Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route 6-day splitboarding tour

Join one of the IFMGA-certified guides in the Peakshunter team on a unique 6-day splitboarding tour along the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route, which crosses the Alps from France to Switzerland.

MOUNTAIN RANGES

Alps

DURATION

6 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Mar - May

FITNESS LEVEL

high

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

Description

If you are an experienced splitboarder, this trip is a must for you!

The Haute Route (High Route) is one of the most famous and most scenic ski tours in the world. It runs from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, across the center of both the French and Swiss Alps. It begins in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif (4,808m) and ends at the base of the legendary Matterhorn peak (4,478m).

Our trip’s meeting point will be Courmayeur (1,224m), a town in the Aosta Valley, in Italy. We will then travel to our voyage’s starting point, the beautiful mountain village of Argentière (1,252m), within the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, in the southeast of France.

During our 6-day journey, we will traverse long distances at high elevations, across massive glaciers and snow-topped rocky peaks, such as the Rosa Blanche (3,336m) and the Pigne d’Arolla (3,796m). Every day, we will perform long climbs followed by stunning descents with breathtaking views to some of the most iconic mountains in the Alps: Mont Blanc (4,808m), Monte Rosa (4,634m), Matterhorn (4,478m), Grand Combin (4,314m), and Dent d’Herens (4,174m), among others. Along the way, we will spend the 5 nights in different mountain huts so as to stay at high altitudes. Our final descent will leave us in Zermatt (1,608m), an alpine village lying beneath the Matterhorn’s east face, in the Swiss German-speaking canton of the Valais.

This is a challenging, long high-altitude adventure. Participants need to be in good shape and have previous splitboarding experience. While optimal snow and weather conditions are vital, the route requires technical skills and a lot of effort to be completed.

Below you will find the tour’s detailed itinerary, with estimated ascent times and cumulative elevation gain per day.

Don’t miss this iconic trip in the heart of the Alps! Send me your booking request now.

In case you are interested, I also offer a ski touring version of this program. If you are looking for other splitboarding outings in the area, I recommend the Tour des Periades (Chamonix) 1-day alpine program and the Grand Saint Bernard pass 3-day trip.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Dinner

- Lift tickets

- Transport during the trip

- Mountain guide expenses

- Rope

Price details

Please note that the price doesn’t include:

- the extra meals and beverages for you and the guide

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking

Itinerary

Day 1: Courmayeur – Argentière Hut

We will meet in the town of Courmayeur, in the Italian Aosta Valley, where we will go over the equipment and the itinerary. We will travel to the village of Argentière, in Chamonix, from where we will take a cable car to the Col des Grands Montets pass (1,461m). We will then begin a steep descent on the Rognons Glacier to the massive Argentière Glacier (2,168m). Overnight at the Argentière Hut (2,691m).

Ascent time: 3 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 200m

Day 2: Argentière Glacier – Champex-Lac

We will begin the day riding down the Argentière Glacier. We will then skin up to a 200-meter gully, which we will climb with ropes and crampons up to the Col du Passon pass (3,028m) and on to the Le Tour Glacier (2,150m). We will traverse towards the Col Superieur du Tour (3,288m), arriving at the Trient Plateau on the Trient Glacier, which we will descend up to a point below the Col des Ecadies. We will ride down the Val d’Arpette valley up to a mountain hut in Champex-Lac, where we will spend our second night.

Ascent time: 6-8 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 1,000m

Day 3: Le Châble – Cabane de Prafleuri

A transfer will take us from Champex to Le Châble village, from where we will take a lift up to the Verbier ski area, followed by two more lifts to the Col des Gentianes pass (2,906m). After a 200-meter descent, we will skin to the Col de La Chaux (2,940m). After another descent, we will climb to the Col du Momin (3,005m), up to the Rosa Blanche peak (3,336m). Soon after, we will begin a descent to the Cabane de Prafleuri hut (2,657m), where we will spend the night.

Ascent time: 6 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 800m

Day 4: Col des Roux – Cabane des Dix

We will traverse to the Col des Roux (2,804m) and then begin a long descent above the reservoir of the Grande Dixence Dam (285m). At the end of the lake, we will ascend the Pas du Chat, up to the Cabane des Dix (2,928m), where we will spend the night.

