Haute Route Chamonix Zermatt

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.