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Chamonix – Zermatt: the other route
An Azimut Montagne certified guide proposes here a novel version of the classic Chamonix-Zermatt route. 7 amazing days in the heart of the Alps!
Description
When the ski raid season arrives, the mythical traverse between Chamonix and Zermatt is always there. I propose to you a special version of this touring. During this time, we will enjoy above all great ski and the calm of the high mountain. I designed this special route for you to enjoy!
Rather than taking the classic tour, I will take you to beautiful easy couloirs, virgin slopes and uncrowded refuges.
This is the ideal version of the traverse for skiers looking for sensations and authenticity.
During the whole tour, we will privilege the descents. I will guide you through great and varied ski terrain.
Needless to say, the panoramas are breathtaking: between the glaciers and summits, it’s a feast for the eyes!
We will sleep in refuges, including the mythical Grand Saint Bernard.
Does this 7-day tour sound interesting? Then please contact me and let’s start planning. Keep in mind that besides the indicated departures, we can set new dates!
If you are interested, you can also check out this 4-day ski tour in Chamonix!
Accommodation Unguarded refuge on day 1, guarded refuges the rest of the trip. |
Disclaimer This is an example of ski touring in the Valais massif. The weather and snow conditions, as well as the level of the participants, may make me modify the program or the order of the itinerary. IMPORTANT: if you are joining a group, please be aware that I need a minimum of participants to guarantee the departure. You’ll be notified the latest 21 days before the starting date in case I need to cancel because of a lack of participants. Your money will then be transferred back. This trip is organized by “AZIMUT” - Atout France IM005120010 |
More info Group size: 5 to 8 people. If the program is changed, extra transportation is not included in the price. Level: you need to have good ski touring and all snow ski experience. We may have to go through glacial terrain. I recommend you to have cancellation insurance. Search and repatriation insurance is mandatory. I propose you to hire insurance through Europ Assistance upon booking the trip with me. Equipment: skis with ski touring fixations, seal skins, knives, poles, ski boots, 35-40L backpack (ideally freeride, with airbag if possible), AVD, shovel, probe. I can loan you the safety equipment (AVD, shovel, probe). If you don't have the necessary equipment, you can rent it with me! Skis (with poles, skins and knifes) €155, boots €65, ski pack (skis, poles, skins, boots) €200, helmet €20, airbag €105, harness €35, crampons €35, ice axe 35, full pack €305. |
Meeting point At the Grands Montets cablecar. |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Albert refuge
Departure from the Bochard cablecar to Col des Montets. Descent of the Argentière glacier, then ascent to the Chardonnet pass to reach the unguarded Albert refuge.
D +14400/-1300m
Day 2: Fouly
Leaving for the Planereuse pass (3030 m). Descent on the glacier and ascent to the Crête Sèche pass (3024 m), to cross to the Essettes pass (3110 m). A long descent takes us to the Fouly village.
A beautiful mountain stage in wild and alpine corners. A small couloir ascending the Crête Sèche pass and a descent to the magnificent A Neuve refuge. The 1700 m of descent over Fouly are amazing. The village is charming and very Swiss…
D +800/-1800m
Day 3: Grand Saint Bernard
Ascent to the base of Val Ferret to reach the Fenêtre lakes (2495 m) and pass (2695 m). Descent on the Italian side before going up to the Grand Saint Bernard hospice (2460 m).
Quite easy day, and the arrival to the accommodation is superb. On top of it, a very warm welcome.
D +1100/-700m
Day 4: Crête Sèche refuge
Descent of the pass on the Swiss side (2200 m), ascent through the Tcholeire pass to the Menouve south pass (2756 m). Descent to the Eternon village (1280 m). Taxi to the Bionaz village, then ascent to the charming Crête Sèche refuge (2385 m).
A mainly Italian day. The descent of Menouve is very beautiful.
D +1300/-1800m
Day 5: Cabane Chanrion
Acent to the Crête Sèche pass (2896 m). Possible ascent of the Chardonay pass (3183 m). Descent of the north face until the foot of the Ottemma glacier. Short ascent to the Cabane Chanrion (2460 m).
Wild and calm day, with beautiful views over the Valais massif.
D +800/-800m,
Day 6: Pigne d'Arolla - Cabane Vignettes
Ascent of the Pigne d’Arolla (3790 m) by the Serpentine glacier. Descent to the Cabane Vignettes (3160 m). Pigne d’Arolla is a superb belvedere over the entire Valais.
D +1300/-650m
Day 7: Zermatt
Descent to the Charmontane pass (3024 m). Ascent to the Evèque pass (3370 m). Descent to the high Arolla glacier, then ascent to the Mt Brulé pass (3213 m). Traverse to the Valpeline pass (3554 m) by the Tsa de Tsan glacier, to start the long and beautiful descent to Zermatt (1690 m), at the foot of the north face of Matterhorn.
D +1000/-2000m
About the guide
We enjoy very much discovering and re discovering the most beautiful spots in the world, in the Ecrins mountain range but also all around the planet.
