Coastlines Mountain Guiding

Haute Route Ski Traverse

A seven-day ski touring traverse from Zermatt to Chamonix is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps. Traveling beneath towering 4,000-metre peaks, across expansive glaciers, and between remote alpine huts, the Haute Route combines classic ski mountaineering, rewarding descents, and the atmosphere of traditional European mountain refuges. This itinerary follows a westbound, reverse Haute Route, linking the Matterhorn region with the Mont Blanc massif. It is designed for experienced ski tourers with strong fitness, efficient uphill travel skills, and the ability to ski variable snow in glaciated alpine terrain. Seven-day itinerary Day 0 — Arrive in Zermatt Acclimatization · Equipment check · Overnight in Zermatt Arrive in Zermatt and meet for a trip briefing, equipment check, and review of glacier travel and avalanche safety procedures. Use the afternoon to explore the village or take an easy warm-up tour if conditions and timing allow. Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Zermatt (own expense) Day 1— Zermatt to Schönbiel Hut Glacier approach · Matterhorn views Leave the village behind and travel into the remote glacial terrain beneath the Matterhorn. The route follows the Zmutt Valley and surrounding glacier terrain toward Schönbiel Hut, with spectacular views of the Matterhorn and Dent d’Hérens. This first mountain day provides an introduction to the scale and commitment of the traverse. Overnight: Schönbiel Hut Day 2 — Schönbiel Hut to Bertol Hut High alpine travel · Tête Blanche region Make an early start into the high alpine terrain between Zermatt and Arolla. Depending on conditions and the selected line, the route may cross the Stockji Glacier and the Tête Blanche area before descending toward the Plans de Bertol and climbing to the spectacular Bertol Hut. The final approach to the hut is steep and exposed, often involving crampons and fixed ladders. Overnight: Bertol Hut Day 3 — Bertol Hut to Vignettes Hut Col de l’Évêque · Col Collon · Glacier descent Descend from Bertol into the Arolla glacier basin before climbing toward Col de l’Évêque and crossing the Col Collon area. A magnificent high alpine traverse leads to the Vignettes Hut, perched above the glaciers with expansive views across the Pennine Alps. Overnight: Cabane des Vignettes Day 4 — Vignettes Hut to Chanrion Hut Pigne d’Arolla · Col de la Serpentine · Otemma region Climb toward Pigne d’Arolla, a classic ski mountaineering summit with exceptional views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc massifs. Continue westward through glaciated terrain toward the Otemma basin and descend to Chanrion Hut. This is a rewarding day of high mountain travel, combining summit terrain with a remote glacier descent. Overnight: Chanrion Hut Day 5 — Chanrion Hut to Courmayeur Glacier travel · Col de la Fenêtre region · Valley transfer Travel west through the upper Otemma glacier basin and negotiate the pass toward the Italian side of the Alps. Depending on conditions and the chosen route, this stage may involve the Col de la Fenêtre and a descent toward the Aosta Valley. A pre-arranged transfer takes the group to Courmayeur for a well-earned evening in town. Overnight: Hotel in Courmayeur Day 6 — After coffee and breakfast in Italy, we will ride the lift up to Pointe Helbronner on the border of France. This provides us access to the Glacier du Géant and the granitic towers that Chamonix is so well known for. We will spend the day ski touring around here and the Aiguille du Midi, followed by a climb up to the Cosmique Hut Overnight: Cosmique Hut Day 7 — Vallée Blanche to Chamonix Aiguille du Midi · Mer de Glace · Chamonix Finish the journey with a classic descent in the Mont Blanc massif. After transferring to Chamonix and taking the Aiguille du Midi lift, descend the Vallée Blanche through an extraordinary glacial landscape surrounded by seracs, icefalls, and towering granite peaks. The descent brings the trip to a memorable conclusion in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the Alps.

Location

Blatten, Zermatt, Visp, Oberwallis, Valais/Wallis, 3920, Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera/Svizra

Duration

8 days

Group size

3–6 people

Price

CA$4,200

Meeting point

Zermatt Gondola Base, Blatten, Zermatt, Visp, Oberwallis, Valais/Wallis, 3920, Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera/Svizra

Part of

International Trips

What to bring

Skis (recommend 95mm under foot) or Split Board, Boots, Poles, Skins, Ski crampons, Boot crampons (lightweight), Harness, Locking carabiner X2, Transceiver, Probe, Shovel, Gore-Tex jacket, Puffy jacket, Mid-layers, Ski pants, Ski socks, Extra gloves, Mitts, Two water bottles (able to carry 1L to 2L of water per day), Sheet sleeping bag for the huts, Ear plugs, Lightweight shoes for the taxi transfer

Basecamp - Coast Mountain Explorer

Location

Sea-to-Sky Highway, Whistler Resort Municipality, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Duration

