Chamonix-Zermatt on ski touring, the high mountain adventure
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional alpine adventure, linking Chamonix to Zermatt on a ski touring route, the most iconic in the Alps . Over seven days , you'll traverse a succession of legendary passes and glaciers – from the Col du Passon to the Rosablanche , via the Col de la Serpentine and the Pigne d'Arolla at 3,796 meters – in a total immersion in the high mountains . Each day alternates between challenging ascents and descents in powder snow , amidst spectacular scenery. At the end of each day, you'll find the warmth of mountain huts , where conviviality and shared meals truly enhance the experience. You'll conclude this unique traverse facing the majestic walls of the Matterhorn , the ultimate symbol of the Alps. A demanding route, designed for passionate ski tourers seeking wide-open spaces and alpine challenges .
The highlights
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Cross the legendary Chamonix–Zermatt Haute Route on skis in 7 days.
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Intense climbs and powder descents every day
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Nights in cozy mountain huts in the heart of the high mountains
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
- You are very comfortable skiing downhill, including in difficult snow and on steep slopes (up to 40 to 45°)
- You can ski 8 to 10 hours a day
- You can climb between 1200 and 1700m of positive elevation gain (occasionally more)
- Have you already completed any challenging outings or ski tours in recent seasons?
- You do endurance sports at least 3 to 4 times a week.
- Are you comfortable carrying a bag weighing 8 to 12 kg?
- You have a perfect grasp of conversions and effort management.
- You are comfortable with steep and exposed passages
- You know how to use your safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) independently
- You can move around on glaciers with the possible use of knives, crampons and ice axes.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average daily elevation gain: 786 m
Management
French
A passionate mountaineer, I discovered rock climbing in the Bouches-du-Rhône region before immersing myself in ski touring in the Écrins mountains. Since then, I've explored various mountain ranges, from Mont Blanc to Dévoluy, seeking enjoyment and shared experiences. For me, the mountains represent the desire to experience human adventures and to accomplish projects together.
Program
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Departure from Chamonix and overnight stay at the Argentière refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We find ourselves in front of the Bochard cable car, the starting point of our adventure.
We start with a warm-up descent before putting on the skins and climbing up to the Col des Rachasses (3043 m).
A beautiful glide then leads us to the Argentière Glacier, very close to the refuge of the same name, where we spend our first night.
Day 1 -
Passon Pass and arrival at Champex
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a descent on the Argentière Glacier. We then carry our skis to climb the couloir of the Col du Passon (3028 m).
From the summit, a descent awaits us on the Glacier du Tour, before crossing the Col Supérieur du Tour (3289 m) which opens the view onto Switzerland.
After passing through the Col des Ecandies (2796 m), we enjoy a long descent into the Vallon d'Arpette, to end the day comfortably settled in a gîte in Champex.
Day 2 -
The glaciers of the Val de Bagnes
- Transportation Bus - 02h25 - 30km
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short shuttle transfer takes us to Verbier, then the ski lifts drop us off at nearly 3000m.
We cross the Col de la Chaux (2940 m) and then the Col de Momin (3003 m), giving access to the Grand Désert Glacier. Depending on the group's fitness level, we can make a round trip to the Rosablanche (3336 m).
The day ends with a descent to the Prafleuri cabin for our third night.
Day 3 -
Crossing Lake Dix
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We start with a short climb to the Col des Roux (2804 m), then a descending traverse overlooking the splendid Lac des Dix.
After a final climb, we reach the next cabin, with a superb view of the Mont Blanc de Cheilon.
Day 4 -
Ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This is the most technical stage and the high point of the crossing.
We climb up to the Col de la Serpentine (3544 m), then continue to the summit of the Pigne d'Arolla (3796 m), one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the entire Haute Route.
From the summit, we enjoyed a memorable descent to reach our refuge perched high in the mountains.
Day 5 -
Heading for Italy
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We start with a descent towards the Col de Charmontane (3032 m), then we climb back up to the Col de l'Évêque (3392 m) for an alpine traverse.
After a final climb, we cross into Italy and reach the Rifugio Nacamuli, where a warm welcome and a typical Italian meal await us.
Day 6 -
Finale under the Matterhorn
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 144km
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
On this final day, we cross the Col du Collon (3080 m) and return to the Swiss side. A long traverse then leads us to the Col de Valpelline (3556 m).
The final descent to Zermatt takes place beneath the famous north faces of the Matterhorn.
The adventure ends with a taxi transfer from Zermatt to Chamonix.
Day 7
Note
The program for the stay is provided as a guide and may be adapted according to weather conditions in order to guarantee the safety and quality of the experience.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
It is possible to take a train to Montroc station from Chamonix Mont-Blanc.
It is possible to travel to Argentière by car and leave your vehicle in a free parking lot.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 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 by a high mountain guide who is an expert in their discipline for 7 days and 6 nights.
- Accommodation: You will sleep every night in a comfortable cabin, gîte or refuge to recharge your batteries after days of exertion (mixed dormitories).
- Meals: All meals are included from the first evening until the last picnic. You will have the opportunity to sample French, Swiss, and even Italian cuisine at the various accommodations.
- Local transport: The ski lifts and transport mentioned in the program.
- The return transfer from Zermatt to Chamonix.
The price does not include
- The round trip to the meeting point.
- Rental of technical equipment: ice axe, crampons, rope, harness, helmet, mountaineering boots.
- Your potential personal expenses (bring Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Ski touring equipment rental: the ski touring package, poles, crampons, skins, and boots is not included in the price. We offer it for rent at one of our Wildhartt partner stores.
Options
- Rental of ski touring kit : CHF356.77 / person
- Mountaineering kit rental : CHF178.39 / 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 to bring
- Touring skis and bindings (rental available)
- Ski touring boots (rental available)
- Telescopic ski poles (rental available)
- Lightweight crampons and ice axes (rental available)
- Safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (rental available)
- Pair of ski crampons (rental available)
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Touring backpack (50 L)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Charged headlamp
- A picnic
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Passport or ID
- Credit card and cash
- Insurance card
- CAF / FFCAM / Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Phone and charger
- External battery / power bank
- Book/notebook and pen
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
- Microfiber towel
- Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
- Earplugs
- Card game or small pocket game
Clothing to bring
- Ski touring pants (hardshell or goretex)
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Down jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Ski mask
- Hat or cap
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
- Warm socks (wool)
- Running tights or long underwear
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