Ascent time: 7-8 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 800m

Day 5: Cheillon Glacier – Cabane des Vignettes

We will start the day with an ascent on the Cheillon Glacier up to the Col du Brenay pass, heading to the Pigne d’Arolla (3,796m). A long descent on glacier will take us to the Cabane des Vignettes refuge (3,160m), where we will spend the last night.

Ascent time: 6-7 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 850m

Day 6: Col de Charmontane – Zermatt

We will ride down to the Col de Charmontane. From the Arolla Glacier, we will ascend the Col de l’Eveque (3,716m), followed by the Col du Mont Brulé. A descent will drive us to the Tsan Glacier, and the following ascent will take us to the Col de Valpelline. From this point, we will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the Dent d’Herens mountain (4,174m) and the Matterhorn’s west face (4,478m). Finally, we will begin the descent to Zermatt, with a 2,500-meter vertical drop, down the Stockji Glacier, below the Matterhorn’s north face.

Ascent time: 8-10 hours

Cumulative elevation gain: 1,000m

Details

More info

Estimated costs for your reference:

• Half-board accommodation in mountain huts per person: Argentière Hut (€48-63), Prarayer Hut (€48-60), Cabane de Prafleuri (CHF 70), Cabane des Dix (CHF 82), Cabane des Vignettes (CHF 80). • Equipment rental (harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet): €15 per person • Taxi service to Le Châble: CHF 120 (divided among all participants) • Research and rescue insurance with IFMGA coverage (recommended): €12 per person for 7 days

Meeting point

Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy

FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?

Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route requires some previous ski touring experiences and good confidence in off-piste skiing.

About your fitness, you should consider that the Haute Route is a demanding adventure, with six days of effort: a good workout in the months leading up to the trip is recommended so that you can experience the adventure to the fullest and not get too fatigued.

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

In the months leading up to the trip, we recommend consistent training to improve your endurance and your cardiovascular fitness. When you confirm the trip, we will send you specific recommendations about the training.

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

Yes, you need to bring the technical equipment required for this trip: avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, harness, ice axes and crampons. We can rent all this for about 50€ per day. Alternatively we can recommend nearby rentals, even if you need to rent skis, ski touring equipment, ski mountaineering boots and the rest of the clothing.

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring the personal backpack and technical equipment, including thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

We will take care of the accommodation booking that includes:

n. 4 overnight in huts with half board formula: Argèntiere Hut Cabane de Prafleuri, Cabane des Dix and Cabane des Vignettes

n. 1 overnight in an hotel in Champex or Verbier with half board formula (depending on availability)

So, breakfast and dinner will be included in the rate and booked by us, while all other meals and drinks are excluded.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Please consider that weather and conditions can change unexpectedly and, especially in recent years due to climate change, there are not always the best conditions for a safe ascent. In such cases, because your and our safety is our priority, we will propose an alternative trip to nearby mountains with better conditions. Note that you are booking our availability for the duration of the tour, this means that it will not be possible to cancel due to poor conditions. We will be careful to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We understand that this may be a frustrating outcome, however, safety is a top priority, and every mountain has a lesson to teach.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them:

It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers mountain activities, such as a specific insurance for rescue and research; if you need one, after your confirmation, we can recommend some solutions suitable for you.

There are no specific vaccine requirements for this trip, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or a travel clinic to make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Also, there is no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results.

We finally invite all non-Schengen citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter France and Switzerland.

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

The maximum number of clients per single Guide is six, thus giving a ratio of 1:6. This is the maximum number in order to ensure your safety and that of the Guide. If you are a group of more than six people, we have more guides available to undertake the adventure.

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

The best time to realize this adventure is in March and April.

Can I join a group?

Yes, you can choose to book a private tour or decide to join a group, to reduce the costs.

We have already confirmed and planned group trips, departing in 2023, on the following dates:

March 13th

March 28th

April 2nd

April 9th

Before confirm a group tour, please remember that you will share the ascent with other skiers, that could have different fit and previous experience than you: the Guide will be responsible for the entire team and he has to respect the daily timetable. The decision to share a trip with others to reduce the total costs requires to accept to be part of a team, in which adaptation and capacity for mutual support are essential requirements for all participants.

