Full Walker's Haute Route
Duration: 13 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: More than 20 km / 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m / 3281 ft ascent per day
> Cross 11 mountain passes, cover 200 kilometers of trails
> Spend the nights in Mountain Huts and local Hotels
> Start in Chamonix, end in Zermatt
The Walkers Haute Route connects two of the most well-known mountain towns in the Alps - Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland. Typically starting from Mont Blanc and finishing at Matterhorn, it crosses 11 mountain passes, covering about 200 kilometers - offering a multitude of variations and route options. Chamonix is also known as a starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Unlike the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Walker's Haute Route doesn't go round. It does feature a part of the route of the TMB. Up until Swiss Champex and via Trient, the route follows some stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
This 12-day route then continues further into Switzerland, via Le Châble, Mont Fort, Prafleuri, Arolla, and La Sage. Along the way, the trek offers an unprecedented world of contrasts. Glaciers and snow-capped peaks are guaranteed, but you can also expect beautifully lush green valleys, alpine meadows, and the most picturesque Alpine villages. Cross the Rösti curtain, the symbolic border between French and German-speaking Switzerland between Zinal and Gruben. The final stages via St. Niklaus and the Europa Hütte bring you to one of the most iconic peaks of the Alps, the Matterhorn, and to that other mountaineering capital: Zermatt.
Itinerary
Day
1
Chamonix to Trient
Duration: 09:05 h
Distance: 23.6 km / 14.7 mi
Ascent: 1320 m / 4331 ft
Descent: 1070 m / 3510 ft
The first stage of the Walker's Haute Route is an excellent introduction to Alps trekking. You'll make your way up the reasonably easy Col de Balme before descending steeply to the small hamlet of Le Peuty. Continue on the road from Le Peuty for 10 - 15 minutes until you reach Trient, which has a charming pink church.
Auberge Mont Blanc
Day
2
Trient to Champex
Duration: 07:24 h
Distance: 14.9 km / 9.3 mi
Ascent: 1370 m / 4495 ft
Descent: 1200 m / 3937 ft
The second stage of the Walker's Haute Route is the most difficult but also rewarding of the entire walk. En route to Champex, you'll pass through the well-known Fenêtre d'Arpette. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Trient Glacier, but be cautious on the initial descent from the pass's summit. Spend an evening unwinding in Champex, a charming lakeside village.
In addition to the Fenêtre d'Arpette path described above, an alternate 'Alp Bovine' route is available for Stage 2. This route follows the same track as the Tour du Mont Blanc and is a good alternative in bad weather because it does not reach the heights or exposed character of the Fenêtre d'Arpette. It is nonetheless a beautiful hike.
Gite Bon Abri
Day
3
Champex to Le Châble
Duration: 08:40 h
Distance: 22.4 km / 13.9 mi
Ascent: 1120 m / 3675 ft
Descent: 1740 m / 5709 ft
Stage three is mellow throughout, which is a wonderful break after yesterday's intense hike. You'll leave Champex and make your way downhill to Sembrancher. You'll have a short hike next to farmland before arriving to Le Chable, your destination for the evening.
Motel l'escale (Le Châble)
Day
4
Le Châble to Cabane de Louvie
Duration: 08:20 h
Distance: 17.1 km / 10.6 mi
Ascent: 1870 m / 6135 ft
Descent: 480 m / 1575 ft
The fourth stage of the Walker's Haute Route is ideal for individuals who dislike steep descents because it is all uphill! As you make your journey from the valley to the beautiful Cabane de Mont Fort, you'll climb nearly 1,800 meters in elevation. It's worth noting that you can take the cable car from Le Chable to Les Ruinettes via Verbier before continuing on to Cabane de Louvie. If you need a simpler hike, this will reduce much of the hiking of the day for you.
Cabane de Louvie
Day
5
Cabane de Louvie to Cabane de Prafleuri
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 11.4 km / 7.1 mi
Ascent: 940 m / 3084 ft
Descent: 510 m / 1673 ft
Stage five is a particularly challenging stage, as the course frequently remains snow-covered far into July. The main route follows the stunning Sentier des Chamois trail before crossing the Col Termin. Hikers will cross the hillside from here before reaching the Col de Louvie and the Grand Desert beyond. The Grand Desert is a very secluded section of the walk, and you should be careful, especially when there is snow. Next, it’s time to trek across the Col de Prafleuri before descending to the same-named mountain hut.