6 days

Group size

4–8 people

Price

CA$3,500

Meeting point

Whistler Heli port, Sea-to-Sky Highway, Whistler Resort Municipality, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Part of

Canada

What to bring

Skis (recommend 95mm under foot) or Split Board, Boots, Poles, Skins, Ski crampons, Boot crampons (lightweight), Harness, Locking carabiner X2, Transceiver, Probe, Shovel, Gore-Tex jacket, Puffy jacket, Mid-layers, Ski pants, Ski socks, Extra gloves, Mitts, Two water bottles (able to carry 1L to 2L of water per day), Sheet sleeping bag for the huts, Ear plugs, Lightweight shoes for the taxi transfer

Tantalus Traverse

Location

Area B (Halfmoon Bay), Sunshine Coast Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Duration

2 days

Group size

1–4 people

Price

CA$1,000

Meeting point

Area B (Halfmoon Bay), Area B (Halfmoon Bay), Sunshine Coast Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Part of

Canada

Climb the Cheif

Location

Climbers Parking Lot, Sea-to-Sky Highway, Northridge, Area D (Elaho/Garibaldi), Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, British Columbia, V0N 3G0, Canada

Duration

1 day

Group size

1–10 people

Price

CA$700

Meeting point

Apron Climbers Parking Lot, Climbers Parking Lot, Sea-to-Sky Highway, Northridge, Area D (Elaho/Garibaldi), Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, British Columbia, V0N 3G0, Canada

Part of

Canada

Potrero Chico Rock climbing

El Potrero Chico, Mexico Discover world-class limestone climbing in the spectacular walls of El Potrero Chico, just outside Monterrey, Mexico. This six-day guided climbing trip offers an opportunity to experience one of North America’s premier sport climbing destinations, with towering limestone cliffs, long multi-pitch routes, and a relaxed climbing culture in the heart of northern Mexico. Working with an experienced ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide, climbers will explore a variety of routes suited to their ability, developing confidence, refining movement skills, and enjoying long days on beautiful rock. From technical single-pitch climbs to adventurous multi-pitch lines high above the valley, each day is tailored to the conditions, objectives, and experience of the group. The focus is on quality climbing, efficient movement, sound decision-making, and building the skills needed to enjoy longer routes in a mountain environment. Between climbing days, take in the warm Mexican evenings, local food, and welcoming atmosphere that make Potrero Chico such a memorable destination. Whether you’re looking to push your climbing into the multi-pitch world, build confidence on longer limestone routes, or simply enjoy a week of excellent climbing with a professional guide, El Potrero Chico delivers an unforgettable combination of adventure, learning, and incredible rock. Six days of limestone, big walls, and unforgettable climbing. Day 1 — Arrival and warm-up climbing Arrive in Monterrey and transfer to Hidalgo, at the base of the canyon. Meet your guide, review equipment and objectives, and head out for an afternoon of single-pitch climbing to get familiar with the local limestone. Day 2 — Introduction to multi-pitch climbing Build confidence on a moderate multi-pitch route, developing efficient belay transitions, rope management, route-finding, and rappelling techniques. Enjoy your first experience climbing several hundred metres above the canyon floor. Day 3 — Classic multi-pitch routes Step up to a longer objective, such as Estrellita or another classic suited to the group's ability. Focus on smooth movement, sustained climbing, and efficient systems while enjoying the exposure and scale of Potrero's impressive limestone walls. Day 4 — Rest, recovery or skills development Take a flexible day to recover, enjoy some easier single-pitch climbing, or work on specific skills. Depending on the group, this could include improving clipping technique, movement efficiency, belaying, anchor transitions, and descent systems. Day 5 — The big objective Put the week's experience together on a longer multi-pitch adventure. For appropriately experienced climbers, this could mean working toward an iconic big route such as Time Wave Zero, with the final objective selected according to climbing ability, conditions, and available time. Day 6 — Final climbs and wrap-up Finish the trip with a final route chosen to suit the group's energy and ambitions. Enjoy a last day on the limestone, consolidate the week's learning, and finish with a relaxed evening in Hidalgo before departure. Route examples are indicative, not guaranteed objectives. Long routes such as Time Wave Zero require appropriate technical ability, efficient systems, and favorable conditions. What makes this trip special World-class limestone: Hundreds of routes, from single-pitch sport climbs to extensive multi-pitch adventures. Professional guiding: Personalised objectives, technical coaching, and sound decision-making throughout the trip. Skill development: Build confidence on longer routes while refining climbing movement, rope systems, and efficiency. A unique climbing atmosphere: Stay close to the canyon and enjoy the laid-back climbing community, local food, and warm Mexican climate.

Location

Boulevard Aeropuerto, Apodaca, Nuevo León, 66620, México

Duration

6 days

Group size

1–4 people

Price

CA$2,500

Meeting point

Boulevard Aeropuerto monterrey MX, Boulevard Aeropuerto, Apodaca, Nuevo León, 66620, México

Part of

International Trips