Essential guidebook for anyone walking the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. The route typically takes two weeks to walk, and is described in 14 stages. Along the 180km route, it crosses 11 passes and gains more than 12,000m of ascent and descent. The stunning scenery makes it a contender for the title 'Most beautiful trek in Europe'.
In two weeks of mountain travel between Chamonix and Zermatt you will see the greatest collection of 4000 metre peaks in the Alps and visit some of the most spectacular valleys.
The Walker’s Haute Route is more demanding that the well-known Tour of Mont Blanc, for the route is more than 180 km long. It crosses 11 passes, gains more than 12,000m in height and loses more than 10,000m.
Chamonix to Zermatt also includes the exciting two-day Europaweg – a true high-level path that carries the Haute Route way above the Mattertal and into Zermatt – a worthy conclusion to a great trek.
• the Walker’s Haute Route is described in 14 day-long stages
• all the essential information you need to help you plan your trek
Seasons
Alpine summer walking – mid-June to mid-September. Snow could remain on higher passes well into July.
Centres
Chamonix, Argentière, Trient, Champex, Sembrancher, Le Chable, Verbier, Arolla, Les Haudères, Zinal, Gruben, St Niklaus, Zermatt.
Difficulty
180km, 11 passes, 12,000m of ascent over 2 weeks make this a fairly tough trek as well as a beautiful one. High alpine mountain walking.
Must See
One big highlight ... from Mont Blanc and Chamonix’s Aiguilles, the Combin stages, the fabulous vals d’Herens and Moiry, the Matterhorn view as you walk into Zermatt, the huts, the company ... shall I go on?