Cabane de Prafleuri
Day
6
Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla
Duration: 05:40 h
Distance: 17.7 km / 11 mi
Ascent: 650 m / 2133 ft
Descent: 1260 m / 4134 ft
Another challenging day awaits those on the Walker's Haute Route on stage six, with the crossing of the Pas de Chèvres and its iconic ladders. The climb up to the ladders over the boulder-strewn environment is significantly more challenging than the ladders themselves. In either case, take your time and be cautious as you approach the top of the pass and on the ladders. Crossing the nearby Col de Riedmatten is generally considered more challenging, so for most hikers, it might be the better option to choose the Pas de Chèvres. After crossing the pass, you'll have a lovely descent into the picturesque Swiss village of Arolla.
Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus (Arolla)
Day
7
Arolla to La Sage
Duration: 03:10 h
Distance: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi
Ascent: 350 m / 1148 ft
Descent: 740 m / 2428 ft
Trekkers can finally enjoy a pretty easy day on stage seven of the Walker's Haute Route after several challenging stages. The trail makes its way down the valley shoulder between Arolla and Les Hauderes, passing the lovely Lac Bleu. It's a short and enjoyable climb from Les Hauderes to the day's finish in La Sage.
Hotel de la Sage (La Sage)
Day
8
La Sage to Zinal
Duration: 08:20 h
Distance: 21.9 km / 13.6 mi
Ascent: 1780 m / 5840 ft
Descent: 1780 m / 5840 ft
Stage eight involves a lot of climbing, as you can tell by the elevation change. You'll leave La Sage and begin the hard ascent a little over 4 kilometers northwest of the Col du Tsaté, which will lead you into the breathtaking Val de Moiry. After descending into the valley, you'll reach Cabane Barrage de Moiry over a steep and rather exposed portion. When you continue, you reach the Col de Sorebois and will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The descent then passes through a ski area (with the option of taking the cable car down*) before reaching Zinal, a ski resort town.
Hôtel Le Besso (Zinal)
Day
9
Zinal to Gruben
Duration: 07:40 h
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi
Ascent: 1330 m / 4364 ft
Descent: 1170 m / 3839 ft
On stage 10 of the Walker's Haute Route, you'll cross the 'Rosti Line,' Switzerland's unofficial border between French and German-speaking districts. The trip is hard, but nothing compared to some of the more difficult stages you've already completed. The Forcletta pass is the day's high point, and from there you'll descend into the peaceful village of Gruben. Stage 10 also includes the option of spending the night at the Hotel Weisshorn or Cabane Bella Tola. This adds a day to your Walker's Haute Route schedule, but many folks find it worthwhile. Instead of crossing the Forcletta, you'll continue along the mountain shoulder before arriving at the Hotel Weisshorn. You can also go on if you want to stay at the gorgeous Cabane Bella Tola. Those who choose this path will cross the Meidpass the next day (Stage 11) before resuming the main Walker's Haute Route in Gruben.
Hotel Schwarzhorn (Gruben)
Day
10
Gruben to St. Niklaus/Gasenried
Duration: 07:10 h
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 mi
Ascent: 1070 m / 3510 ft
Descent: 1800 m / 5906 ft
Stage 11 takes hikers on the Walker's Haute Route over their final mountain crossing and into the Mattertal valley, where Zermatt is located. The descent from the top of the Augstbordpass offers breathtaking views of the Alps beyond. When you arrive in the charming village of Jungen, you can take a cable car down into St. Niklaus to have a short break. If you want to continue your Walker's Haute Route journey by hiking the Europaweg trail, we recommend either hiking or catching the local bus from St. Niklaus to the town of Gasenried, which is just up the hill. If you can't find a place to stay in Gasenried, travel a little further to the village of Grachen. This will save you a tough start to the following stage and set you up for a fantastic final two days on the Europaweg to complete the Walker's Haute Route!
Hotel Heimatlodge (St. Niklaus)
Day
11
St. Niklaus/Gasenried to Europahütte
Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 17.9 km / 11.1 mi
Ascent: 1880 m / 6168 ft
Descent: 720 m / 2362 ft
The Europaweg trail is a two-day hike that completes the Walker's Haute Route. It has a few exposed sections, but it's also a fantastic way to end your journey! After leaving Gasenried, you'll face a difficult ascent to the Breithorn's shoulder. As the trail climbs, watch out for the loose rocks and scree. After reaching the day's high point, you'll descend across a spectacular suspension bridge before arriving at the Europahütte.
Europa Hut
Day
12
Europahütte to Zermatt
Duration: 07:10 h
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi
Ascent: 810 m / 2657 ft
Descent: 1470 m / 4823 ft
The final stage of the Walker's Haute Route will take you across the world's longest suspension bridge, the famed and stunning Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. While this is undoubtedly the highlight of the journey, don't forget to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Matterhorn as you make your way to Zermatt. As you near the end of the trip, you'll find yourself among Zermatt's many ski slopes and the increasing number of tourists who come there. Enjoy a final descent before congratulating yourself on an amazing accomplishment in Zermatt!
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