• The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace
  • The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace
  • The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace
  • The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace
  • The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif

The Chamonix-Zermatt crossing at your own pace

Réf : BAMMOQ

In summary

  • Sports
  • Duration
    9 days
  • Level
    Expert

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking

    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif
  • Age
    From 15 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    65.72 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler

In a few words

Connect two legendary mountaineering capitals with an exceptional long-distance hike . This walking route links Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, offering total immersion in the heart of the most beautiful alpine landscapes.

Far from the glacial route reserved for mountaineers, this trail version follows paths exclusively through mid-mountain terrain, at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters . You will travel safely across varied terrain accessible to hikers, without ever setting foot on glaciers.

Throughout your journey, you will traverse a succession of authentic valleys and cross numerous renowned mountain passes . The route is dotted with charming villages, shady forests , rushing streams, and sparkling high-altitude lakes , all dominated by majestic peaks and glaciers . It's the perfect opportunity to contemplate the grandeur of the Alpine giants from a unique and unspoiled perspective.


The highlights

  • Discover the High Alpine Route via the trails
  • Completely self-sufficient with a route book and GPX tracks
  • Overnight stays in authentic mountain refuges
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Expert

Levels

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.

The expert's opinion

The route, distances and altitudes may vary slightly for many reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 6h30
  • Average distance/day: 15 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 1156 m
  • Average daily descent: 1089 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

The paper roadbook contains all the information directly in your bag.
Paper Roadbook

We provide a printed roadbook, a PDF roadbook, and GPX tracks. We are also available via WhatsApp throughout your stay to assist you. A pre-trip briefing is also possible at our office in Les Houches.

Management

Security

Zero risk doesn't exist in the mountains! The dangers are numerous: weather, terrain, altitude, fatigue, route, oneself… The mountains remain unpredictable, and our decision-making must, as often as necessary, assess the level of commitment and determine the best course of action. The goal is to reduce risks and ensure the activity runs smoothly.

Mountain hikes require significant preparation to anticipate/know/understand the mountain environment, its mountain climate, its surroundings, and the weather conditions, which can change very quickly.

Please also be aware that self-guided trekking involves your own responsibility for the route you choose and the choices you make on the trails. We will provide you with a roadbook and GPX tracks, but you will be hiking independently each day, and we cannot be held responsible for any decisions or events that may occur during your trek.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
  • map

    Montroc – Trélechamp – Trient

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 6h
    • Distance 11 km
    • Positive elevation gain 1000 m
    • Negative elevation 1200 m
    • Accommodation Hostel
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    The Posettes Aiguillette ridge is particularly beautiful and offers panoramic views. The Mont Blanc massif, its main peaks, and the Chamonix valley provide a breathtaking panorama! The Posettes and Balme alpine pastures are the last remaining working pastures near Chamonix. The Franco-Swiss border is crossed via a mountainside path through the Catogne pastures. The village of Trient is our destination.

    Day 1

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Chamonix, France
Day 1
End of stay
Zermatt, Suisse
Day 9

As this is a self-guided trip, you manage your days at your own pace, without fixed departure or return times. However, we recommend starting your Day 1 hike fairly early in the morning to fully enjoy your first stage in complete peace of mind.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toChamonix-Mont-Blanc

To return to Chamonix from Zermatt (4:15 to 4:30 am):

  1. Zermatt --> Visp (Viège): Take the red rack railway Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn ( 1h10 ).
  2. Visp --> Martigny: Take the SBB train through the Rhône Valley ( 45 min ).
  3. Martigny --> Chamonix: Board the famous Mont-Blanc Express . This panoramic train climbs through the Trient Valley, crosses the French border at Vallorcine and drops you off right in the centre of Chamonix ( 1h30 ).

Booking: You can buy a single combined ticket on the SBB (SBB) website or app.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Price details

The price includes

  1. Accommodation in dormitories in mountain huts and 1 night in a private room
  2. 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners (dinner not included at La Sage on day 6)
  3. A travel log + GPS tracks and map
  4. Pre-tour assistance via email/phone
  5. Assistance from our on-site team

The price does not include

  1. Transportation to the place of stay
  2. Transfers during the stay if necessary and transfers to/from Chamonix.
  3. Dinner on Day 6 at La Sage
  4. Lunches, snacks, drinks and personal expenses
  5. Personal hiking equipment
  6. Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"

Options

  1. 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.


