Trip
Haute Route, Chamonix to Zermatt
Backcountry Ski & Snowboard
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Explore this legendary route with certified guides as we tour from Chamonix to Zermatt
Join us and our partners at Whitecap Alpine on the iconic Haute Route for an 8-day traverse from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. From spectacular views on the skintrack and fun high alpine descents to the perfectly perched alpine huts, the Haute Route tour is a trip you will never forget! We will start in Chamonix with a 9,000 ft descent of Vallée Blanche and continue on for 7 days of some of the best skiing, touring, and vistas (hello Matterhorn!) Europe has to offer. The fully serviced refuges we will be staying in along the Haute Route are unlike any you’ve ever set foot in and are so well set up that you’ll only need to carry a light pack for the week, making the strenuous journey a little easier. Plus the experienced team of guides from Whitecap means all you have to worry about is taking in the views and having an awesome time. Once we set foot in Zermatt, you have the option to stick around to enjoy some raclette and Swiss skiing or hop on the train back to France.
Select Your Trip
Select Your Trip
Itinerary
Itinerary
Subject to change based on conditions.
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Day 0 We will meet at Hotel Gustavia in Chamonix, April 13, a day before the trip begins, to meet and go over our gear for the week. Having some extra time at the beginning of the trip will give you time to purchase any gear you might have forgotten and have some time to take in the sites of Chamonix. Lodging is not included this evening. -
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Day 1 - Before we head out for the traverse we will take a day to ride the Aiguille du Midi and ski the massive Vallée Blanche. We’ll enjoy our time in Chamonix and get ready to head into the heart of the mountains. -
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Day 2 - We will head out in the morning and travel up the Grands Montets to then descend the Argentiere glacier. From there we will put on our skins and climb to Col du Chardonnet, with the help of your certified Haute Route guides, we will take some ropes down into the next valley. We will pass through 2 more cols, the lowest point of a mountain between 2 peaks, and end at the Trient Hut. Our first night in Switzerland! -
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Day 3 - Wake up and enjoy an amazing breakfast at the hut. Get ready for a downhill section and enjoy your turns! From there we will skin up the Col des Ecandies where we will transition and enjoy a long ski down to the base of the valley, where we will meet our van to Verbier. We’ll enjoy a wonderful lunch (or coffee and pastries) in Champex or Verbier and grab the lifts back to the Alpine. From the top of the lift we’ll skin out to our hut for the evening. -
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Day 4 - Today we will put in some mileage and feel the movement that is a staple of the Haute route! If the weather holds we will be able to continue our tour to the summit of Rosa Blanche and enjoy spectacular panorama views. From there, it's all downhill (reward for a long day on the skintrack) to our next home for the night, Cabane de Prafleuri. Depending on what time we arrive, enjoy apres or head out for some touring around the hut! -
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Day 5 - We will make our way to Cabane de Dix. Passing through the expanse of Lac de Dix, we will continue up, pass the edge of a massive glacier and end at Dix hut. After a long day of touring there is nothing like digging into some rosti, a Swiss fritter made of potato. -
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Day 6 - We will continue on our way for a day of epic views, big mountains, and jagged peaks. We’ll stop for lunch after we have arrived on a high alpine plateau with sweeping vistas. We’ll summit Pigna d'Arolla for more views and an epic ski down to our hut. -
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Day 7 The grand finale! Today we will cover some more serious mileage and pass through valley to valley. As we near Zermatt the views of the Matterhorn grow larger and larger. Finally, we will drop in and ski its north face into the city. We will celebrate our successful traverse and have the option to stay in Zermatt or if you’re tight on time take the train back to Chamonix. Lodging is not included this night, but Whitecap can help you arrange your lodging depending on where you would like to spend the evening.
Trip Package Includes
- A certified UIAGM/ACMG Mountain Guide to lead your traverse
- All lodging while on the traverse
- All food while on the traverse
- Lift Tickets in Chamonix
- Transportation while on the traverse
- 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Not Included
- Round trip airfare to from Geneva International Airport
- Lodging on day 1 and 8 (Please let Whitecap know your travel plans and they can help you with booking)
- Food while not on the traverse (any meals in Chamonix, Zermatt or extra food if we stop in Champex or Verbier)
- Alcohol (will be available for purchase at the huts)
- Alpine touring/ mountaineering gear (Please inquire for rental availability and cost)
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
- Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information
Haute Route - Verbier Route
The Haute Route is one of the most famous high-alpine ski or snowboard traverses in the world offering epic riding, awesome hut lodges, and unbeatable vistas. There are two main routes to choose from, the Verbier Route and the Classic, both are around 180km long, some of this is covered by ski lift, some by descending, some by ascending and some by shuttle. We take the Verbier route for less technical, but still challenging, touring and for the fact that there is more descending than climbing. Most of the travel days also allow for plenty of time to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding around the hut. The skinning is fun, but the riding is what we really go for.
