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.