Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5 days trekking along the larger part of the Haute Route Glacier Trek Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts (mixed dormitories with up to 20 people) Breakfasts and dinners at the huts Daily picnics for the duration of the tour (except on Day 1) Transfer from Martigny to the Mauvoisin dam Not included: Transportation to Martigny Personal glacier trekking equipment Accommodations before and after the tour (in Martigny and Zermatt) Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Repatriation and search & rescue insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout Travel insurance — highly recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To embark on the guided Haute Route Glacier Trek, it’s crucial to be in peak physical condition . The trek encompasses an average of 6 to 7 hours of daily walking for 5 days, with significant elevation gains and losses and elevations often exceeding 9,800 ft (3,000 m) over 5 days. You should expect steep and sometimes exposed trails, often on glacial terrain. Participants should anticipate carrying a daypack weighing around 11 lbs (5 kg), adding an extra layer of challenge to the journey. Expect to gain up to 4,593 ft (1,400 m) within a day. This adventure is recommended for people with extensive hiking experience and with experience of multi-day treks . However, even though this trip includes crossing glaciers, no mountaineering experience is required. In preparation, it’s advisable to engage in regular hiking and endurance training to build stamina and leg strength. Cardio workouts and uphill hiking can be particularly beneficial. Rest assured, you won’t be on this adventure alone. A seasoned guide will be by your side every step of the way . They will provide motivation, teach essential skills related to crampons and ice axes, ensure your safety, and adapt the route as needed, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions or if the challenge becomes too strenuous for the group. If you’re looking for something less challenging, check out this guided Walker’s Haute Route Trek .

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the technical equipment you need to bring: Light mountaineering boots or sturdy, waterproof hiking boots covering your ankles Backpack (35-45 L) with a fitted rain cover Collapsible ski poles Ice axe for glacier travel (50-75 cm) Crampons with anti-snowballing plates Harness for glacier travel One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Here’s a list of clothes you need to bring: Wind and waterproof shell jacket with a hood (Gore-Tex or similar) Wind and waterproof over-pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or similar) Mountaineering pants Medium-weight jacket Medium-weight fleece sweater Moisture-wicking top and bottom underwear Moisture-wicking hiking T-shirt and shorts Moisture-wicking sports bra — if applicable Gloves (one pair lightweight and one pair heavier weight and waterproof) Trekking socks (2-3 pairs) Gaiters Hat for covering your ears Wide-brimmed sun hat Bandana or neck gaiter Here’s the list of items you will need during your stays at mountain huts : Sleeping bag liner Regular underwear and socks Sandals (crocs or similar) Toiletries (keep to a bare minimum) Ear plugs Here’s the list of other Items we recommend you bring: Sunglasses with UV protection Sunscreen and SPF lip protection Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes Feminine hygiene supplies — if applicable Bug spray Two water bottles (1L capacity) Headlamp with a new battery Personal first aid kit and other needs (e.g., blister kit, prescription medicine, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.) Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry Camera Adapter for European charging system You will get a chance to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to the adventure. Additionally, you will go through a gear check before the tour starts. Since the trek takes place at high elevations and in challenging terrain, it is necessary to be prepared for different weather scenarios and to have appropriate technical equipment.

Can I rent equipment?

All the technical equipment like mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, and ice axe can be rented with the help of your guiding service. They usually rent from the Sanglard Sports gear shop and they can arrange a discount. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: This is a private tour —just you and your people. It takes a minimum of 4 participants f or this tour to operate. Due to wanting to avoid groups who do not match in skill or fitness level, your guides believe it’s best to have private groups only for this trip. The maximum client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. Hiking the Haute Route Glacier Trek can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Haute Route glacier trek. You’ll spend 4 nights in mountain huts which feature shared, dormitory-style lodging.

Getting there and meeting location

Your tour starts in Martigny, Switzerland. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport . Once there, you can take a train ride to Martigny. You will meet your Haute Route guide and fellow hiker in Martigny in the morning on Day 1. We suggest you arrive the day before, to give yourself a chance to recuperate before the trek.

Safety measures and insurance

Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

5-Day Guided Adventure Along the Haute Route Glacier Trek.

