Walker’s Haute Route – West

A short version of the iconic Walker’s Haute Route, leading you from the Chamonix valley below Mont Blanc to the mountain passes in the Swiss Alps.
Price
From: 1,495€/person
Starting point
Arolla
Finish point
Zermatt
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Technical level
Fitness level
Inquiry
Hike through the Alps of France and Switzerland
Complete the first half of the Walker’s Haute Route
Admire the views of the Mont Blanc massif, the roof of Europe
Enjoy the coziness of mountain huts and authentic inns
Let us handle the logistics of this self-guided trek
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The views from the way to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
Day 1: Chamonix – Argentiere

The trail starts off with a bang. Your goal is just a little higher up in the Chamonix Valley, but to get there, take the trail to the iconic Lac Blanc. After taking in postcard views of the Mont Blanc massif, descend the TMB ladders as you make your way toward Argentiere.

If you’d like to start the Haute Route more gradually, or if you want to get in some hiking on the day of arrival, you can also hike up the valley directly to Argentiere.

Hiking

17km and 1350m elevation gain

Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Day 2: Argentiere – Trient

On your last day in France, you will hike along the ridge of Aiguillette des Possettes to the Col de Balme, the border with Switzerland. From there, you can look back at the magnificent Mont Blanc massif. Leaving France behind, you descend into the Swiss village Trient.

Hiking

16km and 1200m elevation gain

Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
Day 3: Trient – Champex

On day three, you’ll hike over the Fenetre d’Arpette, with spectacular views of the Glacier du Trient. The tricky rocky descent soon turns into a pleasant walk into the green valley, where Champex-Lac, the charming lakeside town, awaits.

In the case of bad weather, the easier Bovine route (part of the Tour du Mont Blanc) is preferable.

Hiking

15km and 1350m elevation gain

Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Day 4: Champex – Le Châble

Hiking through less mountainous areas of Switzerland gives you a taste of the country’s beautiful countryside, not often advertised. You will follow the side of the picturesque Val Ferret and into Sembrancher of Val de Bagnes, where you hike along the river towards Le Châble.

Hiking

14km and 300m elevation gain

Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
Day 5: Le Châble – Cabane du Mont Fort

From the start of the day, you’ll be climbing steeply on footpaths above the tree line, going through the slopes of the world-renowned Verbier ski resort. As you near the end of your trek, you will be treated to views of another Alpine massif — the Grand Combin — and eventually, reach the Cabane du Mont Fort hut.

Hiking

12km and 1650m elevation gain

The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
Day 6: Cabane du Mont Fort – Cabane de Prafleuri

The sixth day of the hike presents itself as a stage full of contrasts — first the panoramic green ridges, then an eerie lunar plateau. Starting with the panoramic trail over Col Termin (optional Col de Louvie), the route will take you to the dying Grand Désert Glacier. It leads right below it, on the barren land of scree and stones. After passing many small lakes, you cross over Col de Prafleuri (2987 m), the highest point on the Haute Route. From there, you’ll soon reach the hut of Cabane de Prafleuri.

Hiking

17km and 1000m elevation gain

Trail to Col Termin
Trail to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Trail to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Day 7: Cabane de Prafleuri – Arolla

The last stage of the Haute Route will keep you high up in the Alps, with some of the best views on the trail. Lac de Dix will surprise you just over the morning Col. After traversing alongside this 5 km long accumulation lake, you’ll cross over the morain of Glacier de Cheilon. You’ll admire Mont Blanc de Cheilon on your right and could even get a glimpse of Matterhorn in the distance as you cross over Col de Riedmatten. After that highlight, it’s time to head down to Arolla.

With public transport, it’s easy to get to Geneva or Zurich. We can advise you on the best option.

Hiking

18km and 750m elevation gain

View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Lac des Dix
View of the Lac des Dix
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Lac des Dix
mail

Included in price

7x Accommodations with breakfast
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your hike
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Optional Extras

Transfer to Chamonix
Transfer from Arolla
From:
1,495€
/person
Inquiry

This week-long version of the iconic Walker’s Haute Route explores its western part, from the Mont Blanc massif to the Pennine Alps.

It follows the traditional route, starting in the French mountaineering mecca of Chamonix and finishing in the Swiss village of Arolla. It is a perfect compromise for those with limited time who still want to experience the Alpine vibe in both France and Switzerland.

The 7 stages here are slightly harder than on its eastern counterpart, but the views are well worth the effort. It will take you around 5-7 hours of hiking each day to reach your goal, be it a cozy mountain hut up high in the mountains or an authentic inn in the valley.

We’ll handle all the details so you can focus on your adventure. We’ll book your accommodations and other services, and a few weeks before setting off, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary booklet with the planned GPS route for your Walker’s Haute Route West trek.

Map

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Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided tour. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations while you enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Private Guided

Experience the great outdoors on a private guided tour tailored just for you. The tour is for those who want a hastle-free adventure and enjoy the flexibility of a small private group and not stress about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing the enjoyment during and after the tour.

Join a Group

For solo hikers or hikers who wish to meet other like-minded souls, don’t want to stress about tour-planning and other annoying details. We’re going to find you a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and take care of all the other details. The tour will be led by our guide, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, ensuring maximum hiking enjoyment.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Book with confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Only the best hut to hut hikes of Switzerland, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

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