A Walking Holiday on the Haute Route, Switzerland. The Haute Route, is a cross-country route running between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. First charted by English adventurers at the end of the 19th century, this route follows a 100 km glacier walk (or ski) from the Chamonix valley; home of Mont Blanc, to Zermatt; home of the Matterhorn.
Our team has specially designed this trip for adventurous hikers who don't want to compromise on comfort. During 8 days you will discover the best of the famous “Haute Route” from Les Haudères to Zermatt; picturesque villages, massive glaciers, and majestic peaks! As we transfer your luggage during the day, you need only carry a back pack whilst you walk (except Days 2,4 and 6 when you will need your overnight gear). One Foot Abroad also provides detailed walking notes and maps throughout the hike to help you find your way.
Enjoy the highest part of the Alps! |
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 Day 1 - Les Haudères
After flying to Switzerland and making your way to the Goms d'Annivers, you will spend your first night in a charming hotel in a Valaisan-style town. Why not enjoy some regional specialties for dinner with a glass of local Arvine. The added bonus? An accordion-playing hotel owner!
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Town: Shops, bus.
Accommodation: 2* hotel. Rooms en-suite with view.
Meals: Dinner |
Day 2 -To Cabane de Moiry
We begin with a tough enough ascent to the Tsaté pass (2868m). As we make our way down, the Glacier du Moiry comes into view. You will be afforded a closer view of the glacier as we make our way up to the "Classic" Cabane de Moiry. Good food and a great atmosphere are on the menu this evening.
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Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut.
Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner |
Day 3 - To Zinal
You start the day with a gentle walk overlooking the Lac de Moiry with its impressive dam (148m high). Then, after passing the Col du Sorebois (2896m), your descent features an incredible view across the Zinal valley with Les Diablons (3609m) and the Pointe de la Forcletta (3078m). The village of Zinal is charming and compact. Stroll around its pretty streets and see some fine Valaisan houses.
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Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train.
Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner |
Day 4 -To Gruben via Weisshorn
Today we will begin by walking through woodlands towards a high Alpine trail up to the Hotel Weisshorn (2337m). Pasture lands will then bring you up to the Meidpass (2790m). There, the views on the Schwarzhorn, the Gletschhorn and the Weisshorn are stunning. On your way down, you will pass the Meidsee lake before reaching the isolated village of Gruben - so remote that it is only inhabitated from June to September.
For those who wish to have shorter walking days, you have the option to stay in the Hotel Weisshorn and split the stage in 2. See options table below. Subject to availability
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Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut.
Accommodation: Hotel/Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner |
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Day 5 - To St Niklaus
On this stage, nature rewards the diligent walker with some of the cleanest air and captivating views. Crossing your final pass today is a highlight in every sense of the word. Although the reward is worth every step, the walk is never as demanding as the total height gain and loss might suggest. Enjoy a hike that traverses spacious woodlands, high pastures and stony wildernesses. Your ultimate descent is full of pleasures and surprises - none greater or more beautiful than the discovery of the little hamlet of Jungen, clinging to the mountain side in the region of St Niklaus.
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Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train.
Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner |
Day 6 - To Europahütte
Today is a day of contrasts on this recently-opened trail. Starting with a walk up to the statue of St Bernard, you will then experience a walk through boulder fields - the remains of a massive rock fall in 1991. The path is demanding and is often secured with ropes and chains. A challenging, yet rewarding experience. The Europahütte offers great comfort and views over the Weisshorn and its glacier.
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Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut.
Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner |
Day 7 - To Zermatt
The scenery on the last day is stunning. At the beginning, the path alternates between boulder fields and forest. After a short climb uphill, you will enter Tachalp glen with fantastic views as you exit. Continuing on, the majestic Matterhorn will stun you as you get closer to Zermatt, following the gentle footpath. Zermatt is the place for mountaineering in Switzerland. The streets are busy and vibrant and your hotel is right in the heart of the action.
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Town: Shops, bars, restaurants, ATM, Internet, bus, train, all facilities.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in the heart of Zermatt.
Meals: Breakfast and picnic |
Day 8 - Zermatt
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
We recommend taking the famous Gornergrat railway to 3090m, which gives you great views of the spectacular Riffelalp glacier!
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Meals: Breakfast |
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