HAUTE ROUTE | SWITZERLAND

Beyond Regular Hiking: Haute Route Glacier Trek

5 days | Challenging | 5.00

From $2,083 ()

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Let’s venture beyond your typical Alpine hikes with the epic Haute Route Glacier Trek! Unlike the popular glacier-free Walker’s Haute Route, this trek goes off the beaten path—literally. Our 5-day adventure includes multiple glacier crossings, with iconic Alpine giants like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn as backdrop. Starting in Martigny and ending in Zermatt, it’s no leisurely stroll, but here’s the best part: no technical skills are required! Plus, we’ll be getting our rest in cozy, authentic huts at incredible altitudes. If you’re up for a proper trekking challenge and a genuine taste of the Alps, grab your backpack and let’s hit the trails and glaciers!

Adventure Highlights

The Alps at their Best: The Haute Route Glacier Trek covers numerous glaciers and showcases the highest Alpine peaks.
Irresistible Hut Charm: We’ll be staying in charming mountain huts, immersed in authentic Alpine living.
Hiking x Mountaineering: The high-altitude trek offers the thrill of mountaineering with no technical skills needed.

Duration

5 days

Season

July through August

Group size

Up to 6 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Get ready to embark on an incredible 5-day journey, venturing through the heart of the Alps along the larger section of the Haute Route Glacier Trek. Your experienced local guide will lead the way, ensuring your safety and sharing their in-depth knowledge of the area. As we hike from Martigny to Zermatt, we'll experience some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Nights are spent in cozy mountain huts, providing all the meals and the perfect alpine atmosphere.

Day 1: Martigny to Cabane de Chanrion

Mauvoisin reservoir surrounded by a dam and Swiss mountains.

Our adventure begins in Martigny, where our group will do a gear check before taking a taxi to the Mauvoisin dam (5,922 ft / 1,805 m). From there, we’ll embark on a delightful hike along the lakeside, guiding you to the Chanrion hut perched at 8,077 ft (2,462 m). This initial day offers an easy start without any glacier hiking, allowing us to cover 4.9 miles (8 km) in comfort. The accommodation is cozy, and the evening meal promises to be a delightful introduction to the trip and to the squad for the next four days.

Accommodation: Chanrion hut
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: +2,198 ft (+670 m)

Day 2: Charion Hut to Vignettes Hut

Two trekkers on an exposed, steep section of the Haute Route Glacier Trek, Switzerland.

After breakfast, we’ll depart from the hut, starting our ascent of the Brenay glacier towards the summit of the Pigne d’Arolla, which reaches 12,434 ft (3,790 m). It’s the first day of “glacier hiking,” since our group will traverse the Otemma glacier on our way to the Vignettes hut, majestically perched at 10,367 ft (3,160 m) above Arolla. You’ll be in awe of the glacier landscapes surrounding you. The ascent of Pigne d’Arolla is optional, to be decided with your guide. As the day concludes, rest assured that a hearty dinner awaits. Spend some quality time with your guide and fellow trekkers before retreating to your bed.

Accommodation: Vignettes hut
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Elevation: +4,593 ft (+1,400 m) / -2,067 ft (-630 m)

Day 3: Vignettes Hut to Bertol Hut

A high-altitude cabane, mountain hut, in the Swiss Alps, perched atop a massive rock formation.

Wake up, enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready for adventure! The day kicks off with a short descent that leads us to the Mont Collon Glacier. From there, our group will ascend this glacier, arriving at the Col de l’Evêque (11,122 ft / 3,392 m). Descending from the col, we’ll venture down the Haut Glacier d’Arolla to the Plan de Bertol (8,366 ft / 2,550 m). Here, we start the ascent to the Bertol hut, situated at 10,207 ft (3,111 m). This rustic yet charming hut is uniquely positioned atop a rocky outcropping, and we’ll have to climb some ladders to reach it. A cozy mountain refuge and a delicious dinner will make for a memorable night.

Accommodation: Bertol hut
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Elevation: +3,116 ft (+950 m) / -3,445 ft (-1,050 m)

Day 4: Bertol Hut to Schönbiel Hut

Zmutt valley and glacier surrounded by glaciated peaks, a sublime landscape in the Swiss Alps.

