Argentière

CHAMONIX ZERMATT HUT TO HUT - THE HOUTE ROUTE

Ski Touring

What you'll do

The iconic Chamonix to Zermatt ski tour, established in 1903, is a premier alpine crossing from France to Switzerland, challenging skiers with its high-altitude routes and breathtaking vistas. This classic ski mountaineering journey requires good fitness due to its length and elevation gains.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Argentière - Starting Point of Our Ski Touring Adventure

Ascent: 600m Descent: 200m Duration: 3 hours Meet at Argentière, the renowned starting point for the Haute Route. After a brief with our guide and checking our equipment, we take the cable car to Lognan. Our journey to the Argentière Refuge is our first taste of the alpine beauty that awaits. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge prepare us for the days ahead.

Day 2 - Journey to Champex via Col Passon

Ascent: 1,000m Descent: 2,200m Duration: 6-8 hours Our adventure continues as we descend the Argentière Glacier, attach our climbing skins, and ascend to the snowy trail leading to Col Passon. The traverse over the Tour Glacier to the Trient Plateau showcases spectacular views, descending to the serene village of Champex for our overnight stay.

Day 3 - Verbier Exploration - Gateway to the Grand Combins

Ascent: 800m Descent: 1,050m Duration: 4-6 hours A short transfer brings us to Le Châble, where we ascend to the Verbier ski area. The journey to Col des Gentianes and the subsequent climb to Col de La Chaud, overlooking the Grand Desert glacier, is mesmerizing. The day ends at Cabane de Prafleuri, nestled amidst the grandeur of the Alps.

Day 4 - Towards the Pigne d’Arolla

Ascent: 800m Descent: 500m Duration: 7-8 hours From Cabane de Prafleuri, we embark towards Pigne d’Arolla, one of the most iconic summits on our route. The trek includes a scenic pass by the Dix Dam and an ascent to Cabane des Dix, where we rest and recharge, surrounded by the alpine wilderness.

Day 5 - The Summit - Pigne d’Arolla

Ascent: 850m Descent: 650m Duration: 6-7 hours The ascent of Cheillon Glacier to Pigne d’Arolla presents us with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Western Alps. Our descent leads us to Cabane des Vignettes, offering a moment to reflect on the journey and the beauty of ski touring in the Alps.

Day 6 - Grand Finale - Descent to Zermatt

Ascent: 1,000m Descent: 2,500m Duration: 8-10 hours Our final day is a testament to the spirit of alpine adventure, descending from Cabane des Vignettes to Zermatt. This route, under the shadow of the Matterhorn, offers unmatched views and challenges, concluding our epic journey from Chamonix to Zermatt. We come back to Argentière by Van.

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Guide expenses (transfers, night in refuges and half-board)

Overnight stays in a refuge (with dinners and breakfasts)

Local transport

Lift system

Loan of common safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and backpack)

Harness

Ice crampoons

Ice axe

Ski pass for the Crevacol area (valid 1 day)

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Extra meals and drinks for client and the guide

Accomodations

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Rifugio di Argentière

A cozy mountain hut nestled in the French Alps near Chamonix, offering picturesque views of the Argentière Glacier. Ideal for climbers tackling routes like the Aiguille d'Argentière.

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Rifugio Cabane de Prafleuri

Situated along the Haute Route, this refuge provides essential services to hikers traversing from Chamonix to Zermatt. Its location near Lac des Dix makes it a strategic overnight stop.

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Rifugio Cabane des Dix

Positioned at 2,928 meters above sea level, this refuge serves as a pivotal point for trekkers exploring the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Mont Blanc de Cheilon.

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Cabane des Vignettes

Offering stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps, this refuge lies on the Haute Route and provides a comfortable respite for mountaineers and hikers trekking between Arolla and Zermatt.

Guides

Elis & Peaks Hunter

Elis is a UIAGM-certified Alpine Guide based in Valle d'Aosta, at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc massif. He is part of the Peaks Hunter Team, which offers professionalism and years of experience in organizing outdoor activities in Italy and Europe, for group excursions. His passion for exploration drives him to undertake memorable adventures and journeys, which he loves to share with those who entrust themselves to him.

Meeting point

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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