From one giant to another...
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is probably one of the most famous routes in the Alps, connecting two mountain capitals, steeped in history, through high altitude trails.
But seven days are not enough!
This route focuses on the Swiss landscapes. The trail leads us to the "Land of the 4000m", ending in Zermatt at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn (4478m), a pyramid of a rare elegance, the most iconic summit of the Alps.
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is probably one of the most famous routes in the Alps, connecting two mountain capitals, steeped in history, through high altitude trails.But seven days are no...
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is probably one of the most famous routes in the Alps, connecting two mountain capitals, steeped in history, through high altitude trails.
But seven days are not enough!
This route focuses on the Swiss landscapes. The trail leads us to the "Land of the 4000m", ending in Zermatt at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn (4478m), a pyramid of a rare elegance, the most iconic summit of the Alps.
You will love
- The most remarkable part of the Swiss Haute Route itinerary
- The proximity to vast glaciers throughout the trek
- 'The land of the 4000m', an incredible area of high peaks including the Matterhorn and the Pointe Dufour the highest summit in Switzerland at 4634m
- Discovering traditional villages and mountain life in Switzerland
FROM CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT
Level 3 / 4
Secure payment
Day-by-day itinerary
Meet on Sunday at the Sion CFF train station at 12:30 p.m. (be sure to have eaten lunch beforehand).
SION - SIVIEZ - CABANE SAINT-LAURENT
Bus transfer from Sion to Siviez. From Siviez, the trail gradually climbs through the wild landscapes of the Val de Nendaz, winding through alpine pastures and mountain valleys. The trail gradually gains elevation to the Saint-Laurent mountain hut, perched at nearly 2500 m, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Valais peaks. A steady, sustained climb, ideal for a first taste of high-mountain scenery.
Overnight stay at the mountain hut, without luggage.
3.5 hour walk / Elevation : +760m ; -10m
GRAND DÉSERT LAKE – PRAFLEURI PASS
A beautiful trek through rugged, rocky landscapes, between Grand Désert Lake and the Prafleuri Pass. The route ascends into a high-mountain environment, crossing several high-altitude passes before reaching the Prafleuri Pass at nearly 3,000 m, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. A short but strenuous stage, set in a wild and spectacular setting.
Overnight stay at the mountain hut, without luggage.
3.5 hours walk / Elevation : +600m ; -440m
GRANDE DIXENCE - RIEDMATTEN PASS - AROLLA
Climb to the Col des Roux (2804 m). The path then skirts the Grande Dixence dam, the highest gravity dam in the world. Climb alongside the Cheillon glacier to the Riedmatten pass (2855 m) and descent to the village of Arolla. Night in a gîte or mountain hotel.
6 hour walk / Elevation: +630m -1200m
COL TORRENT - VAL D’ANNIVIERS
Transfer to the village of Les Haudères. Climb through the pastures passing mountain chalets up to Torrent pass (2915m). A day to encounter "nomadic" shepherds, making local cheese. Descend to Moiry dam. Night in a refuge.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +1200m -700m
MEIDPASS - GRUBEN
Another day in a high mountain environment. Transfer to St Luc then climb to the Forcletta pass (2875 m) via the Roua pastures and the Lake Armina. Descend to the pretty alpine hamlet of Gruben in the Turmanntal valley. Night in dormitory in a gîte or mountain hotel.
7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1340m -1070m
AUGSTBORDPASS - TASCHALP
Climb to the Augstbordpass (2900m) and descent to the village of St Niklaus. With a little luck, it's possible to spot a large number of chamois, which are not very shy in these areas. Descent via the cable car and transfer to Zermatt. Night in Zermatt.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +1100m -950m
ZERMATT - AT THE FOOT OF THE "4000"
Balcony trail at the foot of the Matterhorn to get closer to that giant of the Alps. Surrounded by summits over 4000m, passing by small shepherd villages overlooking Zermatt, an authentic and enchanting scenery.
3.5 hour walk / Elevation: +800m -800m
End point Saturday at 2pm in Zermatt.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, the possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc.
Dates and prices
No available dates
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THE PRICE
The price includes:
- Organisation and booking fees, guiding by a qualified and insured mountain leader;
- All meals including picnic lunch and snacks during the day;
- Accommodation in gites, refuges and small hotels;
- Baggage transport between accommodation (except nights 1 and 2);
- Bus transfers and skilifts as indicated in the itinerary.
The price does not include:
- Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), touristic visits;
- Cancellation insurance;
- Your return journey from home to the point of departure/end point.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Also available a la carte
Contact us!Technical sheet
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 600 to 1250 m average per day.
Walking time: 6-7 hours average per day.
Type of trek: mountain route on marked, often stony paths. There are a few well maintained aerial passages secured by cables.
Fitness level: general good fitness level is required. Please practice a cardio sport as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
WHY NOT STARTING IN CHAMONIX?
This is a legitimate question for a route called "Chamonix Zermatt".
We favored a departure from Siviez, on the Swiss resort of Verbier, for several reasons:
- The complete route linking these two alpine capitals is too long to be done in just 7 days (except for very trained hikers).