We’ll begin our day by descending the ladders that we climbed the day before. Today’s journey takes us across the wide plateau of the Mont Miné glacier, which leads us to the highest point of the adventure, Tête Blanche (12,174 ft / 3,710 m). From this vantage point, we’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views, including the majestic Dent Blanche and the iconic Matterhorn, along with many other stunning peaks in the Valais region. Descending from Tête Blanche, we’ll traverse the Stocki Glacier, eventually reaching the Zmutt Glacier. From there, we’ll hike up to the comfortable Schönbiel hut, where we’ll spend the night with the magnificent north face of the Matterhorn as our backdrop.

Accommodation: Schönbiel hut
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, and dinner
Elevation: +1,529 ft (+465 m) / -3,609 ft (-1,100 m)

Day 5: Schönbiel Hut to Zermatt

The town of Zermatt, below Matterhorn, the ending point of the Haute Route.

Our final day will be a picturesque walk through the heart of Swiss mountain pastures, as we make our way to Zermatt. During the descent, we’ll enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the north face of the Matterhorn, a sight that will stay with you long after the journey ends. We’ll arrive in Zermatt by midday, marking the conclusion of our unforgettable hiking expedition. Celebrate your achievements with your guide and fellow hikers before saying goodbye both to them and to the Alps—or continuing touring on your own!

Meals: Breakfast and picnic
Elevation: -5,925 ft (-1,806 m)

Photo gallery

A mountain hut at the foot of a glaciated peak in the Swiss Alps.

Two trekkers traversing steep glaciated terrain during the Haute Route Glacier Trek.

View of Val de Bagnes, an Alpine valley in Switzerland.

Swiss village of Arolla with traditional wooden houses, situated at the floor of a narrow Alpine valley.

Lodging

Mountain huts

During the tour, we’ll stay at mountain huts—Cabane de Chanrion, Cabane des Vignettes, Cabane de Bertol, and Schönbiel Hut. These huts offer dormitory-style accommodations with shared facilities, providing a unique opportunity to experience the Alpine culture and environment. On top of that, you can expect sublime panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys from each hut.

Meals typically include half-board accommodations, featuring breakfast and dinner. Breakfast options consist of a hearty Alpine meal with bread, cheese, cold cuts, yogurt, and hot beverages. Dinner options include Alpine cuisine, such as soups, stews, pasta dishes, and desserts. Most huts provide a fixed menu, and specific dietary requirements can be accommodated if participants inform their guides in advance. Picnics are also included during the adventure, which will consist of food bought at the huts.

Huts may offer a selection of beverages, including water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks like beer and wine, available for purchase separately. Some huts also provide potable water for refilling personal water bottles. The meal options and services offered at the huts may vary, so it’s recommended to leave a note for the guide while booking to ensure your dietary requirements are met and to know what to expect regarding meals and drinks during your journey.

Adventure, packed to go

Beyond Regular Hiking: Haute Route Glacier Trek

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Yann

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Yann is a Chamonix-based mountain guide, boasting over 20 years of experience guiding mountaineering and skiing in the Mont Blanc area, the Alps, the Himalayas, and beyond. He is the co-founder and the “driving force” behind his own outdoor adventure company, mixing the wisdom and experience of an “old guide” with boundless enthusiasm and creativity.

5.00

Sebastien

Sebastien is a ski instructor and trekking guide who followed in the footsteps of his father, a mountain guide in Chamonix. He spends winters on skis and summers trekking in the Alps. Apart from Chamonix, his favorite places are the Dolomites, Gran Paradiso, and the Pyrenees. For him, guiding is not just a profession but a way of life. Hiking provides him with an opportunity to reflect, observe, and immerse himself in the natural environment. Through hiking, we nurture our bodies and minds, focusing on ourselves and our surroundings.

5.00

Marta

After her first contact with the mountains in the Pyrenees, Marta fell in love with the environment and became a hiking guide. While she was traveling the world with her partner, they ended up choosing Chamonix in France as their base — defining it as the best place she ever experienced. Marta leads groups throughout the year, equally enjoying summer and winter, with a particular preference for leading all women groups.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (1 review)

Suresh R.

