Classic Haute Route - High Alpine Trekking
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group's chalet in Argentiere, above Chamonix. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. Trip briefing and equipment check.
Day 2: A cable car from Le Tour, then a short walk leads to the Albert Premier Hut (2702m) where we can practice our snow and ice skills. Overnight at the hut.
Day 3: Cross into Switzerland via the Col Superior du Tour (3289m). If conditions allow we will make an ascent of the Tete Blanche (3421m). Overnight at the Cabane d'Orny (2831m).
Day 4: Descend on a good path into the Vallon d'Arpette de Saleina, then traverse the east side of Val Ferret to our hotel in La Fouly.
Day 5: Climb to the Col du Neve de la Rousse (2752m), with a diversion to the Pointe des Planards (2866m) for views of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin. Overnight in Bourg St. Pierre. Gite.
Day 6: A long and easy ascent to the Col de Lane (3033m), then a descent via the old bergeries at Nicliri (2492m) to our overnight stop at the Cabane Brunet (2103m).
Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast, we set off to the Pannassiere Hut, via the Col d'Avouillons (2647m). Great views of the Grand Combin from the refuge.
Day 8: Today, we climb to the Col des Otannes, then descend the Pierre a Vire to Lac de Mauvoisin, from where we make the steep ascent to the Chanrion Hut (2462m).
Day 9: Cross 4 cols today: the Col de Tsofeiret, Col de Lire Rose, Col de Mont Rouge (3325m) and the Col de Cheilon, to finally reach the Cabane des Dix (2928m).
Day 10: An early start to reach the high point of our route, the Pigne d'Arolla (3796m). A short glacial descent takes us to the impressively situated Vignettes Hut (3160m).
Day 11: Climb to the Col de L'Eveque (3386m) and descend onto the Haute Glacier d'Arolla. Then cross the Col de Bertol (3268m) to reach the Cabane de Bertol.
Day 12: Today, we climb the easy snow peak of the Tete Blanche (3724m). Then descend by way of the Stockji Glacier to the Schonbiel Hut, directly beneath the Matterhorn.
Day 13: A pleasant stroll down to Zermatt, beneath the towering north face of the Matterhorn. Book into hotel in Zermatt, free time before dinner.
Day 14: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast.
