Glacier Trek from Chamonix to Zermatt

Starting from the village of Le Tour (1453m), our journey leads to the Albert 1er refuge. The hike begins with an overview of the route and individual equipment preparation, followed by bag inspections. Departure will begin from the Charamillon car park in Le Tour, ascending to reach the Albert 1er refuge situated at 2702m.

Accommodation: Refuge Albert 1er;

Elevation gain: approximately 1200 m; 4 to 5 hours of walking

Our journey today takes us from the Albert 1er refuge to the village of Champex, starting around 7 a.m. Our route involves crossing the Swiss border via the Col Supérieur du Tour. From there, we hike to the Trient glacier to reach the Col d'Orny. Following a path, we arrive at the Breya chairlift near the Aiguilles d'Arpette, facilitating our descent to Champex.

Accommodation: Gîte in Champex

Positive altitude difference: approximately 750m

Negative altitude difference: approximately 1000m; 6 to 7 hours of walking

From Champex, our next destination is the Chanrion cabin at 2462m. We'll transfer by vehicle from Champex to the Mauvoisin dam before ascending to the Chanrion cabin.

On this leg of the journey, you'll be able to view magnificent peaks such as the Grand Combin and Mont Gelé.

Accommodation: Chanrion Cabin.

Elevation gain 600m, 4 to 5 hours of walking

Today we'll hike across the expansive Otemma Glacier, which surpasses even the renowned Mer de Glace, spanning 22km2 and stretching 10km in length. Our journey across this glacier offers incredible unique views of the iconic Pigne d'Arolla, a favorite among mountaineers.

Our ascent continues to the Vignettes cabin perched at 3158m atop a cliff.

Accommodation: Cabane des Vignettes

Positive altitude difference: approximately 850m

Negative altitude difference: 150m; 6 to 7 hours of walking

Our route will lead us from the glacial valleys to the Bertol hut at 3311m, a journey through the Col de l'Evêque (3392m), Col Collon (3087m), and the Haut glacier d'Arolla.

After leaving the glacial terrain, we follow a trail that brings us to the Bertol cabin in just two hours. Positioned at 3311m atop a rocky spur, the cabin offers a spectacular and original viewpoint overlooking the iconic Matterhorn.

Accommodation: Cabane de Bertol

Positive altitude difference: approximately 1150m

Negative altitude difference: approximately 1000m; 6 to 7 hours of walking

Ascend to Tête Blanche (3724m), while soaking in the viewa of the Dent d'Hérens, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, and the Zermatt valley. Following this, we'll descend from the Stockji glacier towards the Schönbiel hut (2694m), concluding this leg of our adventure.

Accommodation: Schönbiel Hut.

Positive elevation: around 650m

Negative elevation: around 1000m, 7 to 8 hours of walking

We'll descend to Zermatt, tracing the north face of the Matterhorn, known as one of the most challenging walls in the Alps. Upon arrival in Zermatt around midday, there's an opportunity to explore the village. For those opting to return to Chamonix, transportation is available via minibus (taxi), arriving in Chamonix by late afternoon (taxi fare to be paid on-site).

Negative altitude difference: around 1100m, 3 to 4 hours of walking.