Together with the guides in the team, we will share with you unique moments and an amazing journey. From les Ecrins to Chile, from Morocco to Greenland, from Les Gorges du Verdon to Japan, from Italy to Norway… tons of destinations offering all types of mountain activities, different every season. It makes us so happy when I can share them with my friends and clients.
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
Prices per person
Group of 1 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 2 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 3 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 4 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 5 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 6 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 7 | EUR 1521 each |
Group of 8 | EUR 1521 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
• Guiding fee
• Accommodation
• Transport during the trip
• Mountain guide's expenses (lifts, meals, accommodation, etc)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price details
• The price does not include the guide´s expenses (accommodation, meals, lift tickets, etc).
What people are saying about Azimut Montagne
Lilana Esteves
5.00
March 2020
Sietske Hoving
4.00
January 2020
We really enjoyed the trip. As well the group, the skiing as the guide. A good hotel with enough facilities and very guest friendly. Thank you for your service and organization
Jason Baynes
5.00
September 2019
What an incredible experience. Everything went superbly , the guides, organization and the team did a spectacular job.
Herbert Navarro
1.00
September 2019
I was disappointed. I was slower than the rest of the group reaching Tete Rousse, and the guide discouraged me from going to Gouter. I had a slight ankle sprain the day before which slowed my ascent. I recovered 95% the day after. My complaint: when I decided to go for a second guided attempt, at a slower pace, I received no help in securing a guide, or a reservation at Gouter. The online reservation showed fully booked both for Rousse and Gouter. But I know that there were lots of empty bunks at Rousse, and I suspect the same at Gouter. I received sympathy, but only as a formality. Initially I had sought a single dedicated guide, but I was encouraged to join a group. I did not get a choice.I should have known better, I knew my pace would be a bit slower, but I counted on your support and understanding. I got neither. I was on my own with no help.
Edward de Haan
4.00
August 2019
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Kim Deferspiel
2.00
August 2019
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Ryan Beck
5.00
July 2019
Trip was excellent but explore share needs to provide more information, the only reason I knew what was going on is that I was with Azimut on another trip.
Ildiko Knudson
5.00
July 2019
I climbed with Marco. He is a very experienced mountain guide with a huge knowledge. I felt safe the whole time. A lot of laughs during the trip. Thank you explore-share.
5.00
June 2019
Our guide was Christopher Garrigues
Jérémie Crmr
5.00
April 2019
Le boss et toute l\'équipe sont des grands passionnés, et ça se sent
Radu Oprea
5.00
September 2018
Great experience with very knowledgeable and friendly guides. Great atmosphere.
Yasutaka
4.00
August 2018
I joined this trip 30 Jul - 2 Aug with my friend from Japan. This was third try of mountaineering in foreign countries . The weather was not good, but we were able to stand on the summit. It was amazing experience for us because we have wanted to climb European mountains for a long time. We appreciate our guide and support staffs. Thank you!
Anna Rozzorenova-Helle
5.00
August 2018
My trip was great and the guides were the best!!!
Tom Godtfredsen
5.00
July 2018
More challenging than I thought I would be. Happy to get up; happy to get down. All 3 guides were great. Showed confidence, and took very good care of us :)
Kohei Nishimura
4.00
July 2018
The traveller did not leave a comment.
yaron lavy
5.00
July 2018
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Ketil Wermskog
4.00
June 2018
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Kei Hidaka
5.00
September 2017
It was the first time to climb the mountain in foreign country for me. However As I don\'t like the such a tour which includes all like flight, accomodation etc. That\'s why I chose the Explore-share. I enjoyed much this tour thanks to friendly and nice guide and also other participants, though we couldn\'t climb Mont Blanc because of bad weather condition. Finally this tour was well organized with skilled guides. I hope for next chance to climb Mont Blanc.
Cedric Ferrero
5.00
August 2017
Quand on a affaire à des personnes passionnées et professionnelles, le résultat s\'en ressent! Continuez à partager la montagne!!
Anna
5.00
April 2017
My experience was better than I could have imagined. I didn\'t have to worry about anything other than showing up in Oulx with my ski boots! Simon, our guide, was excellent, totally competent, and easy-going. We spent time in the best ski areas in beautiful, small French towns. Our accommodations and food were also top notch. I\'d highly recommend Azimut.
Gicquel Jérôme
5.00
October 2014
Merci à l\'équipe et surtout notre super guide JB qui nous a supporté jusqu au sommet
Merci beaucoup à Manu et Antoine, nos deux guides, pour cette excellente semaine. Ils ont été aux petits soins et très professionnels: s\'assurant que chacun était en sécurité et profitait le plus possible de son séjour, de la montagne et de la bonne neige ;). L\'hébergement, à l\'hôtel Les Agneaux était aussi fantastique: nourriture faite maison, locale, chambres très confortables et propriétaire encore une fois aux petits soins. C\'était top!