Highlights along the Hikers Haute Route

The entire Hiker’s Haute Route takes nearly two weeks. This might be challenging for some of you in terms of time and physical endurance. For this journey, I’ve selected the 6 most beautiful stages of the Haute Route, with a rest day in the middle. On this ‘relaxed’ Haute Route, you’ll experience the same stunning views, with the Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn as the highlights. However, you’ll enjoy a comfortable hotel (some of them with spa) stay instead of a (sometimes noisy) mountain hut. Moreover, we won’t waste any time or energy on the less interesting or difficult stages, allowing us to make the most of our experience!

Below, you can find what to expect from each stage:

Day 1 – Chamonix

We start our Haute Route adventure with a nice and gentle walk along the Grand Balcon Sud, famous for its fabulous Mont Blanc views. This path leads us through the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, so there is a good chance to encounter wildlife, like ibex, chamois and marmottes. Continuing onwards to the breathtaking Lac des Chéserys, from where we’ll hike down to our hotel for that night.

191 m ascent, 817 m descent, 7 km, 3 hours walking

Day 2 – Col de la Forclaz – Champex Lac

On the second day of our journey, the Haute Route unveils its breathtaking panoramas, encompassing lush forests and expansive alpine meadows. Our ascent to Alp Bovine treats us to stunning vistas overlooking the Rhone Valley. In the afternoon, we’ll bask in the charm of the lakeside resort of Champex, Switzerland.

765 m ascent, 824 m descent, 13 km, 5,5 hours walking

Day 3 – Fionnay – Verbier

Today we’ll start with a transfer to the Val de Bagnes. No time for a warm-up cause we’ll start with a steep ascent to the Lac de Louvie with dramatic views of the Grand Combin. After a nice lunch break and eventually a dip in the lake, we’ll hike the so-called Sentier des Chamois while enjoying the beautiful views of the Bagnes valley below.
We’ll spend the afternoon and night in a cozy and luxury hotel in Verbier, providing the ideal haven for a well-deserved rest day.

1220 m ascent, 525 m descent, 13 km, 6 hours walking

Day 4 – Rest day in Verbier

Make the most of Verbier’s charm by strolling around, admiring the stunning chalets, (window)shopping, enjoying a good lunch. Additionally, there are several shorter walks available for exploration today. Or when you need an adrenaline rush, go mountain biking or even paragliding!

At the end of the day we’ll have a transfer to Evolène, a nearly untouched Swiss village nestled in the Val d’Hérens.

Day 5 – Evolène – Lac de Moiry

We’ll savour a leisurely and gentle climb up to the Col de Torrent, treated to breathtaking views. With snow-capped peaks like Dent Blanche nearby, our descent leads us through a tapestry of wildflowers, finally reaching the enchanting Lac de Moiry. We’ll spend the night in Zinal.

1204 m ascent, 710 m descent, 11 km, 6 hours walking

Day 6 – Zinal- Gruben

After a short drive with the bus to St Luc, we’ll make a speedy ascent above the treeline with the help of a funicular, passing the picturesque Lac de l’Armina, and continuing on to the Meidpass. This is the ‘border’ between the French-speaking and the German-speaking regions of Valais / Wallis.

Hiking along sparkling mountain streams we arrive in the serene village of Gruben. After a drink and early dinner we’ll travel to Zermatt.

735 m ascent,  1086 m descent, 12,5 km,  5,5 hours walking

Day 7 & 8 – Zermatt

After a week on the Haute Route, we’ll reach our final and famous destination, Zermatt.  Today we’ll take a train up to the Hornergrat and walk down while enjoying the view of the Matterhorn. It’s a nice and relaxing walk to finish this beautiful week. After our hike, we’ll treat ourselves to some relaxation at the spa before indulging in our last dinner together. The following morning, after breakfast, it will be time to bid each other farewell.

62 m ascent, 1531 m descent, 11 km, 3,5 hours walking

When?
On request

Price?
On request, depends on your dates, the desired level of hotel luxury along the way and the number of participants)

Maximum group size: 6

Getting there?
To travel to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva Airport and then take a shuttle to Chamonix. From Zermatt you can take the train back to Geneva.