Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt
Hiking route between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland
The Haute Route, (also known as The High Route or Mountaineers' Route) is the route undertaken on foot or by ski touring between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland.
Typically the walking route follows the following route:
- Le Tour village, France
- Albert Premier hut
- Cabane du Trient or Orny hut
- Champex town, Switzerland
- Valsorey hut or Chanrion hut
- Vignettes hut
- Arolla village, Switzerland
- Bertol hut
- Schonbiel hut
- Zermatt town, Switzerland
Walking the route can take up to 12 days whereas in the winter the route is often taken by ski-tourers who can complete the Haute Route in less than seven days.
It is highly recommended to complete the Haute Route with a mountain guide in winter or an IML (international mountain leader) in summer as parts of the route cross glacial terrain.
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What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentiรจre
The Plan Joran tรฉlรฉcabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.ย
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Maison de Barberine museum
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam. ย
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La Flรฉgรจre, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flรฉgรจre and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flรฉgรจre (winter only)
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flรฉgรจre is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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L'Adret de la Flรฉgรจre Restaurant
Their restaurant located in the Flรฉgรจre ski area has been completely renovated for this winter.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley onย foot.
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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment โ and youโve got the recipe for a great afternoon. Join these outings exclusively for groups of women, led by local mountain climber, tour guide and photographer Teresa Kaufman.
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Guided off-piste Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Tandem Paragliding
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.