Haute Route Chamonix Zermatt

Traversing mountain passes is a unique way to travel from France to Switzerland, discovering different cultures, customs and habits, even if the itinerary keeps you in the heart of the same mountain range, it takes you to the wonders of both Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. These two alpine countries are forever joined together by their passion of mountains and high peaks.

The not to miss long-distance ski trek between the Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. A historical traverse that opened for the first time in 1861, this "Haute Route" (High Route) is the pretext of an inroad in altitude, in the middle of single landscapes, between the "Vignettes" and the Schönbiel mountains, offering a fantastic sight onto the Matterhorn.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Chamonix
• Day 2/ Valley Blanche, Chamonix
• Day 3/ Argentière (4,987 feet) - Grands Montets (10,810 feet) - refuge of Argentière (9,091 feet)
• Day 4/ Fenetre of Saleina (10,718 feet) - Écandies pass (9,153 feet) - Valley of Arpette
• Day 5/ Gentianes pass (9,524 feet) - Momin pass (9,852 feet) - refuge Prafleuri (8,609 feet)
• Day 6/ Roux pass (9,199 feet) - Cabane des Dix (9,606 feet)
• Day 7/ Pigne of Arolla (12,454 feet) - Cabane of Vignettes (10,360 feet)
• Day 8/ Évêque pass (11,129 feet) - Brûlé pass (10,541 feet) - Valpelline pass (11,706 feet) - Schönbiel Hut (8,839 feet)
• Day 9/ Schönbiel Hut - Zermatt (5,246 feet)
• Day 10/ Skiing/snowboarding day at the foot of the Matterhorn (14,692 feet)
• Day 11/ Transfer to Geneva for light home.

The dream of any alpine backcountry skier/snowboarder: the authentic "Haute Route" (High Route) of the Alps, from the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The most famous and the most traditional of all ski/snowboard traverses. A passage in altitude beyond marked tracks and away from the snowcat to connect the two high mountaineering capitals of the world. With splendid glacial passes, superb summits, is there even a need to market this unsurpassable trek of a lifetime???
Prior to the trek, we have one day of skiing the Valley Blanche to prepare our legs and to get accustomed to carrying our equipment.
At the end of the trek, we have one ski day at the Matterhorn Ski Paradise area, connecting Zermatt and Cervinia in Italy, just at the foot of the Matterhorn's superb pyramid.

Day 1/  Geneva - Chamonix
Upon your arrival at the Geneva airport, guide's welcome and transfer by taxi to our Chamonix hotel (3,379 feet). Presentation of the course of stay and visit of Chamonix depending upon participant's arrival. Night in the Valley Blanche hotel *** located in the middle of Chamonix.

Day 2 /  Aiguille du Midi Cable car (12,392 feet) - Warm up day by skiing the Valley Blanche
Ascent (+9,000 feet in 20 minutes!) up to the higher station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, starting point of one of the most fabulous glacial downhill runs in the world: the Valley Blanche glaciers, Tacul and, to culminate, the famous Mer de Glace. From the higher train station of Montenvers, a beautiful track in the forest enables us to join Chamonix. In the event of insufficient snow, possibility to descend via the Montenvers hooked railroad train tracks. Night in the Valley Blanche hotel ***
DS*: 9,000 feet!

Day 3/  Argentière (4,987 feet) - Grands Montets (10,810 feet) - refuge of Argentière (9,091 feet)
Short transfer to Argentière (15 min by train or by bus). Ascent via the Grands Montets cable car. From this view-point, fantastic panorama on the entire Mount Blanc mountain range (15,771 feet) and, in particular, of the nearby Aiguille Verte (13,524 feet) and the Northern face of the Drus (12,316 feet). Beautiful descent on the vast glacier of Argentière. Then a short ascent towards the refuge of Argentière where we spend the night.
DS *: 2,297 feet. US *: 656 feet.

Day 4/  Fenetre of Saleina (10,718 feet) -  Écandies pass (9,153 feet) - Valley of Arpette
Splendid stage in a high mountain bowl. The ascent of the Chardonnet pass (10,902 feet) is a "traditional" mountain race. From here, a short, but sustained descent to seek the Fenetre of Saleina and to slide on the Trient glacier. The Écandies pass finally opens up the way for us towards the Arpette valley. Night in comfortable lodging (shower).
MS: 2,461 f - DS: 820 f - US : 656 f - DS: 5,577 f - US: 164 f - DS: 2.297f.

