Chamonix–Zermatt guided glacier trek

Chamonix–Zermatt guided glacier trek

Walk the Chamonix–Zermatt glacier Haute Route, linking France and Switzerland through high passes and mountain huts. The nine-day base programme includes the traverse stages and a reserve day to adapt the route.

This Mirando al Sur journey focuses on the continuity of glacier trekking: moving towards a new hut each day and arriving in Zermatt after crossing the Alpine ranges. A separate 11-day option adds a 4,000-metre climb; its exact objective, extended itinerary and services must be confirmed before booking.

Your mountain trip with Mirando al Sur

Nights at Albert I, Chanrion, Vignettes, Bertol and Schönbiel keep the journey connected. The Trient, Otemma and Stockji glaciers provide different mountain environments along the way.

The published technical rating is low within a mountaineering context. This still involves glacier terrain, long days and substantial descents, rather than a conventional walking holiday. Discuss your experience and equipment with us.

Trip itinerary

1. Day 1: Le Tour. Meet the guide and stay in the Chamonix valley.
2. Day 2: Le Tour to Albert I hut. Take the Col de Balme lift, then walk to Albert I (2,702 m): around 700 m ascent and three hours.
3. Day 3: Albert I to Champex. Cross into Switzerland via the Upper Col du Tour, Trient Glacier and Col d’Orny, then descend on the La Breya chairlift: approximately 680 m ascent, 1,200 m descent and seven or eight hours.
4. Day 4: Champex to Chanrion. Transfer to Mauvoisin dam and walk to Chanrion hut (2,462 m): 800 m ascent, 200 m descent and around 3½–4½ hours.
5. Day 5: Chanrion to Vignettes. Cross the Otemma Glacier to Vignettes hut (3,158 m): around 935 m ascent, 200 m descent and six or seven hours.
6. Day 6: Vignettes to Bertol. Cross the Col de l’Évêque and Arolla Glacier, continuing via Plans de Bertol to Bertol hut (3,311 m): around 1,240 m ascent, 1,050 m descent and eight or nine hours.
7. Day 7: Bertol to Schönbielhütte. Pass Tête Blanche (3,724 m) and descend the Stockji Glacier to Schönbiel hut (2,694 m): around 880 m ascent, 1,420 m descent and eight hours.
8. Day 8: Schönbielhütte to Zermatt. Descend beneath the Matterhorn’s north face: around 1,100 m descent and four hours.
9. Day 9: Reserve. Time to adjust the route and return arrangements. Confirm the final overnight stop and the transfer from Zermatt to Le Tour before booking.
10. Special 11-day option. A published rate adds a 4,000-metre ascent. The summit, extra stages and services need specific confirmation; do not assume it is the same programme as the trip explicitly naming Breithorn.

Duration, season and experience

• Base duration: nine days. A separate 11-day option includes a 4,000-metre climbing objective.
• Planned season: late June to mid-September.
• Published level: low technical difficulty and moderate physical demand, with sustained glacier travel.
• Published base group options: four to six or seven to eight participants.
• Dates: ask for dates and availability.
• Places: contact us for current availability.

Included in the programme

• Mountain guide, including the guide’s accommodation and meals.
• Shared safety equipment and public liability and accident insurance.
• Le Tour, Champex, Zermatt and hut accommodation in the board arrangements of the confirmed programme.
• Champex–Mauvoisin transfer.
• Accommodation for the additional reserve day, as required by the itinerary.

Not included

• Flights or travel to Le Tour, and transfers not expressly listed as included.
• Dinners in Zermatt and Le Tour, meals outside the stated board arrangements, mineral water, drinks and tips.
• The required FEDME, CAF, SAC or other federation card with a reciprocity agreement.
• Other services not included and the full cost of programme changes for any reason, payable by participants.

Frequently asked questions

What does the special 11-day option add?

The rate describes an 11-day version with a 4,000-metre climb. Confirm the summit, extended itinerary and services; it is not automatically the separate programme that explicitly includes Breithorn. The day-by-day route above describes the nine-day base traverse.

Is this route on foot or on skis?

This is the summer glacier traverse on foot. It is not the ski-touring version, nor a walking route that avoids the glaciers.

How fit do I need to be?

Several stages take seven to nine hours, with daily ascents of up to around 1,240 m and descents of up to around 1,420 m. Discuss your mountain experience and fitness with Mirando al Sur.

Where do we stay?

The route combines valley hostels with mountain huts such as Albert I, Chanrion, Vignettes, Bertol and Schönbiel. Half board is planned at the stated huts, with separate arrangements for valley accommodation.

What shared equipment and insurance are included?

Shared safety equipment and public liability and accident insurance are included. The required reciprocal federation card is separate; request the personal equipment list before travelling.

Is the return from Zermatt to Le Tour included?

The return arrangements and transport must be confirmed in your departure proposal. A transfer should only be treated as included if it is expressly listed among your booked services.

What happens if mountain conditions change?

The sequence can be adapted and the programme includes a reserve day. Costs caused by changes are not included; review these conditions before booking.

Ask Mirando al Sur about dates and booking.