Alps Haute Route Trekking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Laurent L.

Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.

Florence S.

A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area’s oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, “Flo” spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.

Beatrice M.

Beatrice is a native of Chamonix, France, and has been guiding professionally in the Alps since 1989. She comes from a family of mountain climbers and her grandfather was also a professional mountain guide. Aside from being an expert hiking guide, Beatrice is also an avid climber and accomplished skier, and is a ski instructor during the winter months. She loves the mountains and will share her enthusiasm and in-depth experience with you during your trip.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Geneva & Head to Chamonix
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Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland and get picked up at 2pm for a group transfer to the famous mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. Once at the hotel, enjoy time to rest or explore this charming town before meeting the guides and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and orientation at 6.30pm.
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                    [Headline] => Warm-Up Hike in Chamonix
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From the hotel, take a funicular to Planpraz (6,600\'). From this panoramic viewpoint take in your first complete vantage point of the Mont Blanc massif. The hike will lead to the Col Cornu (7,919\') and then to the Black Lakes (8,530\'). There are a number of options for the descent; the guides will select the one that best suits the group. Dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many fine dining options of Chamonix.
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                    [Headline] => Ascend to Col de Balme 
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Begin the day with a 15-minute vehicle transfer to the village of Tour, at the head of the Chamonix valley. Head up through the alpine pastures to the Col de Balme (6,999\'), and hike into Switzerland. After traversing above the tree line with dramatic views of the valley below, descend along the great Trient Glacier to the Col de la Forclaz (5,035\'). Transfer by private bus to the little ski resort of Siviez.
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                    [Headline] => Siviez-Grande Dixence
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Today is a long but beautiful day of hiking. From the village, pass by the dam of Cleuson, then climb 2,700-feet to the lunar landscapes of Le Grand Desert (the "big desert"), a glacial area rich in minerals. Scramble through boulder fields and scree slopes to the Col de Prafleuri (9,785\'), where there are very good odds of seeing Edelweiss and ibex. Then descend from the pass to our hotel, located at the foot of Le Grande Dixence: Europe\'s highest dam, at 7,065 feet.
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                    [Headline] => Grande Dixence-Arolla
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From the hotel, hike above the dam and then continue around the lake, before our start up toward the Pas du Chat (7,800\'). The terrain is rocky and we\'ll cross a glacier moraine before hiking over boulders and large flat rocks to the Pas de la Chevre (9,785\' - "pass of the goat"). Then climb two sets of new ladders, before descending to Arolla (6,660\'). This stage of the journey is considered true alpine, with rich mineral rock and a backdrop of the legendary summits of Pigne d\'Arolla, Mont-Blanc de Cheilon, and Mont-Collomb. End the day with a short walk through the beautiful Arolla pine forest, and to the typical charming Swiss hamlet of Arolla with its wooden chalets and flower-filled window boxes.
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Start the day with a 30-minute transfer by private bus to Cotter (5,790\') where you begin the ascent to Col de Torrent (9,630\'), paired with majestic views of Mont Blanc and other peaks of the Dent Blanche range (14,380\'). From the pass, weather permitting, take in 360-degree vistas of snowcapped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes. Head down through cow-filled meadows to the picturesque Swiss village of Grimentz (5,300\'), possibly seeing marmots and eagles along the way. Have a stroll around this old village with its vanishing way of life.
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                    [Headline] => Hike from Grimentz Via Zinal Pass to the Hamlet of Gruben
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Today move from the French-speaking to German-speaking Switzerland; this is the bilingual canton of Valais. After a short transfer by private bus to Zinal (5,500\'), the hike begins with a steep climb through a forest of larch trees, heather, and blueberries. Then make a long "balcony" traverse with views of the Matterhorn, before beginning another steep ascent toward the Col de Forcletta (9,480\'). Descend through beautiful green hills with large mossy rocks and babbling brooks to the summer hamlet of Gruben (6,012\'), home for the night.
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Today\'s first challenge is the Augstbordpass (9,550\'), the last major pass on the trek, which leads into the Mattervispa valley. From the top, make a long 5,900-foot descent with fairly steep exposure. The views are superb, of the Weishorn, Breithorn, and Mischabel, all topping 14,000 feet, and green hills dotted with slate-roofed wooden houses. Down in St. Niklaus (3,630\') board the private bus for the drive to Täsch, the last village in the valley before Zermatt at the foot of the famed Matterhorn.
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From our hotel, a path climbs through the forest to Taschalp (6,600\'), a hamlet located on the famous Europaweg, a long-distance trail between Grächen and Zermatt considered by many to be the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. From this splendid balcony above the Mattervispa, admire the Matterhorn situated like a crown in this valley. Continuing above the valley, follow the trail to Zermatt. Just as the pioneers of the alpinism did, arrive in Zermatt by foot. Dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many fine dining options of Zermatt.
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                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000\' elevation gain & 1,000\' elevation loss
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Enjoy a full day in one of the most iconic Alpine resorts in the world. There are many options today — a full day of hiking, a half day of hiking, or no hiking at all. Your guides will offer to lead you on trails above the town for great views of the Matterhorn with charming village visits. In the evening, meet with the group and trip leaders for a farewell dinner.
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After breakfast, transfer 3.5 hours to Geneva airport, or take the train from Zermatt to other destinations in Europe on your own. (Please do not schedule your outgoing flight to depart until after 2pm).
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Strenuous hiking at elevations that exceed 9,000\' on rocky, sometimes boulder terrain.  The use of ladders is required, and hikes cannot be shortened.  You need to be in excellent physical shape to enjoy this experience.
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Accommodations