- The first stages starting from Chamonix (Col de Balme, Fenêtre d'Arpette/Bovine) are beautiful hikes but also particularly crowded and every hiker who has previously been on the Tour of Mont Blanc, is already familiar with them.
- Starting directly from Siviez allows you to avoid a long transfer, usually necessary to cross the Val d'Entremont.
GUIDING
Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader. The guide may adapt the program to suit the level of the group and /or the weather conditions. The final decision is taken by the guide.
To thank your guide, it is usual to tip him at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights in gites or mountain refuges and hotels in dormitories of 8 to 10 persons.
1 night in Zermatt in bedroom of 2 to 6 people.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Nights 1 and 2 are without luggage, you will have to take with you a toilettries set and a change of clothes for the night (maximum 1 or 2 kg). We made that choice to favour an enchanting route but also to lower the cost and limit the environmental impact. Please let us know your thoughts!
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your guide, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
Please inform us about any food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
Federal Office of Topography: Grand St Bernard 5027 T, Monté Rosa 5028 T.
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meeting at 12.30 pm in front of the CFF train station in Sion (Valais, Switzerland).
BY TRAIN
Inbound: departure from Paris - Gare de Lyon to Lausanne or Geneva. Then take the train to Sion train station.
Return: departure from Zermatt for Lausanne or Geneva, then Paris Gare de Lyon.
Departure from Paris to Lausanne, then Sion. Times should be verified in a train station or on www.oui.sncf and www.cff.ch
BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway towards Geneva, then direction Martigny/Sion (Please note the mandatory sticker on Swiss motorways, to be bought at the border and at petrol stations.). Exit Sion Est.
Meet at the CFF train station in the centre of Sion. It is possible to park for the week on the Potence carpark (Rue de la Corbassières, 1950 Sion), located around 500 meters away from the CFF train station. There are a few spaces along the railway line in rue Oscar-Bider / Sion / Valais (or outside the town, to be confirmed with your local guide). Covered pay car park: Rue du Scex 12, Sion (10 minutes' walk from CFF train station).
End point around 2.00 pm in Zermatt.
RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT
Return by train from Zermatt to Sion, approx. €50 per person (2-hour journey).
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
Tourist Office Zermatt: +41 (0)2 79 66 81 00
INSURANCE
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance IMPACT EVASION that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with IMPACT EVASION whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE / IMPACT EVASION.
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
EQUIPMENT LIST
Clothing
- Walking trousers
- Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
- Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
- Breathable or merino wool leggings
- Fleece or jumper
- Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
- Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
- Pair of gloves and a warm hat
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Walking socks (1 pair per day)
- Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
- 1 change of clothes for the evening
- A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
- Toilet bag
- Quick drying towel
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
- Knife, fork and spoon
- Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
- Plastic cup for coffee
- Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
- Survival blanket
- Head torch or hand torch
- Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
- Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
- Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity documents) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily, except day 1 and 2, between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy.
Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHTS WITHOUT LUGGAGE
For the nights 1 and 2, when you don't have your luggage at your accommodation, here are a few tips on what to add to your backpack (around 2 kg is enough!):
- a small toiletries bag
- your sleeping bag liner
- a change of clothes (just the bare essentials!) and comfortable shoes/clothes for the evening
Customer Reviews
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02/09/2026
Patrick
Merveilleux, grâce aux sites traversés, au groupe sympathique et à notre guide ! Toutes mes attentes ont été comblées ! Merci
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09/03/2026
Pedro
Odile, notre guide, was excellent! We would love to have her again for our 2026 trekking with Altitude Montblanc! The trekking was very well organised and we h...
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04/09/2025
Philippe
Super randonnée qui nécessite toutefois une bonne forme physique car plus engagée que le TMB ou la 1ere étape du GR5. Notre guide était vraiment top tant sur l...
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03/09/2025
Justine
Dylan was very informative and organised. The daily picnics were exceptional and way above my expectations which was a very pleasant surprise. Thank you
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02/09/2025
Jonathan
Dylan, our guide, is brilliant He is very professional, very skilled, very knowledgeable, very aware of our safety, and very approachable and friendly. H...
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01/09/2025
Christine
Un guide super, compétent techniquement, humainement extra! Les hébergements etaient differents mais tous tres bien. Mention spécial pour celui au-dessus du bar...
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17/07/2025
Christine
Randonnées exigeants une bonne forme. Merci à Bruno notre guide, parfait en toutes circonstances.
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13/10/2024
Annne Marie
Première expérience pour ce qui me concerne !… après un premier "choc " face aux exigences d’un trek , les difficultés ont été dépassées grâce à l’accompagnemen...
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06/10/2024
Nadine
1er trek et vraiment ravie de votre accueil, du guide et des souvenirs pleins la tête .Bravo à tous
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05/10/2024
Marie Hélène
J’ai été très satisfaite de ce séjour qui a été conforme mes attentes . Très belles randonnées.Bons hébergements .Très bon guide, attentifs à tous et connaissan...
