Haute Route

Also known as: High Level Route / High Route / Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route

Distance: 180 km
Duration: 10 - 12 days
Countries:
France flagFranceSwitzerland flagSwitzerland
The Haute Route takes you on a breathtaking journey between Chamonix and Zermatt, connecting two iconic mountaineering capitals. With its ever-changing landscape of glaciers, high alpine meadows, and charming huts, this trek offers an unparalleled alpine experience.

Trekking Haute Route

Prepare for an adventure treking Haute Route. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.

Distances

  • 10 - 12 days, 180 km, +12,000 m, 2,964 m high point
  • daily: 5 - 8 hours, 12 - 20 km, +800 - 1,200 m gain

Route

  • through hike
  • starting in Chamonix
  • ending in Zermatt

Pictures from trekking Haute Route

These are pictures taken while trekking Haute Route. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Haute Route, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Haute Route itinerary

The Haute Route is a classic high-level trekking route that traverses the French and Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain.
Day 1

Chamonix to Argentière (1,250 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +200 m
Start your journey in Chamonix, France, and hike to Argentière. Enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Day 2

Argentière to Trient (1,325 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +75 m
Cross the border into Switzerland, hike through alpine meadows, and reach the charming village of Trient.
Day 3

Trient to Champex-Lac (1,470 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +145 m
Climbing to the lofty Fenêtre d'Arpette mountain pass and then descending to the tranquil Champex-Lac offers awe-inspiring views, solidifying its reputation as one of the trail's most challenging yet remarkably rewarding journeys.
Day 4

Champex-Lac to Le Châble (825 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: -645 m
Hike along scenic trails, passing through alpine forests, and arrive in Le Châble, a picturesque Swiss village.
Day 5

Le Châble to Cabane du Mont Fort (2,457 m)

Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +1,632 m
Begin the ascent to Cabane du Mont Fort, a high mountain hut offering stunning views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc massif.
Day 6

Cabane du Mont Fort to Cabane de Prafleuri (2,620 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +163 m
This location is well-known for backpacking, birdwatching, and hiking, meaning you can expect to come across fellow adventurers as you explore.
Day 7

Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla (2,030 m)

Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -590 m
Continue your trek and after crossing the pass, you'll have a lovely descent into the picturesque Swiss village of Arolla.
Day 8

Arolla to La Sage (1,667 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: -363 m
Continue your trek through alpine landscapes and arrive in the tranquil village of La Sage.
Day 9

La Sage to Cabane de Moiry (2,820 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +1,153 m
In this trek you'll face a demanding climb about 4 kilometers northwest of Col du Tsaté, leading you into the stunning Val de Moiry. Descending into the valley, you'll reach Cabane Barrage de Moiry, perched on an exposed ridge with breathtaking views of Lac de Moiry – an ideal spot to spend the evening.
Day 10

Cabane de Moiry to Zinal (1,700 m)

Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: -1,120 m
Hike through beautiful alpine meadows and forests to reach the scenic village of Zinal.
Day 11

Zinal to Gruben (1,800 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +100 m
Trek through remote valleys and arrive in the peaceful hamlet of Gruben.
Day 12

Gruben to St. Niklaus (1,200 m)

Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -600 m
Descend to St. Niklaus, passing through lush meadows and quaint Swiss villages along the way.
Day 13

St. Niklaus to Zermatt (1,620 m)

Distance: 19 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +420 m
Complete your journey with a hike to Zermatt, where you'll have stunning views of the Matterhorn.

How difficult is Haute Route

The trek is 6 / 10, based on the below factors:

Terrain & route condition 7 / 10

Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.

Altitude / Elevation 6 / 10

Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.

Distance 8 / 10

The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.

Elevation gain 7 / 10

Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.

Technical difficulty 5 / 10

Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.

Access to facilities / Remoteness 4 / 10

Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.

Climate & weather 5 / 10

How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.