Walker's Haute Route
The Walker's Haute Route (French: Haute Route pédestre) is a long-distance alpine trek linking Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in the French Alps to Zermatt in the Swiss Valais — from the foot of Mont Blanc to the foot of the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 180–215 km (depending on variants chosen) and crossing 11 mountain passes through two countries and two languages, it is widely regarded as one of the finest and most demanding multi-day treks in the Alps.
UnderstandThe name "Haute Route" — High Route — was coined by 19th-century British Alpine Club mountaineers traversing the Pennine Alps between Chamonix and Zermatt on foot and ski.
PrepareNo permits are required for either the French or Swiss sections, and trail access is free throughout. Accommodation is another matter.
Get inThe western trailhead is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France), at 1,035 m, at the foot of Mont Blanc.
WalkThe classic itinerary runs west to east from Chamonix to Zermatt in 14 stages. Stage 1 is often combined with Stage 2 by fit hikers or skipped entirely (direct bus or train to Argentière).
Stay safeThe Walker's Haute Route demands real alpine competence.
Go nextFrom Zermatt, the world of the Swiss Alps opens up. The Gorner Glacier and Gornergrat can be visited by the famous rack railway. The Glacier Express connects to St. Moritz and Graubünden via Andermatt.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Walker's Haute Route" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0