Haute Route West Chamonix to Arolla, Self-guided
The Western part of the classic High Route trek from Chamonix Mont Blanc in France to Arolla in Switzerland, undertaken independently by you with planning and support by us.
7 days holiday | 5 days hiking | flexible dates | configurable
The Western part of the Classic Walker's Haute Route is a great start for those wishing to tackle the Haute Route, but who may not have the time to complete the full tour in one holiday, or who prefer to break this challenging trek into two smaller parts. It follows the exact route of the classic tour from Chamonix Mont Blanc in France to the small alpine resort Arolla in Switzerland.
The Western section includes hiking over the border between France and Switzerland and the remote and rugged section between Verbier and Arolla where two consecutive nights are spent in character full mountain huts in amazing locations.
-
Local Swiss specialities served with a view. The food is delicous on the trail between Chamonix and Zermatt! -
We hike through old farming settlements on the Haute Route, here above Les Hauderes near Arolla. -
The views of the Matterhorn above Zermatt after completing the hike from Chamonix to Zermatt. -
We descend the green valley below the Fenetre d'Arpette on our approach to our hotel in Champex-Lac. -
Admiring the views from the trail out of Cabane Montfort on the Haute Route. -
Cabane Montfort provides a spectacular overnight spot on our Haute Route trek. -
Hiking through the rugged glacial terrain on the Haute Route between Chamonix and Zermatt -
Stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc when leaving Chamonix via the Aiguillettes des Posettes and entering Switzerland. -
On an interesting alpine trail above the Louvie lake on the Haute Route -
Leaving Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif on our trek across the Swiss Alps towards Zermatt
TRIP ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive in Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
You arrive in Chamonix and check in at your hotel. At night, you're free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Chamonix at your leisure.
Day 2: From Chamonix to Trient
You take the local train to the village Argentière, where the walking begins. You ascent gently on a balcony trail above the Chamonix valley to the ski area of le Tour. Here, the trail gets steeper as you ascent through the ski area to the Balme mountain pass, which forms the border between France and Switzerland. From the Balme pass, it is a pleasant descent into Switzerland and the village Trient, where you spend the night in a bustling auberge.
Day 3: From Trient to Champex
From Trient you have a choice of two routes. If the legs are feeling good, you can ascend the steep and rocky pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665m), which offers amazing views of the Trient Glacier. The slightly gentler option takes you over the shoulder of the Mont Blanc massif to the Bovine high mountain pastures where you enjoy spectacular views up the Rhone valley. Both routes will take you to the Swiss lake-side village Champex (1477m) where you stay in a comfortable hotel.
Day 4: From Champex to Cabane Mont Fort
From Champex you start the day with a gentle, downhill walk, through alpine pastures and idyllic Swiss villages. From the village le Chable, you take a cable car up through the famous Verbier ski resort. From the top of the cable car, it's an easy ascend along old irrigation channels to the stunning Mont Fort hut where you watch the sun set behind the mountains before turning in.
Day 5: From Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri
From the Mont Fort hut you have a stunning and very wild walk ahead of you, tackling no less than three mountain passes - Col de la Chaux, Col de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri. The walk takes you through very rugged alpine terrain where there is a good chance of spotting ibex. You end the day at the Prafleuri mountain hut.
Day 6: From Cabane Prafleuri to Arolla
From the Prafleuri hut, you quickly ascend to Col des Roux and descend to the enormous Dix lake and dam. A gentle and enjoyable walk along the lake takes you to the main climb of the day. The climb follows the moraine created by the Dix glacier until you cross the snout of the glacier, where the terrain steepens and becomes bouldery as you near the pass. You cross the Riedman pass, or the Pas de Chevre via it's ladders, and commence the long descend to the village Arolla.
Day 7: Depart Arolla, Switzerland
After breakast, you check out of your hotel. This is the end of your Haute Route trip.
TRIP DETAILS:
Grade:
Suitable for experienced, independant mountain walkers with a high level of fitness and stamina and an adventurous spirit.
Duration:
7 days holiday with 5 days walking
Accommodation:
3 nights in hotels, 1 night in auberge and 2 nights in mountain huts.
Group size and guides:
Min. 2 people. No max. size and no guide.
Options available:
Bag transfers
Extra nights
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
Inclusions:
Expert tour planning and support by Alpine Treks
Detailed route cards
Topographic maps, NOT photo copies
Practical information pack
6 nights accommodation
Meals (6 breakfast and 5x dinners)
ABTOT bonding and passenger protection
Exclusions:
Travel to Chamonix and return from Arolla
Lunches, snacks, drinks and meals not mentioned above
Cable cars/transportation if used