Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn Highlights (Huts) Map and Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chamonix Mont Blanc

Chamonix, sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc, is the epicentre of adventure in the French Alps. Arriving in Chamonix always gives you that tingle of excitement knowing that you are about to begin an adventure.

Chamonix is easily accessible by shuttle, bus and train from Geneva or Chambery airports.

Overnight: Hotel Vallee Blanche (http://www.vallee-blanche.com)

Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base.

Day 2: Chamonix to Trient

An easy day to start. In the morning you travel by local bus to the village of le Tour where you take the funicular and then cable car to Col de Balme (2191 m) on the French-Swiss border. This affords an extraordinary view of the many glaciers pouring off the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley. After enjoying the views you descend to the Swiss village of Trient (1326 m).

Overnight: Gîte in Trient

Walk: 2.5 hours, Ascent: 50 m, Descent: 950 m.

Day 3: Trient to Champex via Alp Bovine

This morning you can look forward to a fabulous walk through the high alpine pastures of Alp Bovine. You begin by climbing to the Col de La Forclaz and then continue to Alp Bovine. A walk that gives fabulous views of the Rhône Valley. After passing Alp Bovine (1987m) the trails winds its way down to the pretty lakeside town of Champex, your first chocolate box Swiss village.

Overnight: Champex Gîte (Dorm)

Walk: 5.5 Hours, Ascent: 750 m, Descent: 650 m.

Day 4: Lac des Dix to Arolla

Your day begins with a transfer from Champex to Lac des Dix (1h30). A day of challenging but superlative walking lies ahead. The incredible Val des Dix is a mix of bright green pastures, the deep blue lake surrounded by steep white mountains. Your route takes you to the head of the valley and then steeply up to the Col de Riedmatten (2919m). The pyramid of Mont Blanc de Cheilon glowers over you throughout. From the Col de Riedmatten you will get your first glimpse of the Matterhorn before a steep but straightforward descent to the charming village of Arolla in the lovely val d'Hérens. A local transfer to Haudères brings a great day to an end.

Overnight: Haudères Auberge (Dorm)

Walk: 7 Hours, Ascent: 900 m, Descent: 950 m.

Day 5: Les Haudères –Villa - col de Torrent - lac de Moiry -Zinal

A local bus transfer to Villa (1730 m) saves the legs before you ascend the alpine pastures to Col de Torrent (2,918m). The panoramas on offer both before and after you cross the Col are amongst the best so far. Every point on the compass is marked by steep snowy peaks. The jade green Lac de Moiry winks at you from far below and a delightful walk through alpine pastures, with views of Mont Miné, Tête Blanche and the far away Mont Blanc brings you to the restaurant at Barrage du Moiry. Here you take a local bus to Zinal (1675 m).

Overnight: Zinal Auberge (Dorm)

Walk: 6.5 Hours, Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 700 m. (Optional 1.5 hour descent to Grimentz)

Day 6: Zinal to Gruben via the col de la Forcletta

A splendid day of walking begins with a steep climb out of the Val d’Anniviers to the Col de la Forcletta (2894m), the highpoint of today’s stage. The pastoral valley of Turtmanntal is one of the least developed in the Alps. The collection of chalets and barns which make up Gruben is the first German speaking village on your route.

Overnight: Gruben Inn (http://www.hotelschwarzhorn.ch) (Dorm)

Walk: 7 Hours, Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 1050 m.

Day 7: Gruben to St Niklaus via Augustbordpass

Augustbordpass(2894m), which has been used as important trading route between Italy and the Rhône Valley since the Middle Ages is the last high pass on your way to Zermatt. This section of the Haute Route is one of the very finest with superb views and plenty of interest. On reaching the remote farming hamlet of Jungen you can descend to St Niklaus by funicular or a steep trail. From St Niklaus you take a train to Zermatt.

Overnight: Zermatt Hotel.

Walk: (To Jungen)6 Hours of walking, Ascent: 1100 m, Descent: 950 m.

Day 8: Walk to Zmutt

A final walk from Zermatt to pay homage to the Matterhorn. A lovely trail takes you up to the hamlet of Zmutt, traditional Swiss chalets, alpine lakes and the looming Matterhorn give your camera plenty of subject matter. You will have plenty of time to wander the car free streets of Zermatt in the afternoon.

Overnight: Zermatt Hotel

Walk: 4 Hours, Ascent/Descent: 300 m

Day 9: Onward Travel

Hourly trains connect Zermatt to Geneva (4 h) and Zurich (3.5h) Airports. We can also arrange private return transfers to Chamonix if required.

Price from £720.00 - BOOK NOW

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