Day 5/  Gentianes pass (9,524 feet) - Momin pass (9,852 feet) - refuge Prafleuri (8,609 feet)
Transfer to Chable by taxi then cable car up to the Gentians pass. We quickly move away from the ski slopes to go over the Chaux (9,646 feet) and Momin passes. Possibility of ascending Rosablanche (10,945 feet), as a round trip. Descent to the Prafleuri hut where we spend the night.
US: 820 feet - DS: 656 feet - US: 1,968 feet  - DS: 2,461 feet.
 
Day 7/  Pigne of Arolla (12,454 feet) - Cabane of Vignettes (10,360 feet)
Return onto the glacier to the passage of the Serpentine. We take advantage of this route by carrying out an ascent of Pigne d'Arolla, magnificent view-point with easy access. Then, a beautiful, consistent descent to the Vignettes hut where we will sleep.
US: 2,789 feet - DS: 2,297 feet.

Day 8/  Évêque pass (11,129 feet) - Brûlé pass (10,541 feet) - Valpelline pass (11,706 feet) - Schönbiel Hut (8,839 feet)
A great stage, among the most beautiful of the treks, via the Eveque pass
DSR: 328 feet - USR: 1,148 feet - DSR: 1,476 feet.
Mont Brûlé pass, Valpelline pass where the omnipresent Matterhorn emerges. emerges, omnipresent the Matterhorn (14,692 feet)
USR: 820 feet -  DRS: 328 feet - URS: 1,312 feet.
Then a pleasant descent on the Schönbiel refuge, unforgettable view-point of the Matterhorn and the Dent of Hérens. Night in refuge.
DR: 3,281 feet - UR: 656 feet.

Day 9/ Schönbiel Hut - Zermatt (5,246 feet)
At sun rise, we quietly let ourselves slide down on the slope. The return to civilization is progressive with the first country cottages and soon the hamlets which announce our arrival upon the ski area-village of Zermatt, with its unquestionable charm. Night in Zermatt at the Style Hotel ***.
DS: 3,609 feet.

Day 10/  Skiing/snowboarding day at the foot of the Matterhorn (14,692 feet)
Ascent of the Small Matterhorn (12,740 feet), the highest view-point of Europe accessible by cable car! You then enjoy a breath taking 360°panorama on the Swiss, Italian and French Alps... 38 tops of more than 13,000 feet!
In the afternoon skiing/riding on the Theodul glacier (10,827 feet) then a descent on Zermatt while passing at the foot of the Matterhorn. In the evening, return transfer to Chamonix, night at the Valley Blanche hotel ***.
DS: 5,500 feet minimum.

Day 11/  Transfer to Geneva
Transfer to the airport for return flight.

* US abbreviation: stands for Uphill Skiing/Snowboarding
* DS abbreviation: stands for Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding.

Skiing/riding time schedules are given only as an estimate.

For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice. 

You carry all of your personal belongings plus your daily picnic and energy food.
Your back pack contains the essential minimum for the circuit, and can not exceed 18 to 22 pounds.

The guide
- experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional high mountain guide (UIAGM).

Ground Transportation by private mini buses or taxi, cable car.

In the cities, we book hotels, inns, or similar, of excellent standard, 3 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation. We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
Chamonix (2 nights) - Zermatt (2 nights).
Mountain lodgings are selected for their comfort and hospitality or because they are unique in a given place. Generally, the more a trip is physically demanding and isolated, the less the comfort. This is all part of the adventure that beckons you!
Nights in mountain hut, shared dormitory accommodation.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Downtown: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
In the mountains, we want to be able to provide you with well balanced/hearty meals to keep you well fueled during your exertions, but at the same time keep the weight in the bags that we carry to a minimum.
- Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by our hosts at the refuges. The evening meals, warm and copious.
- Lunch: picnic, in the form of sandwiches, cheese, mixed salads and fruits. During the circuit, the guide can  do grocery shopping.
- Energy food (an assortment of chocolate bars to accompany you in the effort) provided by Mountain World Travel.
Drinks: mineral water provided
Save a bit of room in your bag to split carrying some of our food supply.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Geneva (Switzerland)
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal Medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guide
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Geneva, Switzerland
-  Swiss, the national company, operates daily to Geneva in cooperation with Star Alliance
-  Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Amsterdam or Paris.
-  StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Frankfurt or Munich
-  Oneworld (American, British) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through London.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to France and Switzerland for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
France    Switzerland
For other nationalities, please contact the French and Swiss embassies in your country.

