• Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
  • Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France

Glacier hiking on the Haute Route: Chamonix - Zermatt

3,5/5 (4 reviews)
Réf : FZER7

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Level
    Advance

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France
  • Age
    From 18 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    38.32 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French

In a few words

The "Haute Route" between Chamonix and Zermatt is renowned as the most beautiful glacier hike in the Alps. Embark on this adventure! From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, you'll traverse some of the most magnificent 4,000-meter peaks over six unforgettable stages. This high-mountain trek takes you on a breathtaking high-altitude route, linking glaciers and mountain passes above 3,000 meters, and bringing you close to the most stunning summits of the Alps (Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Pigne d'Arolla). You'll begin in the Mont Blanc massif with the Tour and Trient glaciers. The highest point will be Tête Blanche at 3,710 meters , before concluding with a spectacular descent to Zermatt .

The highlights

  • An unmissable raid in the heart of the most beautiful 4000m peaks of Valais
  • A safe route across the glacier, accessible to experienced hikers.
  • Nights in traditional and comfortable Swiss mountain huts
Subscriber benefit save 5% by joining our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed: We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more

Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Advance

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 6h
  • Average daily elevation gain: 900 m
  • Average daily descent: 450 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Guide de haute montagne

You will be accompanied by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical elements necessary for progression on the glacier: walking in crampons and rope work.

Management

Security

For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level of competition as advertised, the organizers and staff reserve the right to discontinue your participation if your technical skill and/or physical condition do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will this discontinuation entitle you to a refund or compensation.
Learn more about supervision

Program

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

    From the village of Le Tour (1453m) to the Albert 1er refuge

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Positive elevation gain 1200 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Presentation of the hike and fitting of individual equipment followed by bag check. Departure from the village of Le Tour (1453m), from the Charamillon car park, to reach the Albert 1er refuge (2702m) where we will spend the night.

    Day 1

Note

This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.

Access

Departure
Chamonix, France
Day 1 : 11h00
End of stay
Zermatt, Suisse
Day 7 - 12h00

📍 The meeting point for departure is the Concept ProShop equipment store in Chamonix.

On the return, for those who wish to return to Chamonix, the return trip is by taxi (to be paid on site) for an arrival in Chamonix in the late afternoon.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Saint-Gervais-les Bains-le FayetOrGare de Chamonix-Aiguille-du-Midi

🚂 Terminus of classic trains at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains le Fayet station, then change for the Le Fayet-Martigny tourist train, stop at Chamonix "Aiguille du Midi".

The Concept ProShop store is located a 5-minute walk from the train station.

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

🚘 Take the A40 and follow signs for Cluses, Servoz, Les Houches and Chamonix. Park in the Grépon car park (free for the first hour): at the far end of the car park take the underpass and the Concept ProShop store is at the exit just to your left.

During the raid, vehicles will be parked in the Charamillon car park in the village of Le Tour (free car park).

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Notify me of upcoming availability

Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. The technical organization of the stay
  2. Half-board accommodation from the evening of Day 1 to the morning of Day 7
  3. Lunch picnics from day 2 to day 6
  4. The ski lifts necessary for the normal running of the program
  5. The transfer of Champex to the Mauvoisin Dam
  6. Supervision by a high mountain guide
  7. The collective equipment necessary for safety
  1. Accommodation according to the chosen package

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
  2. Individual technical equipment (see technical specifications section)
  3. Picnic on Day 1 and lunch on Day 7 in Zermatt
  4. Return trip Zermatt-Chamonix by minibus (approximately 550 CHF to be divided by the number of people wanting return transport)
  5. Drinks and mineral water during your stay, including during meals
  6. Individual snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, chocolate bars, etc...snacks as you wish)
  1. The tourist tax

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance
  2. Meals according to the chosen package

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 provided on site

  1. Group equipment is provided (ropes)
  2. Slippers are available at the mountain huts.

Equipment to bring

  1. A sleeping bag liner is mandatory (blankets are provided in the shelters).
  2. An ice axe, crampons, a harness equipped with two locking carabiners, a helmet
  3. One or two telescopic hiking poles
  4. A pair of gaiters
  5. A small toiletry bag
  6. One sunscreen cream (face and lips) + one after-sun cream
  7. A headlamp, with spare batteries
  8. A water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters, lightweight and insulated
  9. A pocket knife, preferably multi-purpose, or Opinel type
  10. Toilet paper + lighter
  11. Two to three plastic bags (100 liters) to protect belongings in the backpack in case of rain


If necessary, the following individual technical equipment can be rented: mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmets, carabiners, poles, headlamp, backpack

Clothing to bring

You will be carrying all your equipment for the week . It's important not to carry too much weight, so only pack the essentials (but enough). Your guide will help you finalize your pack on the first day. Ultimately, your pack should not exceed 10 to 12 kg, including water and food for the day.


