The Chamonix-Zermatt Traverse via the Glaciers
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions91.15 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
From Chamonix to Zermatt , embark on one of the most legendary glacier traverses in the Alps . Over seven days, you'll travel from mountain hut to mountain hut , crossing high-altitude passes , glacial plateaus , and panoramic ridges , between two historic capitals of mountaineering. From the very beginning, the Tour and Trient glaciers immerse you in a wild, mineral landscape. Then, at the heart of this demanding route, you'll discover the immensity of the Otemma Glacier , the spectacular views from the hanging huts of Vignettes and Bertol , before reaching the highest point of the itinerary: the Tête Blanche (3,710 m) , facing the elegant Matterhorn . The descent to Zermatt takes you through moraines , alpine meadows , and high-altitude lakes , in an atmosphere that is both challenging and contemplative . This glacial raid is a true alpine adventure , where the spirit of teamwork , pushing oneself to the limit and the raw beauty of the landscapes make it an unforgettable experience.
The highlights
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A legendary glacial crossing between two capitals of mountaineering
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Nights spent in mountain huts with spectacular views of the peaks
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A wild, mineral atmosphere amidst glaciers, moraines, and alpine lakes.
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- You are a regular mountaineer. You have already completed several climbs and you are comfortable in technical and challenging terrain.
- You do endurance sports at least 3 to 4 times a week.
- You can string together 10 to 12 hours of effort with 1200 to 1700m of positive elevation gain.
- Are you comfortable carrying a bag weighing 8 to 12 kg?
- You are very comfortable in mountainous terrain (rocks, snow, glacier)
- You are proficient in the use of crampons and ice axe
- You are comfortable with exposed and aerial passages.
- You have already completed several mountaineering expeditions in recent years
- You can operate at high altitude (often above 4000m)
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 729 m
Management
English
French
Hi, I'm Patrick, a high-mountain guide and native of the Piedmont region. I became a high-mountain guide in 2018 and since then, I've never left the peaks! As a mountain rescue instructor, I love sharing my experience and knowledge. Whether it's on Monte Rosa, in my native Piedmont, or in the Aosta Valley, the Italian Alps are my playground and my home.
Program
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Warm-up and settling into the refuge
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:00 AM in Montroc , the starting point of your adventure. You'll take the cable car to Charamillon , then begin a hike along a balcony trail offering panoramic views of the valley. The route gradually leads you to the Albert 1er refuge , located opposite the Tour glacier . Once settled in, a safety briefing will be held, followed by a complete equipment check in preparation for the next day's ascent.
Day 1 -
Glacial crossing to Champex
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early morning departure takes you to the Col du Tour pass, before beginning the descent towards the Trient Glacier . A rappel at the Col Blanc marks the start of a beautiful traverse of the glacial plateau , in a true high-mountain setting. You then continue the descent to Champex , a charming Swiss village where you will spend the night in a mountain refuge .
Day 2 -
Alpine immersion to the Chanrion cabin
- Transportation Car - 01h - 40km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a transfer to the Mauvoisin Dam , you begin the ascent towards the Tsofeiret Pass (2621 m) . The route continues through a varied landscape, between glacial lakes and high-altitude pastures , offering a peaceful and wild atmosphere. At the end of the day, you arrive at the Chanrion Hut , nestled at the foot of the Otemma Glacier , where you spend the night.
Day 3 -
Crossing the Otemma glacier and overnight stay at Les Vignettes
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin the day with a long 7km traverse across the vast, straight Otemma Glacier , in a stark, isolated, and mineral landscape. The ascent continues to the Chermotane Pass (3053m) , before a final climb up a rocky spur leading to the Vignettes Hut . Perched on the mountainside, it offers a spectacular panorama to conclude this high-altitude day.
Day 4 -
Bishop's Pass and ascent to the Bertol hut
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start for the ascent to the glacial Col de l'Évêque (3382 m) , before beginning the descent of the Arolla Glacier in a consistently breathtaking setting. You then climb back up to the Bertol Hut , perched on a rocky ridge and accessible via a series of metal ladders . The effort is rewarded with an unparalleled view of the Dent Blanche and the surrounding peaks.
Day 5 -
Ascent of Mont Miné and overnight stay facing the Alpine giants
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You ascend the Mont Miné glacier to the summit at 3710m , rewarded with an exceptional panorama of the Matterhorn and neighboring peaks. The descent is via the Stockji glacier , a more technical and crevassed route requiring attention and a gradual approach. At the end of the day, you arrive at the Schönbiel hut , facing the imposing north faces that dominate the valley floor.
Day 6 -
Descent to Zermatt and return to Chamonix
- Transportation Car - 02h20 - 145km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final stage, you'll follow the Zmutt valley in a gentler setting, between moraines, alpine meadows , and high-altitude lakes . The descent is leisurely, with an arrival in Zermatt in the late morning . A return transfer to Chamonix is then arranged to conclude this exceptional journey.
Day 7
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Access
We are planning a taxi transfer between Zermatt and Chamonix on the last day.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Chamonix Mont-Blanc station. You will then need to take a connecting train to Montroc station.
- Departure station > Chamonix Mont-Blanc
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc > Montroc train station (30 min)
We will pick you up from this location and take you to the meeting point.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 10 days before departure. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other before the expedition even begins!
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision: throughout the expedition, you will be supervised by a high mountain guide.
- Accommodation: you will sleep 6 nights in a comfortable mountain refuge, guesthouse or hostel.
- Catering: all meals are included from the first evening until the last picnic.
- Local transport: ski lifts and transport mentioned in the program.
- The return taxi transfer from Zermatt to Chamonix.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point.
- Personal expenses (bring euros and Swiss francs).
- Mountaineering kit rental: harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons (available at the next step of your booking).
- Anything not listed in the “price includes” section.
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before departure.
Options
- Mountaineering Kit Rental : CHF210.40 / person
- 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 provided on site
- Technical equipment: ice axe, crampons, rope, harness, helmet
They traveled with us