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.

Altitude sickness: can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in preventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior: Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging,cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Shoes and technical material
- A pair of light ski touring alpine skis, or a split snowboard, equipped with adapted bindings, with well maintained ski soles.
- Wax specific to the activity (compatible with the skin's glue)
- A pair of skins ("seal skin") with a clean gluing adapted to the skis or the snowboard.
- Ski knives adapted to bindings for very hard snow.
- A pair of ski poles (telescopic or not) with broad baskets.
- A pair of alpine ski touring boots with removable interior liners and "Vibram" type soles. In the event of renting, test them and effectively protect with double skin your feet from the shoes' friction zones right away on starting day.
- A ski mask.
- Waterproof/breathable/micro porous over pants (Gore-Tex).
- Waterproof over-mittens.

Specific technical material for glacial terrain
- A pair of polyvalent crampons with "antibottes"(rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot)

Possibility of renting on all of the alpine ski/snowboard trips:
- A standard safety device, avalanche transceiver, "Arva", for each participant, snow shovel and probe
- A harness and a safety karabiner on glacial terrain only.
- Ski/snowboarding equipment (prices in the "Trip details Services +" page).
- Crampons.
If you wish to rent backcountry skiing/riding equipment, please inform us at the time of your booking. As Mountain World Travel does not itself rent out this kind of material, we will direct you to our partner store at location (you will be offered a discount). The confirmation that you receive after booking will specify directions to the rental shop.

On the day of arrival (and depending on his/her availability), your guide will be able to help you for choosing your rental equipment.

Sleeping
- A bed sheet  only (blankets are provided by the huts).
For all of the circuits in the Alps which include night (s) in hut (s), Mountain World Travel provides a new recyclable bed sheet to each participant.

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor depending on the type of adventure that you have signed up for and the "foreignness" of the trip. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, and tablets to purify water, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. Anything indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (to include treatments for altitude sickness).
- In addition, Mountain World Travel provides a first aid pharmacy kit validated by a doctor and a pharmacist to allow non medical staff to respond first to an emergency.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement. Your back pack contains the essential minimum for the circuit, and can not exceed 18 to 22 pounds.

Miscellaneous
- A dop-kit
- A sweat suit or similar for the night.
- Ski socks
- A change of clothes
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage)
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Basic equipment
- Thermal underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck.
- A warm jacket in fleece (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable jacket (Gore-Tex).
- Long underwear.
- Mountain or ski pants.
- Thermal socks.
- A pair of gaiters.
- A ski hat and a neck gaiter.
- A hat, a scarf or a cap for the sun.
- Very good sunglasses with side protections.
- A pair of warm/waterproof gloves Gore-Tex
- A pair of replacement gloves.
- A survival blanket (reinforced model).
- A Camelback or a water bottle.
- Hand and feet warmers.

France is the most visited country in the world. It has everything that you could ever want to see on your adventure travel holidays: romantic villages, good beaches, more monuments than any other country, lovely nature and incredible mountain scenery. France is also a very pleasant place to stay. It has haute cuisine, great wines and people enjoy their lives. The South with its lovely nature, good food, roman ruins and of course the Riviera draws a lot of visitors every year. The Provence is dotted with pleasant bucolic charming villages.
French Alps are great for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The Alps French mountain range stretch out to four "departments", from north to south, on a total surface of 10,255 square miles: Haute-Savoy, Savoy, Isere and the Hautes-Alpes.

Haute-Savoy: the frontier of Italy and Switzerland, with Chamonix and it's glaciers at its heart.  Chamonix is the alpinism and hiking capital which surrounds Mont Blanc in the Aravis mountain range and in the Aiguilles Rouges or Dents-Blanches natural reserves. Our circuits are designed to exceed French borders and to travel from one country to another (Switzerland, Italy), discovering different cultures.  

