Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route

2008 DATES Click Dates To Book.... Week 12: 15 Mar - 22 Mar Full Skiing Programme Click Here COURSE DURATION 6 days, 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE £945 Your course price covers: • Guiding + guides expenses • Full board + accommodation • All picnic lunches/snack food • All course transportation • All mechanical uplift • Loan of technical equipment Click here for Full Details RATIO Advanced

The world famous high-level route from Chamonix to Zermatt gives one of the finest ski tours in the Alps, particularly if it is undertaken at a less crowded time and the optimum route is followed (from the many possible variations).

We ski the 'Haute Route' away from the busiest holiday times (when it can become too crowded to enjoy to the full) and take a route which gives the best combination of quality ski touring and ski descents and adventurous mountain terrain. Our route also links the some of the best mountain huts in the region.

THE COURSE CONVENES IN ARGENTIERE: at 6.30pm on Saturday 15th March 2008 at the Hotel Le Dahu in the village of Argentiere, Chamonix valley. Click here for details and joining instructions. Please ensure that you have carefully checked your ski equipment (especially if hiring) as we have to make an early start on Sunday with no time to go to the Ski Shop.

Itinerary

Day 1 We take the Grands Montets lift system to the summit of the Grand Montets (3295m) and ski down to the Argentiere glacier at 2600m. There are amazing views of the great North faces of Les Droites (4122m), Les Courtes (3856m) and Le Triolet. We climb to the first major col on the haute route, the Col du Chardonnet (3323m, 4 hrs from the Grands Montets). This col has steep slopes on the far side and the 120m descent into Switzerland is made with the help of ropes to secure the party. From the glacier we make a traverse to the Fenetre de Saleina (3261m, 2hrs). This is usually climbed on foot for the last 100m. We now cross the scenic Trient Plateau under the Aig Dorees to the Trient hut (3170m).

Day 2 We now have a fantastic morning skiing, the descent of the Val d’Arpette is one of the finest descents of the trip, taking us down 1700m of north facing snow to the beautiful mountain resort of Champex. We then take a taxi to Le Chable and from here we take the Verbier lift system to Col Gentaines, where a short ski gives access to the climb to the Col de la Chaux (2940m, 2hrs). From the col we traverse to the Col de Momin and then ascend the Rosablanche (3336m). This is an excellent ski touring peak having fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif and a superb north-facing glacier descent to the Prafleuri hut (2624m). We overnight at this newly-built hut, which is very comfortable and has showers.

Day 3 An early start takes us over the Col des Roux (2804m, 1 hr) to a short descent followed by a big traverse around the side of the Lac des Dix. From here we have a 3 hour climb under the impressive north face of Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3870m) to the Dix hut (2928m) where we spend the night. This is the largest hut on the Haute Route but it is very well run by Pierre Alain (the guardian) and comfortable.

Day 4 Today we make a ski traverse of the Pigne d’Arolla (3798m, 4 to 5hrs), the highest point of the Haute Route and a famous viewpoint, with magnificent views of the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche and Mont Blanc. This is a steady climb from the Dix hut and gives a great descent to the Cabane des Vignettes (3160m, 600m descent). This hut is perched on top of a cliff in a magnificent position over looking the Val d’Arolla and Otemma glacier.

Day 5 The last long day is a brilliant climax to the week, traversing three big cols (Col de L'Eveque 3392m, Col de Mont Brule 3210m, and Col de Valpelline 3568m; c.1100m of ascent). From the Col de Valpelline we have the most celebrated descent of the Haute Route, following the magnificent Stockjigletscher under the north face of the Matterhorn (1800m of descent). Care needs to be taken on this descent as the Stockjigletscher is renowned for its large crevasses. Overnight in the Schonbiel hut.

Day 6 A short trip with wonderful scenery following the valley as it swings around and down into Zermatt, passing through the ancient hamlet of Zmutt. After refreshments in Zermatt we take a taxi down the Rhone valley and back over the Col des Montets to Argentiere.

Maps: Martigny 282s 1:50 000 Arolla 283s 1:50 000 Mischabel 284s 1:50 000

Ski ability required: Prior ski-touring experience is essential and you should have effective turns off-piste in a variety of snow conditions. A high level of fitness is very important and you should be able to comfortably sustain a climb at a rate of 300 vertical metres an hour. A typical day will involve up to 6 hours of uphill skiing (up to 1100m of ascent).

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