If you evaluate your fit level, skiing level or previous experience in off-piste and your ski touring technical skills too low or inadequate to the abilities and efforts that this demanding tour requires, you probably should take the PRIVATE tour, as the best option for you.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Grand Hôtel des Alpes Chamonix Mont Blanc France

See rooms

Boutique Hôtel Le Morgane Chamonix Mont Blanc France

See rooms

Hotel Mont Blanc Chamonix Mont Blanc France

See rooms

About the guide: -PeaksHunter

-PeaksHunter

4.70

(285)

Mountain Guide

Giving and receiving smiles, seeing the satisfaction on the faces of our customers, seeking opportunities for growth, stimulating authenticity in personal and group relationships, in sharing mountaineering disciplines, fears, efforts, and moments of difficulty, which are part of the integrated with experiences, essential ingredients of every summit climb: these are our focus, our beliefs, and our most important results, as outdoor Professionals and as people who love the mountains and their work as Alpine Guides!

Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides is a team of IFMGA-certified Mountain Professionals and outdoor activities experts, based in the town of Aosta, not far from Courmayeur-Chamonix, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.

We live and work in the beautiful Aosta Valley region, very close to French and Swiss borders near to Geneva, Milan, and Turin international airports.

Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Pyramide Vincent and Regina Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Lyskamm, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits you can climb with us: most of our team of Guides were born and grew up close to these mountains and they have explored the ascent routes several times during different seasons, with skis or crampons!

- We love our work: we plan all our trips with great commitment and deep respect for the Alpine environment, for its inhabitants, and its territories. Including local traditions in different valleys and Alpine areas.

- We love Mountain, Nature, and Outdoor activities, that we like to share with people from all around the world. We are enthusiastic to meet like-minded adventurers and share new experiences and memorable emotions with the support of our Mountain Guides.

- Safety and Risk Management are essential for us, as elements of fundamental importance during every single trip we plan and carry out with our customers: for this reason, we offer introductory courses to the different alpine disciplines (Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Ski mountaineering, Freeride, Rescue Crevasse, and Avalanche) to convey awareness and responsibility to our customers.

- We offer solid Experience, with several years organizing outdoor disciplines around mountain and wild areas, in many different countries of Italy and Europe, for individuals or groups, including 7-day customer support for booking, logistics, and personal assistance for planning and reservations.

- As certified Mountain Guides, we offer training courses, to improve technical skills and to learn basic knowledge about mountaineering in the Alps, which is essential to explore and climb the Mountains safely in any situation or conditions.

- We are happy to provide customized programs for every customer's demand: our Experience is synonymous with Professionalism and Customer Care to guarantee unforgettable emotions and beautiful smiles!

Fulfill your dreams, discover breathtaking views or simply enjoy an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will carry out your trip as you desire to live it!

Let’s plan your next mountain project together!

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IFMGA

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What people are saying about -PeaksHunter

Cameron

5.00

Gabriele was a fantastic guide, knew the area well and found so much powder. Thanks so much

Martin

5.00

Hello Basically I am satisfied with the whole organization, because in the end everything worked as expected, whereby the guide had a big part in the success! Unfortunately, the information regarding equipment was unclear in advance and sometimes varied, which didn't make it any easier for a beginner like me. In general, the flow of information was rather slow, but towards the end it was sufficient and quick. In general, I would recommend that you revise the list of necessary equipment! Above all, it should be clear what the guest has to bring (with a distinction between "must" and "recommended"), what is provided by the organizer and what could be rented if necessary. Of course, this is not easy to accomplish, as the necessary equipment also depends on the conditions. Best wishes and continued success with the organization of ski trips! Martin

Alex

5.00

Great service. Above and beyond expectations. Abigail went the extra mile to make my trip happen, after hours and at very short notice. It would not have been possible without her. Highly recommended.

olivier

2.00

Hi, good service from explore share and peaks hunter, only some miscommunication on 2 or 3 days program, due to bad communication between you both. The guide was OK, friendly although non very experienced in the practice of pédagogie and communication, especially before couloir des Goûter s, there can be better briefing on security and also in general on the whole expedition. But he can grow by learning some coaching lessons. We did not do the final ascension due to bad weather, a proposal and financial compensation for 2nd attempt would have been welcome.6/10.can do better.

5.00

We just remember now the breathing, the view and the joy we had in Gran Paradiso accompanied by our guides Silvia and Elis. This kind of memory makes us smile and look for the next adventure. Silvia and Elis were attentive, kind and professionally fully prepared to help us reach a great experience of discovery and safety. For sure the moment would not be the same without our guides. We feel grateful and lucky to have their support and company. Elis, Silvia, thanks for taking us beyond.