Self-guided hiking from Arolla to Zermatt
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationSwiss / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions85.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Follow an exceptional route through the Swiss Alps, linking Arolla to Zermatt in seven days. This self-guided, point-to-point hike immerses you in the magnificent world of the high mountains, winding through larch forests, verdant alpine pastures, and moraines. Each stage reveals breathtaking panoramas of rock and ice giants, such as the Pigne d'Arolla, the Dent Blanche, and the majestic Weisshorn.
Designed for experienced hikers , this level 4 route demands excellent physical fitness. The technical challenge lies in crossing high passes, such as the Torrent Pass (2919 m) and the Forcletta Pass (2874 m), as well as spectacular balcony trails overlooking glaciers.
This week of intense hiking culminates in a magnificent arrival in Zermatt, facing the legendary Matterhorn . A total and demanding immersion for lovers of unspoiled peaks.
The highlights
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Spectacular landscapes
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One of the most beautiful crossings of the Alps
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In the heart of Valais
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 942 m
- Average daily descent: 905 m
Management
Self-guided tour. We provide you with a digital travel pack which includes: access to our smartphone guide app, a list of your accommodations, and all the information necessary for a smooth trip.
If you wish, we can provide you with a printed version of the travel pack, including maps, guidebook and travel pouch, for an additional fee.
Program
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Arrival in Arolla
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival and overnight stay at the Arolla hotel from 3pm. The highest village in Valais, on the edge of the last sparse forests of Arolla pines and larches, and at the foot of the Collon, the Pigne and the Aiguilles d'Arolla.
Day 1 -
Arolla - Cabane des Aiguilles rouges - Lac Bleu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 920 m
- Negative elevation 920 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A beautiful loop hike that climbs to Pra Gra (2479m), offering a sweeping panorama, then follows an old irrigation channel into a scree-filled cirque and traverses the moraines of the Aiguilles Rouges glacier, arriving in 2.5 hours at the refuge of the same name. The descent to Les Haudères (1450m) is then made on foot or by bus. Overnight stay in a hotel in the center of Les Haudères village (1436m), a stunning village in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Dent Blanche.
Day 2 -
The Torrent pass - Grimentz - Zinal
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h45
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1180 m
- Negative elevation 670 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Ascent to the Torrent Pass (2919m) via La Villa (1742m), a village with rustic charm. Extraordinary views stretching to the Grands Combins, Mont Fort, and the Pigne d'Arolla. After visiting the beautiful larch village of Grimentz, take the postal bus to Zinal (depending on the altitude at which you can be dropped off by taxi in the morning, for an additional fee).
(The elevation gain can be reduced depending on the altitude at which you can be dropped off in the morning by taxi, for an additional fee)
Optional hikes:
- Lake Moiry to Bendolla (chairlift to Grimentz), 2 hours walk, +220/-360m, 6 km
- Bendolla to Grimentz, 1.5 to 2 hours walk, -550m, 2.5 km
- Lake Moiry in Grimentz, 1.5 to 2 hours, -670m, 6 km
Day 3 -
The Roc de la Vache viewpoint
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The viewpoint of Roc de la Vache (2581m), south of the Zinal valley, offers spectacular views of the Moming glacier, the Zinalrothorn (4221m) and the northeast face of the Dent Blanche.
Day 4 -
Zinal - Gruben
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h45
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1060 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You take the balcony path overlooking the Val d'Anniviers: a contour line balcony; and behind you, the Matterhorn and the Pointe de Zinal. You pass the Col de la Forcletta (2874m), and descend idyllically to Grüben Meiden (1822m), through meadows and larch forests, admiring the charming chalets along the way.
Day 5 -
Grüben - Täsch
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 960 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Through larch and Swiss stone pine forests. We pass by Lake Augtbord before crossing the pass (2894m), the natural border between the Turtmanntal and Mattertal valleys. An optional ascent of the Schwarzhorn (3201m) is offered purely for the breathtaking views and the unique panorama stretching from Mont Blanc to Monte Rosa! We descend to the perched hamlet of Jungu (1955m): a magnificent spot with its Baroque chapel and views of the Nadelhorn and Monte Rosa. We then continue to Sankt Niklaus (1127m). Transfer by train to Täsch. To shorten the descent, a cable car can be taken midway down, reducing the altitude from 1800m to 1000m!
To shorten the descent you can take a cable car from Jungen to St. Niklaus.
Optional hike: Jungen to St. Niklaus, 1.5 to 2 hours walking, +40/-890m, 4 km
Day 6 -
Täsch - Zermatt
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 870 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Täschalp (2214m), the High Route (Europaweg) to Zermatt: balcony over the 4000m, including the Matterhorn.
Your stay in Zermatt ends after the hike. You'll take the train back to Täsch to collect your luggage. Connections are very easy, with trains every 15 minutes.
Optional hike: 2 hours of walking, +747m, 4 km (on foot from Täsch to Täschalp)
Day 7
Note
We may sometimes need to modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in terrain conditions, landslides, damaged trails, etc.) or weather conditions. These modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Once you arrive at Sion station, the journey continues with the famous yellow Swiss buses.
- Where to take the bus? The CarsPostaux bus station is located right on the esplanade in front of the SNCF/CFF train station in Sion (follow the yellow signs).
- Which line? Board Line 381 (towards Arolla, Store or Post Office ).
- The journey: The trip lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes . The bus climbs through the pyramids of Euseigne, passes through the magnificent villages of Evolène and Les Haudères, before reaching the terminus at the very end of the valley in Arolla (2,000 m).
- Note: Depending on the time of day, a quick transfer (2 to 3 minutes) may be necessary in the village of Les Haudères to change buses. The schedules are perfectly synchronized.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room with half-board (except for day 6 which is B&B)
- Luggage transport (except on day 7)
- The digital travel file
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Dinner on day 6 in Täsch
- Lunchtime meals
- Site visits
- Internal transfers (cable cars, trains, buses)
- Luggage transfer from Täsch to Zermatt on D7
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night in Arolla in a 2* hotel, half-board : CHF178.39 / unit
- Additional night in Arolla in a 2* hotel, half-board : CHF201.26 / unit
- Additional night in Täsch in a 3* hotel, in a B&B : CHF146.37 / unit
- Additional night in Täsch in a 3* hotel, in a B&B : CHF237.85 / unit
- Additional night in Zermatt in a 3* hotel, with B&B : CHF178.39 / unit
- Additional night in Zermatt in a 3* hotel, with B&B : CHF210.40 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
To transport your belongings:
- A small, comfortable 40-50L backpack with a waist belt for carrying your personal belongings and picnic lunch during the day
- One piece of luggage: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition, or a not-too-bulky suitcase. Only one piece of luggage per person; limited to 15kg.
For the midday picnic:
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A water bottle of at least one liter (mandatory); a thermos water bottle for winter.
Against sun and rain:
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape or a Gore-Tex jacket and possibly Gore-Tex trousers
Clothing to bring
For hiking:
- Hiking boots that provide ankle support, a good lugged sole, a reinforced heel counter, and good waterproofing.
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- A fleece fur
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
Note: Synthetic technical clothing is very high-performing. New merino wool clothing has also appeared; it is very high-performing and comfortable to wear, and has the advantage of not developing perspiration odors! (Icebreaker, Ruka, etc. brands).
Generally speaking, avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.
After the effort:
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- A sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag is required for the gîte d'étape (hostel) option only.
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini)
- A mini-pharmacy: personal medications, elastic bandage, biogauze or "second skin", gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin in case of minor injuries... (quite a program! but rest assured, the pharmacy often returns undamaged from your week of hiking)
- Swimsuit + towel
