French Alps - The Classic Haute Route

14 Days

Price from: £1595.00

Ref No: Activus 027

The Ultimate Alpine Trek from France to Switzerland

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Itinerary
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One of the worlds great mountain walks requiring good stamina, a high level of physical fitness and previous mountaineering experience traversing steep ascents and descents.

Highlights
Classic trek
Instruction in glacial travel
Snow slope climbing
Superb panoramas
Stay in mountain refuges

This is the classic high altitude glacial trek between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn and although relatively short in length it is a serious proposition similar to Himalayan high altitude trekking. The route closely follows the original ski traverse of the Western Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt; crossing several alpine passes and over a dozen glaciers. It involves rock scrambling, snow slope climbing and the use of ropes, crampons and ice axes.

Starting out from Chamonix we trek up to the Albert Premier Hut, the first of many alpine refuges we will be staying in during the trip. We then have an afternoon of instruction in glacial travel using ropes, ice axes and crampons - essential skills necessary for our traverse. After this we start out on the Haute Route, crossing glaciers and passes and staying overnight at high mountain refuges. On the way we take in the ascents of the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m) and the Tete Blanche (3429m), fairly easy alpine peaks which provide superb panoramas of the Matterhorn and the summits of the Swiss Mischabel chain.

On this challenging walk you will receive expert guidance from our International Mountain Guide and have the opportunity to learn about essential mountaineering skills necessary for safe walking on glaciated terrain. This route covers a distance of 120km (75 miles) walking up to 8 hours per day with some extra long days and steep ascents on some of the sections. It provides dramatic scenery in the very heart of the European Alps. On the route you will stay at Alpine refuges, gites and occasional hotels and will need to carry your personal equipment throughout the trek.

This trek is one of the world's finest and an excellent warm up for those with aspirations towards Himalayan high altitude trekking.

Activity Information

Difficulty: Very demanding trek at altitude on ice and snow
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Duration: 14 days / 12 days trekking
Maximum altitude: 3796m
Ascent/descent: 10000m / 32800ft

Itinerary

Day 1	Fly to Geneva and transfer to Chamonix, evening meal, equipment check and briefing
Day 2	Our day begins with a cable car to Le Tour followed by a short walk to the Albert Premier Hut (8865ft) where we practice our snow and ice skills
Day 3	Crossing into Switzerland via the Col Superior du Tour (10790ft) we have an optional ascent of the Tete Blanche (11220ft) subject to prevailing weather conditions and overnight stay at the Cabane d'Orny (9285ft).
Day 4	The day begins with a fairly easy descent on a good path into the Vallon d'Arpette de Saleina followed by a traverse along the eastern side of Val Ferret to La Fouly where we stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 5	We climb to the Col du Neve de la Rousse (9025ft) and adjacent Pointe des Planards (9400ft) for spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin followed by overnight stay in Bourg St. Pierre.
Day 6	After a long and easy ascent to the Col de Lane (9950ft), we descend via the old stone bergeries at Nicliri (8175ft) to our overnight stop at the Cabane Brunet (6900ft).
Day 7	Today offers excellent views of the Grand Combin as we make our way via the Col d'Avouillons (8690ft) to our overnight stop at the Pannassiere Hut.
Day 8	After our ascent to the Col des Otannes, we then descend the Pierre a Vire to Lac de Mauvoisin followed by a steep ascent to the Chanrion Hut (8075ft).
Day 9	Today includes 4 cols: the Col de Tsofeiret, Col de Lire Rose, Col de Mont Rouge and the Col de Cheilon, on the way to Cabane des Dix (9600ft).
Day 10	After an early start we reach Pigne d'Arolla (12450ft) - the highest point on the Haute Route before a short glacial descent to the beautifully located Vignettes Hut (10365ft).
Day 11	After climbing to the Col de L'Eveque (11105ft) we then descend onto the Haute Glacier d'Arolla before crossing the Col de Bertol (10720ft) to reach the Cabane de Bertol.
Day 12	We begin the day with an easy climb to the snow covered peak of Tete Blanche (12215ft) before descending via the Stockji Glacier to the Schonbiel Hut located immediately beneath the Matterhorn.
Day 13	After the rigours of a strenous and exhilarating trip we finish with a gentle walk down to Zermatt nestled beneath the majestic North Face of the Matterhorn where we lunch before making our way to our local hotel.
Day 14	Breakfast and onward transfer to Geneva

Dates and Prices Info

Available in June, July, August and September - Minimum group size 6 people

What's Included?

Experienced International Mountain Guide 1:6 ratio
2 nights Hotel /11 nights Dormitory Mountain Refuge 13 x breakfast and 12 x dinner
Local buses to start and finish walks and baggage transfer to Zermatt
Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane