Chamonix - Zermatt Classic Haute Route

Almost certainly the most famous multi day ski tour in the world; The Chamonix-Zermatt high-level route swathes a path through the high mountains of the central Alpine chain, using high-level glaciers and mountain passes, to link the two most famous mountain towns. This course is spread over 7 days, with 6 days spent staying in mountain huts during the traverse and the first day used for a training and warm up tour near Chamonix.

The scenery is breathtaking with every day offering something completely new. The skiing is also fantastic, with most days offering some fun descent to enjoy. The plan will be to ski through Verbier, allowing us some extra flexibility and to take full advantage of the lifts there. The final day crosses 3 high cols and provides 2500m of downhill skiing to enjoy, with the descent beneath the shadow of the Matterhorn being something you will never forget.

From: April
To: April
Days:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Suggested dates: 22nd-28th April
Duration: >1 day
Duration details: 7 days
Min. guests: 1
Max. guests: 6
Group size: 6
Minimum age: 16
Activity level: Moderate
Start times: 8.30
Included services: 5 nights Half Board Accommodation in Mountain Huts. Warm and professional guiding (number of days stated on each course) Basic expenses for your guide (i.e, lunches, water) Lifts for your guide in the Chamonix valley. Trip organization, hut bookings and administration. Advice on preparation, valley accommodation and equipment. Recommendations for how to get to and from the valley easily. Help hiring equipment (a lot can be hired at a discount rate from myself).
Things to bring: AVALANCHE SAFET KIT: TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE Essential! Modern digital transceiver with spare batteries; metal shovel; probe >200cm long. BOOTS One thing you’re best not to cut corners on. Best to get them fitted by a shop with a thermo-moldable liner and good insole. A good walk mode and rubber sole are important, but soft boots won’t help your skiing. SKIS If longer tours are intended then best to go for a ski which isn’t too wide. About 90 under foot is a good all round width and slightly shorter than you might have downhill ski. BINDINGS * Fritschi style are easy to use, dynafit are lighter and can ski better. SKINS These have to be specifically cut to the size of your ski. SKI CRAMPONS These should also be specific to the size of your ski and the binding you’re using. POLES I like single piece poles, because they’re stronger, lighter and cheaper. CRAMPONS / AXE Necessary for some tours. Crampons must fit your ski boots! HARNESS This should fit over your ski boots and lighter is better. HELMET Can be useful for some touring, but heavy for longer tours. PACK Must have a way to carry your skis. 30-45l. Clothes Clothing This is all about a flexible layering system: Think light coloured, long sleeved base layers; fleece style mid layer and / or soft shell jacket; Soft-shell trousers work best, with long johns. Spare t-shirt / socks for huts. WATERPROOFS JACKET AND TROUSERS / SALOPETTES. Ventilation zips on trousers is a good idea and mean you can remove them over your boots. DUVET JACKET Should fit over other clothing, synthetic or down. WARM HAT + SUN HAT BUFF / BALACLAVA GLOVES 2 PAIRS Warm and thin for skinning. GOGGLES SUNGLASSES MINIMUM CAT 4. Bring spare if you have them. Other HEADTORCH Petzl Tikka or similar is fine. WATER BOTTLES / FLASK NOT CAMELBACK. A small bottle can be carried in a jacket pocket / on harness. SUNCREAM + LIP BALM Factor 50 PERSONAL FIRST AID + BLISTER KIT. SLEEPING BAG LINER + EAR PLUGS CAMERA IDEALLY LIGHT AND CONVENIENT
Extra services: NB. Most technical equipment can be rented, often at a reduced cost from me. Just let me know what you’re missing.
Additional information: Please contact me for more information
Language:
Italian
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Meeting point: Grand Montets
Contact me: to check availability and price, or if you want to book for a large group.
Cancellation policy: MODERATE: full refund if you cancel at least 10 days before the experience is scheduled to start, or within 24 hours of purchase.
€1,200 per person