Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route Ski Tour

Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route requires some previous ski touring experiences and good confidence in off-piste skiing.

About your fitness, you should consider that the Haute Route is a demanding adventure, with six days of effort: a good workout in the months leading up to the trip is recommended so that you can experience the adventure to the fullest and not get too fatigued.

In the months leading up to the trip, we recommend consistent training to improve your endurance and your cardiovascular fitness. When you confirm the trip, we will send you specific recommendations about the training.

Yes, you need to bring the technical equipment required for this trip: avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, harness, ice axes and crampons. We can rent all this for about 50€ per day. Alternatively we can recommend nearby rentals, even if you need to rent skis, ski touring equipment, ski mountaineering boots and the rest of the clothing.

Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring the personal backpack and technical equipment, including thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.

We will take care of the accommodation booking that includes:

• n. 4 overnight in huts with half board formula: Argèntiere Hut Cabane de Prafleuri, Cabane des Dix and Cabane des Vignettes

• n. 1 overnight in an hotel in Champex or Verbier with half board formula (depending on availability)

So, breakfast and dinner will be included in the rate and booked by us, while all other meals and drinks are excluded.

Please consider that weather and conditions can change unexpectedly and, especially in recent years due to climate change, there are not always the best conditions for a safe ascent. In such cases, because your and our safety is our priority, we will propose an alternative trip to nearby mountains with better conditions. Note that you are booking our availability for the duration of the tour, this means that it will not be possible to cancel due to poor conditions. We will be careful to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We understand that this may be a frustrating outcome, however, safety is a top priority, and every mountain has a lesson to teach.

Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them:

• It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers mountain activities, such as a specific insurance for rescue and research; if you need one, after your confirmation, we can recommend some solutions suitable for you.

• There are no specific vaccine requirements for this trip, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or a travel clinic to make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Also, there is no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results.

• We finally invite all non-Schengen citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter France and Switzerland.

The maximum number of clients per single Guide is six, thus giving a ratio of 1:6. This is the maximum number in order to ensure your safety and that of the Guide. If you are a group of more than six people, we have more guides available to undertake the adventure.

The best time to realize this adventure is in March and April.

Yes, you can choose to book a private tour or decide to join a group, to reduce the costs.

We have already confirmed and planned group trips, departing in 2023, on the following dates:

• March 13th

• March 28th

• April 2nd

• April 9th

Before confirm a group tour, please remember that you will share the ascent in When is the optimal season for conquering the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route with other skiers, that could have different fit and previous experience than you: the Guide will be responsible for the entire team and he has to respect the daily timetable. The decision to share a trip with others to reduce the total costs requires to accept to be part of a team, in which adaptation and capacity for mutual support are essential requirements for all participants.

If you evaluate your fit level, skiing level or previous experience in off-piste and your ski touring technical skills too low or inadequate to the abilities and efforts that this demanding tour requires, you probably should take the PRIVATE tour, as the best option for you.