  1. Underwear, both top and bottom. This is your first layer of insulation, so take good care of it.
  2. Thin technical fibers, such as Carline or Polartec, are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable, lightweight, and dry very quickly.
  3. 1 warm fleece
  4. 1 warm down jacket or anorak
  5. 1 Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket
  6. Beanie or balaclava
  7. Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf
  8. 1 pair of trekking trousers or warm tights
  9. 1 waterproof Gore-Tex pants or ski pants
  10. 1 pair of tights
  11. 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
  12. 1 pair of "thermal" gloves (very warm mittens)
  13. Nylon or Goretex overgloves
  14. Optional for those who are more sensitive to the cold: a pair of liner gloves
  15. Mountaineering boots (not trekking boots) that allow for the attachment of crampons (overhangs at the front and back of the boot).
  16. Warm socks, one thin pair and one thicker pair


This list is generic and intended to cover all the weather conditions you might encounter in the high mountains. It should be adapted to the specific conditions expected during your stay. Always pack warm clothing, even when temperatures are high in the valley.

Trip offered and operated by Decathlon Travel

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
3,5/5
(4 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
V

Virginie - 55 ans

august 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
We had a good trip thanks to the weather and the team members who spent the week with us. However, in no way could we thank Decathlon Travel, nor the partner agency to whom Decathlon had actually subcontracted the trip, and whose existence we only learned about two days before the trip, when the WhatsApp group was created. The organization was deplorable for both departure and arrival: - the meeting point was not the departure location (we had to find our own way there, even though the agency manager was there with a minibus!). - similarly, upon arrival, no repatriation transport was provided, and it was impossible for us to arrange it, since the agency refused to give us the contact information of the other participants. After our insistence, the agency finally found us a taxi back, but the price was double what we ended up finding on our own. Disastrous communication: - Decathlon's communication was inconsistent regarding the required skill level for registration: sometimes friendly, sometimes unpleasant and inappropriate (regarding cramponing technique, which is not necessary to master before the trip) - on the 2nd night, a hotel was planned in Champex (a village with shops…) but it was cancelled and we were transferred elsewhere; we only found out on the day! - We booked for 2 people, but it was impossible for both of us to receive information emails, despite repeated requests - the program on the website (the only information we had) was largely incorrect, particularly regarding walking times and elevation gain/loss (for example, the 2nd day, described as a 6.5-hour activity: we left the refuge at 6:00 AM and arrived at the hotel at 5:30 PM!) - there was no information before departure to refine the equipment to bring (3 layers of clothing are not essential in good weather during the summer), and we could only contact the guide 48 hours before departure; - One last drawback regarding the guide: very professional and friendly, but sometimes he walks at his own (fast) pace and leaves half the group 10 minutes behind… In the end, good memories and a desire to do it again, but not in this way.
Published on 26/08/2025
R

Romain - 36 ans

july 2024 In a group
Translated from French
Excellent week, magnificent weather, a fantastic group, and above all, an incredible, magical, magnificent high route. Words fail to describe it. Special mention goes to the refuges at Les Vignettes, Bertol, and Schonbiel, which are well worth the effort and truly deserve it!
Published on 05/08/2024
C

Chantal FZER7

august 2023 In a group
Translated from French

The traveler left no comment

Published on 06/09/2023

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
3,5/5
(4 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
V