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Charming, first-class accommodations in alpine towns and villages, featuring comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and stellar vistas of surrounding scenery.

Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland

Comfortable Hotel

A part of the Best Western Signature Collection, Hotel Butterfly hogs a quiet location in the center of Zermatt. Alpine-style rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and all come equipped with flat-screen TVs. Guests can unwind at the wellness area with a Finnish sauna, an infra-red cabin and a steam room, and enjoy the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.

Hotel du Glacier-Arolla, Switzerland

Comfortable Hotel

The Hotel du Glacier enchants with its flower-laden balconies, stunning mountain panoramas, and Alpine chalet charm. Its snug wood-paneled rooms come with a private bath or shower, TV, and modern amenities. Enjoy all the wonders of the Swiss mountain village from the hotel's sunny terrace and dine on delicous local fare in the restaurant.

Hotel Schwarzhorn

Comfortable Hotel

With its idyllic location in the pretty village of Gruben in the sunny Turtmanntal Valley, Hotel Schwarzhorn exudes alpine charm. Its 15 comfortable rooms come clad with fir and pine wood. The restaurant with a terrace serves regional specialties.

Hotel du Barrage

Comfortable Hotel

The recently renovated Hotel du Barrage is located in the heart of the Valais, amidst beautiful mountain scenery and in the shadow of the Grande Dixence dam. Its 60 comfortable rooms are simply furnished and its restaurant offers a wide selection of food and beverages — perfect for fueling up for your journey. You can also take in lovely views from the terrace.

Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa

Comfortable Hotel

The 4-star Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallees is located in the heart of the Haute-Nendaz mountain station and "Quatre Vallées" ski resort. With a wonderful blend of chic Valaisian style and authentic mountain atmosphere, this is one of the top chalet-style retreats in the region. Relax in comfort in one of its 62 elegant rooms, discover local specialties at the L'Aigle carnotzet restaurant, or rejuvenate mind and body in Spa des Bisses.

Hotel Cristal

Comfortable Hotel

Perfectly located in the authentic Swiss Alpine village of Grimentz, Hotel Cristal offers a delightful stay in unforgettable surroundings. Its comfortable and spacious rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, and also include an en-suite bathroom and balcony. The hotel's Wellness studio includes a sauna, gym and massage treatments.

Hotel Le Prieure

Comfortable Hotel

Hotel Le Prieure is a four-star classic alpine chalet, nestled in an historic building at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix's city center. Cozy up to the fireplace with a drink at the bar or relax at the full service spa, complete with outdoor sauna and indoor swimming pool. Rooms boast balconies with views of Mont Blanc or the Aiguilles de Chamonix.

Hotel Walliserhof

Comfortable Hotel

The family-run Hotel Walliserhof features 42 cozy and rustic rooms with heaps of alpine charm. The restaurant is known for its delicious daily menus and a good selection of Valais wines, as well as an open fireplace and stunning views of the small Matterhorn and Breithorn. The small spa is ideal for unwinding, with its swimming pool, whirlpool, steam bath, and sauna.

Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa

Comfortable Hotel

The luxurious Alpina Electic Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Chamonix with stunning views of the Mont Blanc. Each room is individually decorated with updated mountain style to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is modernly equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a coffee & tea making station, hair dryer, and a complimentary set of bathrobes and slippers. Guests can recharge at the spa or indulge in a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range.

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