Ski Tour Valais Haute Route

Sporty
6 days
Connect Zermatt, Italy, and France
Impressive ascents and descents every day
5–7 hours of hiking per day

Season:

March May

Departure Times

10:15Zermatt train station

Key info

Plenty of ski touring experience required
A very strong skier in all types of snow
Comfortable with 6 hours of hiking while carrying a pack
to carry skis strapped to your pack without issues

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

From Switzerland through Italy to France, over untouched glaciers and steep peaks. A true ski crossing for adventurers.

Experience a 6-day ski tour from Zermatt to Chamonix with impressive ascents and thrilling descents in the Alps. You will reach peaks, cross glaciers, and discover hidden valleys while enjoying magnificent landscapes and experiences with like-minded adventurers.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Schönbiel Hut
We start from Zermatt by train to Schwarzsee. After a short descent, the ascent to Schönbiel Hut begins with a clear view of the Matterhorn and Dent d’Hérens. We can relax on the hut's terrace and let the alpine world sink in as the day comes to an end.
Distance
7 km
Ascent
+550 m
Descent
-450 m
Walking time
3-4 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Crossing Tête Blanche to Arolla
Today, the Tête Blanche, a true classic of the Haute Route, is on the agenda. Early in the morning, the steep ascent over the 'Stockij' begins. Once at the summit, a breathtaking panorama awaits us before we start the varied descent to Arolla via the Col de Bertol. The charming mountain village is the perfect end to the day.
Distance
16 km
Ascent
+1300 m
Descent
-2000 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Day3
Day 3: To Pas de Chèvres and Cabane de Dix
After the previous long day, a shorter stage awaits us today. From Arolla, we ascend to Pas de Chèvres and overcome this spectacular pass with the help of some in situ ladders. The subsequent descent to Glacier de Cheillon takes us directly to the cozy Cabane de Dix, where we spend the evening amidst impressive glacier landscapes. (Using the ski lift in the morning saves us 2 km and 400 m of ascent.)
Distance
6 km
Ascent
+1000 m
Descent
-100 m
Walking time
3-5 hrs
Day4
Day 4: Summit Experience Pigne d’Arolla
Today, the summit of Pigne d’Arolla, one of the highest points of the tour, is on the program. Through the impressive glacier valley, we ascend to the summit at 3796 m (12,454 ft). The subsequent descent over 'Les Portons' to Cabane de Chanrion guarantees a long, varied descent with views of many mighty peaks of the Valais Alps.
Distance
14 km
Ascent
+1000 m
Descent
-1400 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day5
Day 5: Through Fenêtre Durand into the Aosta Valley
Today we reach the remote and wild Valpelline Valley through Fenêtre Durand. A long descent to the village of Glacier follows, before we take a relaxed taxi ride to Courmayeur. The evening promises Italian ambiance and culinary delights in the Aosta Valley.
Distance
10.5 km
Ascent
+650 m
Descent
-1550 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day6
Day 6: Final Descent through Vallée Blanche
For a grand finale, the legendary descent through Vallée Blanche awaits us today. Directly from the Helbronner cable car station, we glide through a fascinating world of ice and rock into the famous Chamonix. Here, we let the week come to a relaxed end before heading home in the afternoon.
Distance
15 km
Ascent
+100 m
Descent
-1500 m
Walking time
3-4 hrs

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 30-35 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Thermal underwear

Ski touring boots or snowboard boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Sling 120 cm
Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
LVS (avalanche transceiver)
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche airbag (optional)
1 screw carabiner

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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