Chamonix to Zermatt Hike
10 Days Starting in Chamonix valley, France and ending in Zermatt, Switzerland
Visiting: Le Tour, Champex, Bourg Saint Pierre, Val de Bagnes, Col de Praz Fleuri, Les Haudères, Grimentz, Grüben, Zermatt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CTZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Chamonix to Zermatt, trekking through the breathtaking alpine scenery of France and Switzerland. This challenging journey takes you along historic routes, offering stunning views of iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche. Starting in the Chamonix Valley, you'll traverse high mountain paths, cross the Fenetre d’Arpette, and walk through the picturesque Entremont Valley. Enjoy the rustic charm of mountain refuges and gîtes, savor regional culinary specialties, and experience the camaraderie of fellow trekkers. With expert mountain guides and convenient luggage transfers, this trek promises an exhilarating and immersive alpine experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet Guide And Group In Le Tour And Walk To Switzerland (6Hrs /+814M, -900M)
Location: Le Tour
Accommodation Name: village of Trient
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Leaving from the village of Le Tour we take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.
(+814m/2670ft, -900m/2953ft)
Day 2 : Cross The Fenetre D’Arpette And Continue To Champex (7Hrs/+1400M, -1000M)
Location: Champex
Accommodation Name: lodge in Champex
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There are two alternative routes between Trient and Champex. The first is the Bovine path which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m), with beautiful views. The other is the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite challenging. Our aim is to always take this trail except in bad weather. It is not as well defined as the Bovine route but, as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. The descent to Champex is steep, though you'll have the opportunity to have a hot shower at the lodge. The decision on which path will be taken is always at the discretion of the guide.
(+1300m/4264ft, -1000m/3280ft or +900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)
Day 3 : Short Transfer To Bourg St Pierre And Walk Through Entremont Valley (5-6Hrs /+800M)
Location: Bourg Saint Pierre
Accommodation Name: Cabane des Mille
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we have a short bus transfer to Bourg Saint Pierre in the Entremont valley. We then walk along a wonderful panoramic trail with views over the whole Mont Blanc range and Dents du Midi to reach the Cabane des Mille.
Note: this morning, pack your overnight requirements for the next 3 nights into your day pack. This includes your sleep sheet, night wear, toiletries and a change of clothes.
(+800m/2625ft).
Day 4 : Continue Trek To Cabane De Louvie (7Hrs /+600M, -700M)
Location: Val de Bagnes
Accommodation Name: mountain hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trek today takes us across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where we can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day there are views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight we will stay overnight in a mountain hut.
Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including clothing for day 5 and toiletries, as the luggage transfer is not possible today.
(+600m/1968ft, -700m/2297ft)
Day 5 : Louvie To Col De Praz Fleuri (6-7Hrs /+910M, -525M)
Location: Col de Praz Fleuri
Accommodation Name: refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning start as it's a big day trekking across three alpine passes. We may encounter ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. A steep descent leads to the Grand Desert, a moraine-strewn area of dry glacier. We will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9730ft, then continue on a final steep climb to our refuge.
(+910m/2985ft, -525m/1722ft)
Day 6 : Praz Fleuri To Les Haudères (6-7Hrs /+714M, -1327M)
Location: Les Haudères
Accommodation Name: Gite in Les Hauderes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will walk up the banks of the Dixence River and over the Riedmatten pass. We may get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and on to Les Hauderes, where we will stay in a Gite and can have a well deserved shower!
(+714m/2343ft, -1327m/4353ft)
Day 7 : Les Haudères To Grimentz Via The Torrent Pass (2919M) (5-6Hrs /+858M, -841M)
Location: Grimentz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter day as we walk through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m/9575ft). We continue through the Moiry Valley and to the Sorrebois pass (2800m/9185ft) and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000+m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m).
(+858m/2815ft, -841m/2759ft)
Day 8 : Cross The Meidpass (2790M) To Grüben (6-7Hrs /+1090M, -972M)
Location: Grüben
Accommodation Name: hotel in Gruben
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's route takes us across the Anniviers valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. We leave the valley through the Meidpass, before descending to the village of Grüben in the Turtmantal, a narrow valley inhabited only in summer and where German is the main language. Our accommodation tonight is a hotel in the village.