Savoy: from the Préalpes of the Bauges region to the Vanoise national park, at the very end of Tarentaise, while passing by the Maurienne valley, an ensemble of singular mountains where the limestone of the Prealpes (at an average altitude lower than 7,000 feet) contrast with the high summits of Vanoise, such as the Grande-Casse which culminates at 12,638 feet. Savoy is land rich in tradition and farming at the junction of Maurienne and Tarentaise.

Isere: the high plateaus of Vercors and their natural reserves, Chartreuse and its splendid fir plantations constitute the richness of the French Préalpes. Lesser known mountain ranges, Belledonne and the Rousses, mark the transition with the South and with Savoy in the north.

Hautes-Alpes: at the foot of the Ecrins, while slipping towards Provence, tumultuous rivers run. It is also the meeting point of authentic, wild valleys, not far from Italy: Queyras, Ubaye, the valley of Névache.
And so our trips will lead you from Europe highest peak, the Mont Blanc (15,780 feet) down to the Mediterranean Sea, you just have to choose which one suit your needs and desire.

• Our French partner established in the Alps for more than 30 years, cooperate with Mountain World Travel based in Colorado USA to conceive and organize adventure travel trips all other the alpine mountain range.  At the head of the organization, Mountain World Travel is surrounded by mountain travel specialists to answer your requests as precisely as possible.
• A network of mountain leaders, guides and professional logistic specialists for each mountain range.
• A complete offering of guided treks, biking trips etc... from the Northern Alps to the Southern ones, for you to take off to with your friends, family or by yourself to join in on a group.
• Mountain climbing is also our specialty: for good walkers and sportsmen athletes who wish to experience intense moments in the mountains while practicing climbing and trekking the glaciers.

Climate in the Alps
Weather changes quickly in the Alps, an aspect to be taken seriously while choosing and organizing your trek. All on the same day, depending on the altitude, you can profit from splendid sun and summer temperatures, but also undergo icy temperatures and snowstorms. As paradoxical as that may seem, this unforeseeable climatic change is also one of the Alps' assets. The relief has a major impact on the changing weather conditions from one area to another and, at the same time, also impacts the landscapes on these massifs and the organization of life in these areas (social, cultural and economic). The mountains, according to their altitude, have the capacity to retain the clouds and to force precipitations in certain valleys and to preserve them in others. As a consequence, you will cross verdant valleys and others that are drier. You will encounter astonishing microclimates which protect plant species and remarkable animals.
The northern and the Eastern Alps region, where the most beautiful glaciers are located, is an area with the most amount of precipitation.  Here run splendid rivers, torrents which transport the glacial waters and carry  rocks along. For example, Beaufortain is recognized as being one of the most "sprinkled" mountain range of the Alps. These generous rains lend to its very unique characteristics, as it is in its plush mountain pastures where the traditional Beaufort cheese is manufactured, a cheese of great fame!

The Southern Alps, under the influence of the Mediterranean, in general offer a softer climate, a more mineral universe, increasingly remarkable as one approaches Provence. The regional natural reserve of Queyras is a good example of these sunny mountains where you can breathe in the freshness which is diffused by a forest of larch. With each area having such distinct characteristics, diversity is a major driving force for those wishing to voyage to the Alps:  an area to be discovered non-stop and without having "déjà vu" impressions.

Weather
Be prepared....abrupt changes in temperature during an excursion are always possible.  When you leave for the mountains, it is imperative that you carry a back pack with a minimum of equipment to protect yourself against cold and sun. Your guide is a good adviser, but before leaving, we suggest that you read all of the information on our "Trip Details" page.

Average temperatures (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:

	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June
Paris	43/34	45/34	51/38	57/42	64/49	70/54
Marseille	51/37	53/38	58/42	63/47	70/54	78/61
Chamonix	39/23	45/27	50/27	59/37	64/43	72/48

	July	August	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Paris	75/58	75/57	69/52	59/46	49/39	45/36
Marseille	84/66	83/65	77/60	68/52	58/44	53/38
Chamonix	72/48	70/48	70/45	59/36	49/32	39/23

Population	64 millions  habitants
Surface	260,558 square miles
Capital	Paris
Main Cities	Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux
Peaks	Mont Blanc (15,780 feet)
National Parks	Vanoise, Ecrins, Mercantour
Official Language	French
Religion	Catholicism
Head of State	Nicolas Sarkozy
Political Status	Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic
Time Shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc.html

The currency is the €uros (€).
Which currency to bring and where to exchange it?
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments that you can exchange with no problem in main cities. Credit card payment is widespread. There are ATM machines in all the cities and even the small ones, most take Visa and Master Card. ATMs often offer the best exchange rates.

