You’ve heard of the ski traverse, you might even know someone who hiked it. But for my money, biking the Haute Route is the peak experience.
The Haute route is a 253-km ride packed with jaw-dropping Alpine trails, cozy chalets, and Swiss fondue nights. Dreaming of shredding with Mont Blanc as your backdrop? I’ve got all the tips you need to make this adventure unforgettable. Let’s dive in.
How I Learned To Stop Worrying & Love the Alps
I moved to Switzerland from Catalonia 11 years ago, chasing mountains and a bit of French, and I never left. These peaks hooked me.
In 2017, I biked solo across South America, and that sparked the idea for my own company. Now, I’m stoked to share the first-ever e-MTB traverse of the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Why the Haute Route? An Alpine Ride Like No Other
The Haute Route from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, is the stuff of legends. Hikers and skiers have tackled it for years, but we’re the first to do it on bikes.
It’s 253 km of pure singletrack bliss, crossing eight valleys with over 10,000 meters of climbing and 11,000 meters of downhill. This trip is for anyone who loves big views, thrilling trails, and a taste of Alpine culture. Let me tell you why it’s a must-do.
The perfect playground
Picture this: you’re pedaling through lush valleys, with glaciers sparkling above and 4,000-meter peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn stealing your breath.
The Haute Route takes you through some of the Alps’ most stunning landscapes: green meadows, rocky ridges, and forests that feel alive. Every day’s a new view, from Chamonix’s bustling alpine vibe to Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn square.
It’s a front-row seat to nature’s masterpiece.
Why E-Bikes make it special
I’ll be honest. When we started my company five years ago, I wasn’t sold on e-bikes.
But after one day of riding, I was hooked.
E-bikes make uphills fun, not a slog. You can cover 35–50 km a day, explore more trails, and still have energy to chat with your group while climbing. With modes like Eco for the fit folks and Boost for when you’re feeling tired, everyone can ride together, no matter their fitness level.
It’s a game-changer; more trails, more views, more fun. That’s why we chose e-MTBs for this adventure.
Biking the Haute Route: Beyond the Beaten Path
This isn’t your typical Haute Route. We didn’t follow the hiking or skiing paths.
Instead, we scouted every trail from Chamonix to Zermatt to create a custom e-MTB route that’s all about flowy, fun singletracks. Over seven days, you’ll ride through France and Switzerland, soak in Alpine culture, and make friends along the way. Here’s what the journey looks like.
Day-by-Day highlights
We kick off in Chamonix, the capital of alpinism, with Mont Blanc looming behind you.
Day 1 is about getting comfy with your e-bike. We do a fitting in the morning, then hit playful singletracks with epic views. After lunch, we cross into Switzerland and sleep in a cozy Swiss chalet in a wild valley.
Day 2 takes us through Verbier, a ski resort with killer trails, ending at a forest chalet with a terrace view.
Day 3’s a highlight: you’ll climb a narrow alpine ridge at 2,900 meters, with views so stunning you’ll stop every 20 meters for photos. Don’t worry if ridges freak you out; we’ve got a Plan B to pedal around.
Day 4’s a big climb, 1,300 meters to the trip’s highest pass, but the e-bike’s walk mode helps if you need to push.
By Day 7, we roll into Zermatt, celebrating with a fondue feast and Matterhorn selfies. Every day’s a mix of adventure and chill vibes.
Beyond the trails: Culture and gastronomy
This trip is about more than just riding. It’s about LIVING the Alps.
Inspired by my solo biking in South America, I wanted to mix trails with culture. You’ll stay in mountain villages like La Sage, where Laurent, the cook, serves up mouthwatering local dishes, and Laetitia, the hotel boss, makes you feel at home.
We’ll share fondue, sip local wines, and laugh over post-ride stories in hot tubs or cozy hotel living rooms. It’s about the people, the food, and the Alpine traditions as much as it is about the trails.
Preparing for Biking the Haute Route
The Haute Route’s no walk in the park. However, with the right prep, it’s doable for anyone with some biking experience. Here’s what you need to know to get ready.
Technical and physical demands
You’ll need at least two years of mountain biking experience. You’ll need to know how to handle switchbacks, narrow trails, and some steep descents.