(+1090m/3576ft, -972m/3189ft)
Day 9 : Grüben To Zermatt Valley (7Hrs /+1075M, -990M)
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation Name: hotel in Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m/9495ft), enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. We will continue through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. We will either catch a bus or a train into the lively resort town of Zermatt, where we stay overnight in a hotel.
(1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft)
Day 10 : Trek With Views Of The Matterhorn (4Hrs/+443M, -443M), Trip Ends Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our last walk is along a trail facing the Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn with a superb panorama of the 4000m peak Monte Rosa (4634m). The Matterhorn is steeped in a history of human dramas. The first attempt to reach the summit was made in 1857, with the first successful attempt made by Edward Whymer in 1865. After a few hours walking we will return to Tasch /Zermatt where our tour will end early afternoon.
(+443m/1453ft, -443m/1453ft)
Note: This morning you have the option to ascend a technically straight forward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions. Please register your interest when booking. Price between €110 - €420 per person depending on number of participants, subject to change and paid locally.
What's Included
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
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Accommodation
9 nights mountain refuges/ gîtes in dormitory style accommodation. Dorms will usually accommodate between 8 and 20 people, with separate mattresses. Alternatively, you can upgrade to 4 nights dorm, 5 nights double room - supplement applies.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 4 & 5 - you need to carry your overnight gear from day 3 to day 6) – 15kg limit.
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Mountain Guide
Experienced mountain guide.
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Internal Transfers
Internal transfers between walks by minibus.
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Emergency Hotline
Emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Storage of Luggage
Storage of luggage.
Note: limited availability, on request: transfer your 'main' luggage (not needed for the trek, also max 15kg) Chamonix-Zermatt - fee applies, must be booked and pre-paid - please ask your consultant.
Otherwise, you will need to store it. -
Transfers Not Included
Transfers not noted as included.
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Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Bus or Train to Zermatt
Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature.
Accommodation
9 nights mountain refuges/gîtes in dormitory style accommodation. Accommodation is on a full board basis starting from lunch on day 1 and finishing at lunch on day 10. The mountain huts have mixed sex dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms but no showers. The gîtes are simple rural retreats with mixed sex rooms and shared bathrooms with showers. Hotels will also be in dorm rooms with shared facilities. Option to upgrade to double rooms on 5 out of 9 nights.
Grading
This trip is graded challenging (5) and includes daily hikes of 4 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only with a good walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and make the trip more challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance hiking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this hike.
Mode of Transport
Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 4 & 5 - you need to carry your overnight gear from day 3 to day 6) – 15kg limit. Internal transfers between walks by minibus. Travel to and from the trail head. Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 9 nights of accommodation in mountain refuges and gîtes in dormitory-style rooms. These dorms usually accommodate between 8 and 20 people with separate mattresses. There is an option to upgrade to double rooms on 5 out of the 9 nights. The mountain huts have shared bathrooms but no showers, while the gîtes have shared bathrooms with showers.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, usually consisting of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic-style, and dinner consists of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the trek?
Luggage transfer by minibus is provided, except on days 4 and 5. You will need to carry your overnight gear from day 3 to day 6. There is a 15kg limit for the luggage transfer.
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What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
This tour is graded as challenging and includes daily walks of 4 to 8 hours with an average daily ascent of 1100m. It is suitable for experienced walkers with a good walking pace. Participants should have a good level of fitness and be regular in aerobic sports. Good quality walking boots with ankle support are required.
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What happens if the weather is bad during the trek?
The decision on which path to take, especially on challenging routes like the Fenêtre d'Arpette, is at the discretion of the guide and depends on the weather conditions. The guide will choose the safest route to ensure the group's safety.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are travel insurance, drinks, storage of luggage, transfers not noted as included, transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage, bus or train from the trail into Zermatt (approximately EUR10 per person), and items of a personal nature.
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What should I pack for the overnight stays during the trek?
You should pack your overnight requirements for the next 3 nights into your day pack, including your sleep sheet, nightwear, toiletries, and a change of clothes. This is especially important for days 4 and 5 when luggage transfer is not available.
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Is there an option to climb a 4000m peak during the tour?
Yes, on the last day, you have the option to ascend a technically straightforward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide at an additional cost, which includes crampons and harness. The price ranges between €110 - €420 per person, depending on the number of participants, and is subject to change. Please register your interest when booking.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.