|July 2024

Beautiful trek

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5 days trekking along the larger part of the Haute Route Glacier Trek
  - Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts (mixed dormitories with up to 20 people)
  - Breakfasts and dinners at the huts
  - Daily picnics for the duration of the tour (except on Day 1)
  - Transfer from Martigny to the Mauvoisin dam
Not included:
- - Transportation to Martigny
  - Personal glacier trekking equipment
  - Accommodations before and after the tour (in Martigny and Zermatt)
  - Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Repatriation and search & rescue insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout
  - Travel insurance — highly recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To embark on the guided Haute Route Glacier Trek, it’s crucial to be in peak physical condition. The trek encompasses an average of 6 to 7 hours of daily walking for 5 days, with significant elevation gains and losses and elevations often exceeding 9,800 ft (3,000 m) over 5 days. You should expect steep and sometimes exposed trails, often on glacial terrain. Participants should anticipate carrying a daypack weighing around 11 lbs (5 kg), adding an extra layer of challenge to the journey. Expect to gain up to 4,593 ft (1,400 m) within a day.

This adventure is recommended for people with extensive hiking experience and with experience of multi-day treks. However, even though this trip includes crossing glaciers, no mountaineering experience is required. In preparation, it’s advisable to engage in regular hiking and endurance training to build stamina and leg strength. Cardio workouts and uphill hiking can be particularly beneficial.

Rest assured, you won’t be on this adventure alone. A seasoned guide will be by your side every step of the way. They will provide motivation, teach essential skills related to crampons and ice axes, ensure your safety, and adapt the route as needed, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions or if the challenge becomes too strenuous for the group.

If you’re looking for something less challenging, check out this guided Walker’s Haute Route Trek.
Here’s a list of the technical equipment you need to bring:
- - Light mountaineering boots or sturdy, waterproof hiking boots covering your ankles
  - Backpack (35-45 L) with a fitted rain cover
  - Collapsible ski poles
  - Ice axe for glacier travel (50-75 cm)
  - Crampons with anti-snowballing plates
  - Harness for glacier travel
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
Here’s a list of clothes you need to bring:
- - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with a hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
  - Wind and waterproof over-pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or similar)
  - Mountaineering pants
  - Medium-weight jacket
  - Medium-weight fleece sweater
  - Moisture-wicking top and bottom underwear
  - Moisture-wicking hiking T-shirt and shorts
  - Moisture-wicking sports bra — if applicable
  - Gloves (one pair lightweight and one pair heavier weight and waterproof)
  - Trekking socks (2-3 pairs)
  - Gaiters
  - Hat for covering your ears
  - Wide-brimmed sun hat
  - Bandana or neck gaiter
Here’s the list of items you will need during your stays at mountain huts:
- - Sleeping bag liner
  - Regular underwear and socks
  - Sandals (crocs or similar)
  - Toiletries (keep to a bare minimum)
  - Ear plugs
Here’s the list of other Items we recommend you bring:
- - Sunglasses with UV protection
  - Sunscreen and SPF lip protection
  - Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes
  - Feminine hygiene supplies — if applicable
  - Bug spray
  - Two water bottles (1L capacity)
  - Headlamp with a new battery
  - Personal first aid kit and other needs (e.g., blister kit, prescription medicine, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
  - Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry
  - Camera
  - Adapter for European charging system
You will get a chance to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to the adventure. Additionally, you will go through a gear check before the tour starts. Since the trek takes place at high elevations and in challenging terrain, it is necessary to be prepared for different weather scenarios and to have appropriate technical equipment.
All the technical equipment like mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, and ice axe can be rented with the help of your guiding service. They usually rent from the Sanglard Sports gear shop and they can arrange a discount. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
- - This is a private tour—just you and your people. It takes a minimum of 4 participants for this tour to operate. Due to wanting to avoid groups who do not match in skill or fitness level, your guides believe it’s best to have private groups only for this trip.
  - The maximum client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
Hiking the Haute Route Glacier Trek can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Haute Route glacier trek. You’ll spend 4 nights in mountain huts which feature shared, dormitory-style lodging.
Your tour starts in Martigny, Switzerland. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport. Once there, you can take a train ride to Martigny.

You will meet your Haute Route guide and fellow hiker in Martigny in the morning on Day 1. We suggest you arrive the day before, to give yourself a chance to recuperate before the trek.
Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
A 35% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 90 days prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. . If you cancel the booking…
- - More than 60 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 5% of the total trip price will apply.
  - 60-45 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 15% of the total trip price will apply.
  - 44-30 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 30% of the total trip price will apply.
  - 29-15 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 75% of the total trip price will apply.
  - Within 14 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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