Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt (Expert Guide)

Distance: 9 km
Change in elevation: 214m
Hiking time: 2hrs

This first stage is a prelude of what’s to come over the next two weeks. The walk to Argentière is an easy hike that stays in the valley.

Distance: 12 km
Change in elevation:  953m+, 925m-
Hiking time: 5hrs

By crossing the Col de Balme – the first col of the trek – you’ll cross the border of Switzerland, leaving the Mont Blanc massif behind you.

Distance: 14 km
Change in elevation: 1386m+, 1199m-
Hiking time: 7hrs

A section only to be done in decent weather conditions, since the terrain is hard as you get close to the Trient glacier.

Distance: 13 km
Change in elevation: 104m+, 749m-
Hiking time: 4hrs

This stage is shorter than the previous one and gives you a chance to catch your breath since you’re descending most of the time.

Distance: 9 km
Change in elevation: 1336m +
Hiking time: 6hrs

The hardest section so far as you will ascend from the valley to the first mountain hut. Make sure you get an early start as there is a lot of altitude to be gained. You will be rewarded with the first views of the impressive Grand Combin.

Distance: 14 km
Change in elevation: 885+, 740m-
Hiking time: 6hrs

This is the first section of the route where you won’t ascend to the valley. This time you stay at high altitude, crossing three cols, making it a hard day once again before reaching Cabane de Prafleuri.

Distance: 16 km
Change in elevation: 735m+, 1353m-
Hiking time: 6hrs

After having spend two days at higher altitude, this walk ends at Arolla, where a hotel or nice warm meal may be a great reward after two stages in remote areas. But not before you have completed another strenuous stage. Fortunately, some great views will be the highlight of your day.

Distance: 10 km
Change in elevation: 215m+, 554m-
Hiking time: 4hrs

The stage from Arolla to La Sage is an easy one. Some hikers tend to combine it with stage 9, but we recommend you enjoy the easy stroll instead of hurrying.

Distance: 10 km
Change in elevation: 1617m+, 459m-
Hiking time: 5hrs

You will be hiking towards Col du Tsaté and reach a whole new world. Cabane de Moiry is one of the most beautiful huts in the Swiss Alps. The view on the nearby glacier is one you never get tired off. Even if you don’t spend the night here, make sure to the hike up and have a rest up there.

Distance: 14 km
Change in elevation: 462m+, 1612m-
Hiking time: 5hrs

After having descended to Barrage de Moiry, you will need to gain another col, col de Sorebois. If it’s a bit too much after ten days of hiking, there is the option to descend with the cable car to the valley of Zinal as well.

Distance: 14 km
Change in elevation: 1199m+, 1052m-
Hiking time: 6hrs

The next valley is the first German-speaking one of this trip. The Turtmanntal is only occupied in summer and it’s easy to see why. The only ways in, are the ones you will be crossing.

Distance: 16 km
Change in elevation: 1072m+, 1767m-
Hiking time: 7hrs

This stage is one of the finest of them all. There are so many features that capture one’s attention. It also is the last col to be gained of this trekking, with scenic views on the most impressive 4000 meter peaks, including the Dom. The Matterhorn does not feature in these views… yet.

Distance: 18 km
Change in elevation: 1131m+, 570m-
Hiking time: 8hrs

The Europaweg is an alternative route for the traditional valley walk to Zermatt, since it’s more scenic. It adds two extra days to your itinerary, but it is as scenic as it is demanding. This is not just a trekking route, but a mountaineering route prone to have some rockfall and difficult terrain.

Distance: 18 km
Change in elevation: 348m+, 962m-
Hiking time: 7hrs

This is the stage that has changed over the years. Reason is the suspension bridges collapsed due to the unstable character of the route. Nowadays there is the longest suspension bridge in the world you’ll need to cross to end your walk in Zermatt. This route gives you the best views on the goal you’ve been waiting to see: the Matterhorn.

Guided trekking tours can be quite expensive since not only do you pay for the guiding service, but you eat and spend most nights in hotels or mountain huts.

A cheaper option could be to do the trekking with a tent. However, this would mean you carry a lot more weight in your  backpack.

Self guide the trek would cost around $1,500-$1,800 (approx. $120 a day). Joining an organised tour will set you back over $2,500. 

No permits are required to the Walker Haute Route trek.

The best time to tackle this high-level trek from Chamonix to Zermatt depends by the amount and timing of the previous winter’s snowfall and the onset of cold weather in the autumn.

Since this route crosses high passes and remote terrain, snow could create problems or dangerous hiking conditions. Therefore in a normal year it is not advisable to set out before early July.

In the summer months, July and August, the trail is busiest, temperatures can rise to 25 degrees, but thunderstorms are possible as well. By the end of September, huts will close and it might get a lot harder to complete the trek.

No, you won’t cross passes higher than 3000 meter and since you’re hiking slowly to this altitude, you have more than sufficient time to acclimatize.

Even so, it is important to have a solid understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises to high altitude. We recommend you read our detailed article on Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation.

Hiking the Walker's Haute Route comes with great rewards. Rewards that will be more easily gathered when physically fit and mentally tuned.

There are many steep and uphill sections to conquer altitude meters, so taking regular exercise at home is necessary to get in shape for the physical demands of this route. Mental fitness is as important and often go hand in hand.

To do a serious trek like the Haute Route, appropriate clothing and equipment is a must.

Some comfortable lightweight trekking boots are a must to enjoy this trek, while good waterproofs might be essential, not only to protect you against rain or snowfall but to double as windproofs. Since you’ll be crossing passes of nearly 3000 meter, gloves and several layers may prove usefull. Telescopic trekking poles are a good way not to overload your knees and ankles.

To help you plan and prepare for your trek we recommend reading our gear section.

Trekking insurance is important when going into the mountains. See our article on insurance for more information.