The trip

LEVEL ***          

Elevation: +600 to 1250 m average per day.
Walking time: 5 to 7 hours average per day.
Type of trek: This tour is not technically difficult. Day 3 involves a ladder climb of 40m, 
possibilty to take another route if this poses difficulties. A good fitness level is required for this trek.

WHY NOT START IN CHAMONIX?

This is a legitimate question for a route called "Chamonix Zermatt".

We favored a departure from Le Châble, near 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 hikers who have previously hiked the Tour of Mont Blanc are already familiar with them.
- Starting directly from Le Châble allows you to avoid a long transfer, usually necessary to cross the Val d'Entremont, but also to be able to do the superb high-altitude hike above the Louvie and Prafleuri passes.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing: 
- 2 topographical maps (1/50 000) with the route highlighted. 
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek. 
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

The tour is very well indicated by black diamond on a yellow background in the valleys and red and white at higher altitude. 

It is preferable to know how to read a topographical map at 1/50000.

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in dormitory in gite or mountain refuge.
3 nights in hotel in a twin/double bedroom.
All accommodation offers hot showers.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accommodation in the evening. 
Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops (days 3, 4 and 6).

CURRENCY

It is essential to carry Swiss Francs for the bus and cable car transfers as well as for your personal expenses. 

FITNESS LEVEL

Ability to easily walk 20 km (on flat trails) in a maximum of 4 hours. 
If this is not the case, we recommend that you train during the three weeks prior to departure, for example running 4-5km or hiking/cycling 3-4 hours, 2 to 3 times per week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.

PERSONALISED TOURS

We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)

MAPS

Federal Office of Topography: Grand St Bernard 5027 T, Monte Rosa 5028 T.

Practical information

DEPART

From end of June to mid September.
Departures every day.

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Departure from the train station in Le Châble VS (Switzerland).

BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) at 8:18am arriving in Le Châble at 2:15pm.
Return: depart Zermatt at 2:37pm arrive (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 9:42pm.
Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or at www.oui.sncf and cff.ch

BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Genève, Chamonix, follow direction Martigny (Switzerland), continue direction Italy and follow signs Verbier.
Big and free parking at the cable car, opposite the meeting point in Le Châble.

End point during the afternoon in Zermatt.

RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT

At the end of the tour the return from Zermatt to the departure point in Le Châble is possible by train or taxi (by taxi is the cheapest and quickest option).

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Le Châble - Hôtel Le Gietroz: +41 (0)2 77 76 11 84
Tourist Office Verbier: +41 (0)2 77 75 38 88 
www.verbier.ch

Tourist Office Zermatt: +41 (0)2 79 66 81 00 
www.zermatt.ch

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE 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.

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 & baggage

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 50 to 60 litres for your personal belongings (clothes, waterproofs, water, etc.).

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Possible on request.