Walker's Haute Route

The Walker's Haute Route is one of the most iconic and demanding high-level treks in the Alps, linking the two historic mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt. It is a world of glaciers and towering, snow-capped peaks, traversing a spectacular cross-section of the Pennine Alps. The route takes hikers below the summits of ten of the twelve highest peaks in the Alps, offering a continuous visual feast of mountain vistas, glacial valleys, and traditional Swiss villages.  

Unlike its more frequented counterpart, the Tour du Mont Blanc (with which it shares its initial stages), the Haute Route is a wilder and more remote experience. It is a true high-level traverse, staying high for long periods and crossing a succession of eleven challenging mountain passes. The terrain is rugged and unforgiving, demanding fitness and experience, but rewarding the trekker with an unparalleled sense of journey and immersion in the heart of the high Alps, culminating in the final dramatic approach to the Matterhorn.

The trail is a linear route from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. The most common gateway is Geneva Airport (GVA), which offers numerous shared and private transfer services for the 1-1.5 hour journey to Chamonix. The terminus, Zermatt, is a car-free village accessible by train. From Zermatt, a train to the town of Visp connects to the main Swiss rail network, with onward travel to Geneva or Zurich airports taking 3-4 hours. The route is well-supported by public transport, and various cable cars, buses, and trains can be used to shorten or skip certain stages.

Accommodation is a mix of remote, high-altitude mountain huts (cabanes) and hotels in the valleys.

• Cabane du Mont Fort, Switzerland: A classic Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut perched high above Verbier, offering spectacular views of the Grand Combin massif and serving as a crucial launch point for the most remote section of the trek.  

• Hotel Weisshorn, St-Luc: A historic hotel perched at over 2,300 meters in the Val d'Anniviers (on a variant route), offering incredible panoramic views that stretch to the Matterhorn and a unique sense of peaceful isolation.  

• La Sage Hotel, Val d'Hérens: A charming and historic hotel in the quiet village of La Sage, known for its authentic alpine character, cozy wooden interiors, and stunning views of the Dent Blanche.