Alps Haute Route Trek Tour
High Passes From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
- Available: July, August, September
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Trek the challenging, renowned and less-traveled Haute Route with the Alps specialists since 1970!
- Traverse ten high passes in ten days for eye-popping views, including the Matterhorn -- a trekker's paradise
- Enjoy superb leaders, local hospitality, and shared accomplishment of this much-loved MT Sobek classic
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva & Head to Chamonix
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Prieure
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Warm-Up Hike in Chamonix
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Prieure
Activity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,150' elevation gain & 2,500' elevation loss
Transportation: Funicular ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend to Col de Balme
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa
Activity: 7 hours/11 miles hiking with 3,300' elevation gain & 2,900' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Siviez-Grande Dixence
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Hotel du Barrage
Activity: 8 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 3,400' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Grande Dixence-Arolla
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Hotel du Glacier-Arolla, Switzerland
Activity: 8 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,720' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arolla & Hike to Grimentz
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Cristal
Activity: 7 hours/11 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Grimentz Via Zinal Pass to the Hamlet of Gruben
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Schwarzhorn
Activity: 8 hours/13 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gruben & Descend to St. Niklaus
Day 8
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Walliserhof
Activity: 7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,538' elevation gain & 5,900' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Täsch to Zermatt
Day 9
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Activity: 6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,600' elevation gain & 2,100' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Zermatt
Day 10
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Activity: 4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Geneva or Zermatt
Day 11
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).
Transportation: 3.5-hour private bus transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,195 price per person dbl occ+$850 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$850 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $7,295 price per person dbl occ+$850 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
6 to 9 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $8,195 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
3 guests from $8,995 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
7 to 9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $10,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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 Langoisseur
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 Simond
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 Mugnier
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. 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.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
6 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,150' elevation gain & 2,500' elevation loss
Day 3
7 hours/11 miles hiking with 3,300' elevation gain & 2,900' elevation loss
Day 4
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 3,400' elevation loss
Day 5
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,720' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
Day 6
7 hours/11 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Day 7
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Day 8
7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,538' elevation gain & 5,900' elevation loss
Day 9
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,600' elevation gain & 2,100' elevation loss
Day 10
4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Accommodations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hotel Le Prieure, completely renovated in 2015, is a classic alpine chalet in Chamonix's city center. Rooms have free wi-fi, safes, TV, complimentary tea and coffee, balcony, hairdryers, and en suite bathrooms.
Hotel Walliserhof
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.
Weather
The days can change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is even possible at the high passes. Come prepared for everything.
Know Before You Book
Accommodations
Please come prepared for the experience of sleeping in the mountains, and in old towns and villages where the architecture might date back centuries. Most guestrooms and bathrooms facilities are quite small, and amenities may be fairly basic.
Hotel Schwarzhorn on Day 7 does not have en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms are shared and just down the hall.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall of the Geneva Airport (GVA) between 1:30pm and 2pm.
Can I shorten hikes, if I'm too tired to finish?
No, however you do have the option to skip days entirely, and ride in the van to the next hotel.
What if I am afraid of heights?
There is a fair amount of exposure (steep drop-offs) on sections of this hiking route as well as one exposed ladder climb. If you are especially afraid of heights or tend to experience vertigo, you might choose another one of our Alps trips.
Will we camp or sleep in a hut on this trip?
No. Beginning in 2019, we will sleep only in 3 and 4-star hotels on this trip.
Can I wear my trail runners for this trip?
Due to the highly varied terrain, which includes rocks, boulders, patchy snow and ice; it is essential that you wear high-ankle hiking boots with a lug sole. Boots must be waterproof.
Do I need to bring hiking poles?
Yes. On the Haute Route, we ask that you do bring and plan to use hiking poles.
