Self-Guided Classic Haute Route Trek

What you get on this adventure:

• • 12-day self-guided Haute Route hiking adventure (10 hiking days)
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (9 nights – based on double occupancy in twin/double rooms)
    • Mountain hut (2 nights)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Walker’s Haute Route guide book
  • Swiss Maps 1:50,000
  • Chamonix map 1:25,000
  • Detailed notes with expert tips – this will be as a printed booklet and also as an app for your phone or tablet
  • Expert office support

What’s not included:

• • Flights and airport transfers — for this, we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
  • Luggage transfers (available for an additional fee)
  • Lunches, 2 dinners, personal drinks and snacks
  • Bus, train, and cable car rides during the adventure
  • Travel insurance — compulsory (covering medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter evacuation, and cancellation)

While ths self-guided Haute Route hiking tour does not necessitate any technical skills, it is highly advisable for participants to possess a considerable level of fitness and prior experience in engaging in multi-day hikes on mountain trails. The trek entails challenging aspects, including ascents exceeding 4,000 feet on certain days and an average daily hiking distance of 10 to 15 miles, spanning approximately 7 hours of continuous trekking, over the course of 10 consecutive days. Moreover, it is essential to be mindful of the potentially adverse effects of changing weather conditions, which can add to the difficulty of the hike.

For those opting not to arrange a daily luggage transfer, the trek will be notably more demanding due to the need to carry a large trekking backpack throughout the journey. However, regular breaks will be available, affording participants the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking views and rejuvenate themselves. There will sometimes also be an option to shorten your hiking and take a gondola.

It is important to be aware that some sections of the trail are more exposed, making the tour unsuitable for individuals with a severe fear of heights. We suggest you adopt a training regiment in the weeks leading up to the trip, with long daily hikes in hilly terrain, as well as activities like jogging, swimming, playing squash, or circuit training. By adequately preparing both physically and mentally for this adventure, hikers can fully enjoy the challenges and rewards that this remarkable trek has to offer.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring for the self-guided Haute Route trekking trip:

• • Trekking backpack (+70L capacity) — if not arranging a luggage transfer
  • Trekking backpack large enough to fit all the items you may need during three days (around a 40L capacity) — if arranging a daily luggage transfer
  • Daypack large enough to fit all the items you may need during one day (around 25L capacity) —if arranging a daily luggage transfer
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots with good ankle support
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Base layers (top and bottom)
  • Mid layer—usually a fleece
  • Hiking pants (shorts as well if you want)
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Prepare appropriate clothing for various weather conditions to ensure comfort during your trip to the Alps. While the summer weather in the region is generally stable, anticipate occasional cooler and rainy days. It’s important to note that temperatures fluctuate significantly based on the elevation, so dressing in layers is advised.

Regarding your backpack, even if you have arranged for daily luggage transfers, it is advisable to bring both a larger backpack and a daypack. During a 3-day section of the trip, you will be staying in mountain huts, which necessitates having a larger backpack to accommodate your essential belongings. In case you have not arranged for luggage transfers, or have only arranged for a transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt, you will need a spacious trekking backpack that can hold all your necessities for the entire 10-day trek.

While the price of this self-guided Haute Route hiking tour does not include luggage transfers, they can be readily arranged for an additional fee. During the booking process, you’ll be presented with two options for luggage transfers. You may opt for a single transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt or daily transfers, (which include all nights except for the two which are spent at the mountain huts). Alternatively, you can choose to carry all your gear, clothing, and personal items in one large trekking backpack—a suitable choice for those seeking a trekking experience with less assistance.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this private adventure, the number of participants depends on the desires of the client.
  • It usually takes at least 2 people for this tour to operate.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows, but luggage transfers (if booked) may cost less if more people join.

Hiking the Haute Route 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 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 10 weeks (70 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

• • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to seventy (70) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, only the Client’s deposit will be forfeited.
  • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to seventy (70) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the trip.
  • For cancellations thirty or less days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  • Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. You’ll be given the location of your accommodation in Chamonix once the trip is confirmed.

Your Haute Route self-guided adventure will finish in a different location—Zermatt. There are many bus and train lines connecting the town to Geneva, which is 3.5 hours away.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France and Switzerland please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affair travel information on France and Switzerland.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!