DON'T FORGET

Passport or identity card

Insurance covering search, rescue or repatriation costs (bring your insurance policy number and emergency phone number with you)

Equipment

Equipment to bring

  1. BACKPACK - Recommended size: 35 liters minimum

Keep in mind that 500g + 500g + ... quickly adds up to extra kilos. Only take what you need, as you'll have to carry everything you pack. Your bag shouldn't weigh more than 8 to 10kg. Opt for a backpack with a hip belt to help distribute the weight and relieve strain on your posture and back. A bag with a chest strap will be a real plus in terms of comfort and stability.

TIPS: Remember to distribute the weight evenly inside your pack and adjust it properly so that your hips bear the load rather than your shoulders. This tip may seem insignificant at first, but it proves essential on multi-day hikes.


  1. HIKING SHOES

A pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots. This is the most important piece of equipment. Comfortable shoes can make all the difference, while unsuitable shoes can hinder your progress or even force you to give up. There are many different models of hiking boots available. Choose shoes that offer ankle support and adequate waterproofing. Nothing is more unpleasant than walking for hours in shoes soaked by rain or even morning dew.

TIP: Go trekking with shoes that you have already tried beforehand and are sure you won't get blisters in.


OTHERS :

  1. Telescopic walking poles (recommended option)
  2. Lip balm
  3. Ultra-light shower kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel/shampoo or soap: also useful for washing clothes)
  4. Synthetic bath towel
  5. Phone and charger
  6. International plug adapter
  7. Rechargeable power bank
  8. Handwashing liquid for washing clothes
  9. Silk sheet (mandatory in dormitory)


In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. The clear blue morning sky can rapidly become overcast, especially if aided by a high-altitude wind bringing masses of humid air. Warm temperatures can also saturate the atmosphere with humidity, creating conditions conducive to thunderstorms. Winter conditions, such as frost, are also possible.

Early morning conditions or the presence of snow above 1800m. Finally, one might also fear a rainy day and see our boldness rewarded with an unexpected burst of sunshine and a completely clear sky a few hours later...


Keep this in mind:

When heading to the mountains, you must always consider the possibility of heat, rain, and cold. Your backpack should always contain the essentials to prepare for these three scenarios: this is the essential core kit.


Weight/efficiency dilemma:

Water bottles, picnic lunches, snacks, cameras, binoculars... these are all additional items to consider. A backpack fills up quickly, so it's essential to optimize the weight-to-performance ratio of the clothing and equipment you carry. For a multi-day hike with support and the transfer of drop packs, minimizing the weight of your daily pack is much easier. Without this support, packs are larger, so you'll need to consider hand-washing your clothes to reduce the number of items you need as much as possible.

Clothing to bring

CLOTHES :

  1. First layer with short sleeves (synthetic)
  2. First layer with long sleeves (synthetic)
  3. 2nd layer (e.g., fleece) or thin down jacket
  4. 3 pairs of hiking socks (synthetic or Merino wool)
  5. Shorts
  6. Hiking pants
  7. Long technical underwear
  8. Waterproof and breathable jacket
  9. Rain cape / poncho


BAG BUNK:

  1. A pair of lightweight gloves
  2. Cap or beanie
  3. Sunglasses
  4. Water bottle (1.5L)
  5. Small first aid kit (paracetamol, blister prevention/treatment, plasters, etc. Don't forget to bring your personal prescription if you have one).
  6. Cash (euros and Swiss francs: most shelters do not accept credit cards)
  7. Sunscreen
  8. Pocket fork and knife
  9. Headlamp
  10. Survival blanket
  11. Garbage bag for your waste
The Julie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Julie team

• 7 stays
Our local partner, an agency founded in 2019 by a team of enthusiasts, is dedicated to sharing its love of the outdoors. Whether travelers are looking to recharge or push their physical limits, the agency offers activities tailored to each individual in the heart of its natural "playground." Built on strong values ​​such as teamwork, respect, and humility, Nuyama prioritizes sharing and trust to create unforgettable moments in complete safety.
Discover their team and their trips
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