Mont Blanc To The Matterhorn

15 days - from $2770

The classic High Level Route from Chamonix to Zermatt
The Haute Route is one of Europe's best known long distance ski-touring routes; running roughly parallel is a spectacular and demanding summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The route covers approximately 100km and travels west to east, across seven alpine passes linking the valleys of Haute Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our qualified International Mountain Leader, we pass beneath ten of the twelve highest mountains in the Alps: Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Dente Blanche, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, to name just a few of those over 4000 metres. Some of the terrain between the high passes is rugged and remote, scattered with glacial lakes and moraine. There are also pleasant low-altitude walks through green valleys and flower-strewn meadows. Three nights are spent in high alpine huts and village inns where we can savour the peaceful mountain atmosphere; the rest of the trip is vehicle-supported camping using roomy, easy to erect tents and enjoying delicious meals prepared in camp.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix. 2 Limbering up day, with walks near to Chamonix. 3 The trail contours high in the valley before descending to Les Frasserands. 4 Cross Col de Balme to Switzerland. 5 Over Fenetre d'Arpette to Champex. 6 From Champex the trail leads to Verbier and on to Cabane Mont Fort. 7 Cross the highest pass of the route, Col Prafleuri (2965m). Views of Rhone Valley, Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn. 8 Long walking day; overnight at Les Hauderes. 9 Static Day 10 Past Lac Moiry to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz. 11 Longest walking day with excellent views of the Weisshorn. 12 Join Zermatt Valley; descend to Jungu and St Niklaus, train to Randa. 13 Join the Europaweg, a high-level balcony path that contours along the valley towards Zermatt. 14 Optional trip to Zermatt. 15 End Randa.

Mode of travel: 10 days point-to-point walking with vehicle support (inc. 3 days light backpacking). Altitude maximum 2965m, average 1525m.
Group size: Normally 8 to 14, plus leader.
Accommodation: 11 nights camping, mostly in good campsites with hot showers; occasional rough camps; 2 mountain huts; 1 village inn (dormitory style).
Food: All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $192.50
Trip Reference: TWH
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TWH