forward to my next adventure"

Thanks to the proactive attitude and helpfulness of the company and Pierre (our guide) we were able to climb Mont Blanc on a very short notice.

It was a great experience - not only reaching ...read more

David R, Switzerland
Mont Blanc 2 day climb, August 2017

"Thank you for all the support"

Dear Sarah,

Just wanted to let you know that all went well. We reached the summit as planned and right now I'm in my hotel.

I wanted to express my gratitude to Antoine, and once again...read more

A. Glaskov
Mont Blanc 2 day course July 2017

"Amazing experience, exceptional guide"

I just wanted to write a review for our experience last week with Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides.

We had an amazing experience and were very pleased with the accommodations, organization, and th...read more

Carissa C., USA
Mont Blanc 6 day course, July 2017

"An exceptional experience"

I could not have had a better experience than I did with Chamonix Mont Blanc guides. Pierre's infectious energy lightened up the day and his expertise made my dream of climbing the Matterhorn an ex...read more

Scott B, Salt Lake City
Matterhorn, July 2017

"Brilliantly professional company"

"An amazing trip with an brilliantly professional company. I was lucky enough to have CMBG's head guide take me up to the summit of Mont Blanc in a speedy, safe, confidant and perfectly timed exper...read more

N. Smith, UK
Mont Blanc 2 days course, September 2016

"Experience exceptional"

"Climbing with Pierre and Luc of Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides was a great time. Their climbing experience is exceptional, they are both great guys, and we had fun bantering back and forth on multiple...read more

Bruce Mckay, United States
August 2016

"They will make it happen"

"Wow. What can I say about Chamonixmontblancguides and Pierre? Top athlete who knows his way around a mountain. Very personal service his company provide. If there are ways to get up a mountain wit...read more

John R., Scotland
Mont Blanc 2 days course, July 2016

"An unforgettable experience"

"My guide Pierre and Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides in general were the best one could hope for up the difficult trek that is the terrain and crowds of Mont Blanc.

Their command of the English l...read more

Owen, Kansas, USA
July 2016

"One of the better things I've done in my life"

"Just thought I’d drop you a note thanking you for organising this trip. Definitely one of the better things I’ve done in my life and couldn’t be happier.

The weather played it’s part which ...read more

Nick D., London
Mont Blanc 6 days course, July 2016

"An adventure I will never forget"

"Merci beaucoup !!! Thanks to you and your fellow guides I had a most incredible trek to the summit of Mont Blanc.

First, your guidance on the training days was highly invaluable especially ...read more

Peter H., England
Mont Blanc 6 day course, July 2015

"Really appreciate all your advice and confidence"

"Just want to say a big thank you, and really appreciate all your advice and all the confidence you put in us throughout the trip.

We all had a good time and look forward to many more trips ...read more

Dr Shyam S., England
Mont Blanc 6 days course, 2015

"I would certainly recommend your services"

"Everything was awesome, thank you very much for your help.

David is a great guide - I couldn't have done it without him, I underestimated a little how technical it can be and how dangerous ...read more

Dima P., USA
Mont Blanc 6 days course, 2014

"Highly recommend you and your company"

"On the climb up Mont Blanc, the view was absolutely stunning, but the climb was also a real personal challenge.

I was fortunate enough to make it to the top and I have to say all thanks to ...read more

Paul M., Australia
Mont Blanc 6 days course, 2014