Virginie - 55 ans

august 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
We had a good trip thanks to the weather and the team members who spent the week with us. However, in no way could we thank Decathlon Travel, nor the partner agency to whom Decathlon had actually subcontracted the trip, and whose existence we only learned about two days before the trip, when the WhatsApp group was created. The organization was deplorable for both departure and arrival: - the meeting point was not the departure location (we had to find our own way there, even though the agency manager was there with a minibus!). - similarly, upon arrival, no repatriation transport was provided, and it was impossible for us to arrange it, since the agency refused to give us the contact information of the other participants. After our insistence, the agency finally found us a taxi back, but the price was double what we ended up finding on our own. Disastrous communication: - Decathlon's communication was inconsistent regarding the required skill level for registration: sometimes friendly, sometimes unpleasant and inappropriate (regarding cramponing technique, which is not necessary to master before the trip) - on the 2nd night, a hotel was planned in Champex (a village with shops…) but it was cancelled and we were transferred elsewhere; we only found out on the day! - We booked for 2 people, but it was impossible for both of us to receive information emails, despite repeated requests - the program on the website (the only information we had) was largely incorrect, particularly regarding walking times and elevation gain/loss (for example, the 2nd day, described as a 6.5-hour activity: we left the refuge at 6:00 AM and arrived at the hotel at 5:30 PM!) - there was no information before departure to refine the equipment to bring (3 layers of clothing are not essential in good weather during the summer), and we could only contact the guide 48 hours before departure; - One last drawback regarding the guide: very professional and friendly, but sometimes he walks at his own (fast) pace and leaves half the group 10 minutes behind… In the end, good memories and a desire to do it again, but not in this way.
Published on 26/08/2025
R

Romain - 36 ans

july 2024 In a group
Translated from French
Excellent week, magnificent weather, a fantastic group, and above all, an incredible, magical, magnificent high route. Words fail to describe it. Special mention goes to the refuges at Les Vignettes, Bertol, and Schonbiel, which are well worth the effort and truly deserve it!
Published on 05/08/2024
C

Chantal FZER7

august 2023 In a group
Translated from French

The traveler left no comment

Published on 06/09/2023
O

Olivie

august 2023 In a group
Translated from French

Great guide who had to deal with the problems of booking a mountain refuge and the egos involved....
You can get a hot meal at Albert 1er for euros...

Published on 21/08/2023
The Alexandre team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.5/5 (302 reviews) • 59 stays
Located in Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering, our team will take you to the most beautiful mountains in the world. Our guides all share the same mountain philosophy, based on sharing their passion, ensuring the safety of their leaders, and maintaining their professionalism. Whether on the trails of the Alps or on the highest peaks on the planet, the role of our partner's mountaineering team is to remain constantly attentive to your needs, sharing an unforgettable and safe experience. We also want this time spent together to be a sharing of all the riches of the high altitude: the sporting riches of the action, the aesthetic riches of the landscapes and the light, and the human riches of sharing a true "Mountain Culture."
Discover their team and their trips
Are you satisfied with this page?
Are you satisfied with this page?

We are sorry to hear that.

Help us improve this page. Tell us what information you would have liked to see.

0/500
Your personal data is collected by Decathlon Travel (Decathlon Expérience SAS), acting as the data controller. The legal basis for this processing is pre-contractual measures/contract to respond to your quote request and contact you. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. In accordance with applicable data protection regulations, you have various rights, including the right to access, rectify, erase, and object to the processing of your data. To learn more about the processing of your data, to understand all your rights, and how to exercise them, please consult our privacy policy.

Have a question about this trip?

Select the type of request, and we will get back to you shortly.

Book with confidence
Subscriber benefit Because you are part of our community, we offer you an exclusive discount on your bookings.
How much ?
✅ Benefit from 5% off the cost of your stay, up to a maximum of €50.
  • Valid for a first booking on our site, with no minimum purchase required.
  • Can be combined with any other current promotion.
  • Not valid on air transport, carbon offsetting and insurance.
How ?
  • All you need to do is subscribe to our newsletter.
  • You will receive your promo code by email immediately after registering.
We promise not to flood your inbox!
Join our community
Best price guaranteed Our promise is simple: to guarantee you the best price for your adventure. If you find an identical offer cheaper on another French website, We'll offer you twice the difference.
The key principles for benefiting from it:
  • ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
  • ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
Find all the details and procedures to follow, whether you have already booked or not, on our dedicated page. Discover how to benefit from it
Free cancellation more than 30 days before departure Something unexpected come up? Change your mind with peace of mind. You can cancel your booking free of charge and without giving a reason if you cancel more than 30 days before your departure.
Important conditions:
  • ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
  • ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
Details regarding cancellation fees: For the Standard fare booked 30 days or less before departure, and for the Flex fare booked less than 24 hours before departure, the cancellation fees defined in the partner's terms and conditions apply.
Payment in 2 installments without fees Secure your spot now and manage your budget with flexibility. This option allows you to confirm your adventure right away by paying only a portion of the total cost.
How does it work?
  1. You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
  2. The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
Eligibility requirements: This option is available for all stays:
  • ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
  • ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.