The Haute Route
The most famous ski tour anywhere! This is a long tour in high mountain glacier terrain, so good fitness and some previous ski touring experience is needed.
The main season is mid march to late April, when the huts are open and glaciers well snow-covered. It is also possible "out of season" in early March. This is harder work, as the huts aren't guardianed, but much quieter and wilder - a challenge for more experienced ski tourers.
Here's a sample itinerary. There are actually several possible Haute Route variations, but this is probably the most popular.
Maximum 1:6 ratio
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chamonix, meet the guide, check equipment |
| 2 | Warm-up ski in Chamonix with time to practise techniques and safety skills |
| 3 | Start the Haute Route using the Argentiere lifts, then ski down to the Argentiere glacier. Ascend the Chardonnet or le Tour Glaciers on the way to the Trient Hut, 3170m |
| 4 | A long descent leads to Champex village, where a taxi takes us a short distance to Verbier. Use a lift, then ski to the very comfortable Mont Fort hut, 2457m |
| 5 | Cross 2 cols and climb the Rosablanche, 3386m. From the summit, a great ski leads to the Pra Fleuri Hut, 2981m |
| 6 | A short climb, then a long scenic traverse beside the Lac des Dix, then a climb to the Dix hut, 2928m. |
| 7 | An early start to climb the Pigne d'Arolla, 3780m, the highest point of the trip. Fantastic views, and a good ski to the Vignettes Hut, 3160m, which has been rebuilt for 2008 |
| 8 | The final day, and the longest! Cross 3 high cols, then ski to Zermatt with amazing views of the Matterhorn. Time for a well-earned beer before the trip back to Chamonix! |
