Is there a more classic ski touring traverse than the one from Chamonix to Zermatt? Massimo, IFMGA-certified, guides you during an unforgettable week.
Private
Alps
7 Days
Mar, Apr
High
Advanced
When you thing of a ski touring traverse, I am sure that the route from Chamonix to Zermatt comes to mind. And it should, as it is probably the number one classic! You have to do it at least once in your life.
The crossing from Chamonix to Zermatt is one of the most famous alpine skiing trails. In fact, there are many possible routes. The one that crosses the Grand Lui group is the most complete one, and it contains some technical sections. It is therefore necessary to have a reasonable confidence in the use of crampons and ice axes. Besides, a very good physical condition is of course necessary. It will be particularly useful when overtaking the Grand Lui pass and climbing to the Plateau du Couloir.
Due to the technical nature of this program, I can take only up to 3 people with me.
The itinerary crosses the Argentiere groups, Plateau du Trient and Grand Lui. It goes up to the Val Ferret and the Grand St Bernard pass. We go to the Mont Vélan to trace under the Grand Combin. We also cross the Glacier du Mont Durand and then the Glacier d’Otemma surpassing the Pigne d’Arolla. The last ride through the three hills and the climb to the Tête de Valpelline leads to Stockjigletscher and then to Zermatt.
Tempted to join me in this fantastic ski touring week traversing from Chamonix to Zermatt? Don’t miss the chance! Send me a request and I will make it happen. Another of my favourite ski touring programs in the Alps is the ascent of Mont Blanc, check it out!
We meet at Argentiere and go up with the Grands Montets cablecar. From here we will descend to the Glacier d’Argentiere and then climb the Chardonnet pass. After a double rope descent, we will go to the Fenêtre de Saleina to reach Cabane du Trient.
D +1100/-1200m
7-8hs
We will take the Aiguilles Dorées to get past the Bivacco de l’Envers des Dorées to the Glacier de Saleina. A climb with some steep sections will allow us to overtake the Grande Lui pass, access to the A Neuve glacier. We expect a fantastic descent to the village of La Fouly where we will stay in a guesthouse.
D +850/-2400m
7-8hs
Today we expect a pleasant climb along the Val Ferret (Swiss side) to traverse the Lacs de Fenêtre, the backbone that allows us to go down to the Grand St Bernard pass. The famous hostel will host us for the night.
D +1300/-400m
5hs
Following the road that goes down to the Lac des Toules (closed in winter) we will reach Bourg St Bernard. After passing the Mont de Proz and the Croix de Tsousse, a beautiful descent leads us to the Grand Combin. From Les Grands Plans we will go to the Valsorey hut.
D +1800/-1300m
8-9hs
From the refuge we will climb the steep slope (crampons and ice-axes) to the Plateau du Couloir, near the Biagio Musso. Crossing the Sonadon hill a long descent takes us to the Chanrion hut.
D +950/1500m
6-7hs
A sweet but long climb through the Otemma glacier will take us to the Vignettes hut. From here we can trace the slopes that lead us to the top of Pigne d’Arolla. We will then return to the Vignettes hut for the night.
D +1500/-850m
6-7hs
The last and fantastic day we go up to the Evêque pass, the Mont Brulé pass and the Valpelline pass with the climb to the Tête de Valpelline. Then we enjoy a descent along the Stockjigletscher to Zermatt. From here, we will return to Argentiere.
D +1200/-2500m
8-9hs
3.0
(1)
Mountain Guide
We are inMont, a group of IFMGA Alpine Guides from Venezia Giulia Region.
We offer all range of mountain activities: mountaineering, rock to ice climbing, high mountains, ski mountaineering, expeditions in and outside Europe, and we organize courses.
We are Massimo Candolini, Guido Candolini, Gianni Dorigo and Andrea Fusari. In addition, some Alpine Guides of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region collaborate with us.
Languages
Italian | English
Certificates
UIAGM | IFMGA
Nico
poor weather limited the experience. We had hoped for a guide more familiar with the area, our first and last night were in a remote place requiring an hours walk. We only learnt about this on the day of departure. otherwise no problems
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