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices while organizing and preparing our different trips.
We recommend that participants consult the security instructions distributed by government authorities and the traveling recommendations made by government officials; available on websites specific for each country.
US citizens, please check with: US department of State

It all began back in 1995 when Grisha UIAGM / IFMGA professional mountain guide, based in Chamonix France, began to work part-time for the French Allibert-Trekking adventure travel tour operator. During this time, Grisha led some Allibert-Trekking clients, to the summit of Mont Blanc, Mont Rose etc... and was sent all over the world for climbing, expedition and technical trekking trips. A  great relationship has since emerged between Grisha, his wife Catherine and the Allibert-Trekking travel team which led Grisha to make a proposition to them.  The proposition was to create adventure travel trips adapted to the American and Anglo-Saxon clientele. Hence, in 2007, a partnership was created.  Established as Mountain World Travel, the company takes roots in Aspen, Colorado where Grisha and Catherine, now play and work.  The two came to Aspen, 15 years ago from Chamonix, France, when they first fell in love with the area.  They began their days here as ski instructors, with Grisha also working as a mountain guide and a tandem paragliding flight pilot.

For a long time, our French partner and Mountain World Travel has functioned in a very responsible manner throughout the world including, of course, in the Alps.
1993: restoration of Saint-Christophe-in-Oisans mill (helping the Oisans of Saint-Christophe association).
2003, 2004, and 2005: Cleaning off Mount Sauveur in Mercantour with Mountain Wilderness and the National Park of Mercantour.
Since 2004:  Since 3 years: we do not forget the region where our main office is based and it's regional natural reserve by organizing, each year, an operation of maintenance and cleaning off the paths of "The Reserve des Hauts de Chartreuse" (Savoy-Isere) in partnership with the park, the reserve and the association holding the same name. In 2007, this event will be held in Chartreuse, around the Mount Granier (mountain in the neighborhood).

The spoken language in France is French. English is spoken by those in tourism related work. Learning some French key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with French people.

Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:

Hello: bonjour

How are you: comment allez-vous?

Thanks: merci

Please: s'il vous plait

Goodbye: au revoir

You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!

And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

The French are truly notorious when it comes to their rules and regulations regarding their food. Most French chefs will take umbrage if you add condiments to a dish before even tasting it and it is also considered as being a grave insult if you ask for ketchup. This is because you are basically then telling the chef that their cooking is unsatisfactory, and it is unnecessary to add any flavoring to meals in France for the most part anyway because they are usually so well prepared.

Nearly all restaurants include tax and a 15 percent service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving additional change is customary, as is leaving the small change from your bill when you pay in cash. In hotels, tip porters per bag and chambermaids per day. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10-15 percent of the fare.

U.S. residents who stay in France less than six months can get a refund of the value-added tax (TVA, in France) on purchases of 200 € or more. Ask stores to complete a TVA refund form, then submit them to customs upon your departure. Refunds from 13% to 19.6% will be credited to your credit card or mailed to you within a few months.

French shops are usually open weekdays from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm but they will be close for an hour or two at lunchtime.

US electrical devices are not compatible with French-Italian-Swiss electrical plugs.
We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts in most Europe.

French Alps mountain ranges, where we would all like to happen upon ibex around each turn; therefore, we need to make sure not to scare them away from their original habitat. The marmot is always nearby, but this does not give us a reason to feed them. Don't get too close to the animals even to photograph them!
What a delight to discover hidden Edelweiss or the ground covered with spring Gentians (famous local flower):  leave them on the ground....it is better to take a photo of them than to pick them!
In the Alps, you are never really far from a valley. It is not very complicated difficult to return all of your trash down there. This is not the responsibility of the hut's guard.
Our stays often take you along to discover National parks and Reserves: they are protected and regulated spaces.
We all prefer a respected and preserved environment. We all need to be attentive to this!