Gallery
Gallery
Trip Planning
Trip Planning
For this Haute Route traverse, we will have the ability to carry day packs as the huts we will be staying at are fully serviced. No need for a sleeping bag, sleeping pad or backpacking pillow. That being said though, as with any multi-day trek or tour a goal to keep in mind is to pack as light as possible! A 30-45 liter pack should be sufficient for carrying all your gear for the traverse. Also, make sure to bring a pack that can carry your skis or snowboard (we recommend that you test the best way to carry your skis or splitboard on your backpack at home with all your gear packed). Your clothing needs to be suitable for skinning uphill on a hot and sunny glacier and skiing downhill on a cold and windy face. A layering system will be the best way to pack and make sure to include several options for each accessory ie, glove liners & shells, a snapback & a beanie, goggles & sunglasses, and so on. Before we depart Chamonix, we will do a group gear pack where we can help distribute some of the gear throughout the team, such as emergency supplies, repair kits, and first aid.
It is also important that you carry cash for any alcohol or additional purchases while on the traverse. Try to pull some cash out during out stop in Verbier as the Swiss Franc will give you a much better exchange rate than using Euros in Switzerland.
It is also important that you carry cash for any alcohol or additional purchases while on the traverse. Try to pull some cash out during out stop in Verbier as the Swiss Franc will give you a much better exchange rate than using Euros in Switzerland.
Ski Equipment
Mountaineering Gear (Whitecap can help instruct you if you need to purchase gear)
Ski Clothing
Other
FAQ
FAQ
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
Skiing/splitboarding skills - You should feel confident skiing/riding a variety of conditions, including deep powder, ice, breakable crust and deep and sometimes sticky slush. You should be able to sideslip both forward and backward on up to 45º terrain as well as skate on flat ground. Touring skills- You should have some level of touring on a variety of terrain and snow conditions under your belt before beginning this traverse. You should be fairly versed in transitioning from uphill to downhill and walking with skis on your back. Mountaineering skills - its ok if you are new to crampons, ice axe and glacier travel, your guides will be able to instruct you through some of these aspects if they are new to you. If you have the above skiing and touring skills you should be able to learn how to use these additional tools. Of course, if you have mountaineering experience that is ideal! -
What type of fitness is required for this trip?
We will generally travel at a moderate pace, we won't be going too fast on our traverse but keep in mind that we do have time restrictions (such as daylight hours) and a plan to keep for the group. We will cover about 3-4k of vertical gain each day and will be moving for about 4-6 hours. We recommend going on multiple long ski tours over the course of the winter before going on the Haute Route. -
What are the accommodations like?
We will be staying in epic mountain rifugios (cabins) with 4 or more guests per room. The rifugios are very comfortable with hot showers, extensive wine lists, etc. They are fully serviced so there is no need to carry any extra gear. Beds with warm sheets and pillows will be standard. -
Are single rooms available?
In short, no. Because of the hut accommodations most/all accommodations on the tour will be bunk rooms. If you book as a group of 4 or more you may be able to get your own 4 person room. Please let Whitecap know if this is the case. -
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to Whitecap Alpine’s cancelation policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. If a notice is received more than ten weeks prior to the starting date, customers have two options: a) May rebook reservations if an alternative date if found within the same season at Whitecap and McGillivray Pass Lodge, or Whitecap International. b) Given a full refund, less a $400 administration fee. Note - if notice is received less than 10 weeks prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded. There is no refund for leaving early or arriving late. -
What will the food be like? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
The food prepared at the huts is typical of the region and generally guests are blown away by the delicious meals. If you have dietary restrictions, please let evo and Whitecap know and we will plan accordingly. Typically there are vegetarian options available. -
Do you offer rentals?
Rental gear, both ski equipment, avy gear and some mountaineering gear, is available from Whitecap Alpine. Please inquire for availability and pricing.
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What Covid-19 policies and precautions do you have in place?
The health and safety of our guests and staff are of the utmost important to both evo and our partners at Whitecap Alpine Adventures. For details on Whitecap's Covid-19 Management Plan, please visit: https://whitecapalpine.ca/covid-19-management/ -
When and how do I meet up with the group?
The Group will meet at Hotel Gustavia in Chamonix on April 10. Lodging for this night is not included. If you have other travel plans or time restrictions please let evo and Whitecap know upon booking -
What happens with my luggage while on the traverse?
We will arrange for one duffle per guest to be shipped to the end of the route for pick up. Any extra bags can be arranged for as well, but there will be an extra charge. If you have more than one duffel bag, please let us know for details on cost to your destination at the end of the route. -
Are departures guaranteed to run?
No, there is a minimum number of guests required to run this trip. Please double check with evo and Whitecap to confirm your departure before you book airfare. -
What is the minimum and maximum number of guests per trip?
There is a maximum of 6 guests per trip. Due to the flexible nature of the groups please check with evo to see what dates are available. -
Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at
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