The trails range from flowy to technical, with tight switchbacks on Day 3 and beyond. You don’t need to nail every Alpine turn, but practice switchbacks before you come. It’ll boost your confidence.
Physically, expect 1,500-2,300 meters of elevation gain daily. E-bikes make climbs easier, but you’ll still need decent endurance and balance. Some sections, like the 2,900-meter pass, might require 10–15 minutes of pushing, but the walk mode helps your bike climb with you.
My tip? Train on local trails, and you’ll be ready to shred.
Acclimatization and altitude
We ride between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, so if you live at sea level, altitude can hit you hard.
I strongly suggest arriving in Chamonix 1–2 days early to acclimatize. It’s not the Himalayas, but you’ll feel the difference if you’re not used to mountains. Plus, Chamonix’s buzzing with alpine vibes; cafes, shops, and trails to explore while you settle in. It’s the perfect way to ease into the adventure.
Gear and Logistics
Don’t stress about gear or logistics. We’ll have covered. Here’s the lowdown on what to bring and how we handle the details.
E-Bikes and equipment
We provide high-end e-MTBs with dropper posts and dual 600–750Wh batteries to keep you powered all day.
Super light e-bikes? Sorry, they don’t work here. Their batteries can’t handle the distance, and we need the group to stay together. If you’re a pro rider, we can talk, but I recommend renting our bikes ($350–$600).
Bring your own helmet for comfort, plus knee/elbow pads, gloves, and layers for weather that swings from 0–25°C (32–77°F). Raincoats and sunscreen are a must. If you’re from the UK, let us know so we can set up your brakes English-style. No problem!
Packing for your Haute Route bike tour
You only need a small backpack for essentials: water, snacks, and a raincoat. We swap batteries at lunch and charge them every night, so you’re never stuck.
Bring Swiss Francs for small purchases like souvenirs or a glass of wine. Cards work in most places like Zermatt or Verbier, but cash is handy for smaller spots.
Planning Your Haute Route Bike Trip
Planning your Haute Route adventure is easy (when you’ve got an expert helping you). Here’s how to get started and what to expect.
Getting to Chamonix
Fly into Geneva Airport, just an hour from Chamonix by bus (cheapest option) or taxi.
I recommend arriving 1–2 days early to acclimatize and explore. We’ve got hotel recommendations in Chamonix. Cozy spots we love sending our clients to.
If you’re driving, our meeting point has a huge free parking lot, even big enough for a 690 cm RV. We meet in a Chamonix parking lot, where our van and trailer are ready to kick off the adventure.
Booking and Trip Options
Book through 57hours.com for our July and August trips or for private groups (minimum four people, 300 CHF surcharge) for custom dates like September.
The all-inclusive package covers guiding, accommodation, breakfast, meals, and a transfer back to Chamonix from Zermatt. Bike rentals and extra drinks (beer, wine) aren’t included, but you can add those during booking.
Safety and insurance while biking the Haute Route
Switzerland’s got your back. Our guides are trained yearly to handle emergencies, and helicopters can reach us fast if needed (like for a broken clavicle). Our logistics team can also get to you quickly.
I strongly recommend cancellation and medical insurance. Trust me, it’s a bummer to lose your trip cost if you can’t come last minute. It’s peace of mind for an adventure this big.
What to Expect on the Haute Route
This trip’s a rollercoaster of thrills, views, and good vibes. Here’s what it’s like to ride the Haute Route with us.
Biking the Haute Route: The riding experience
Each day is 35–50 km of singletracks, with 200–1,300 meters of climbing and epic descents. You’ll ride flowy trails in Verbier, tackle narrow ridges with glacier views, and shred switchbacks into forests.
We stop often for photos. Trust me, you’ll want to capture every moment. Our groups (ages 40–65, solo travelers and couples) bond fast over shared passions for biking, food, and mountains. By Day 2, you’re best friends, laughing over fondue or soaking in a hot tub.
Challenges and Support
Some trails, like the Day 3 ridge, are narrow and steep, so you’ll need to focus. If vertigo’s an issue, we’ve got Plan B routes to keep you comfortable.
Switchbacks can be tricky, but you’ll have plenty of chances to practice. If your battery runs low (rare with our 600–750Wh setup), we’ve got ropes to tow you the last kilometer.
Our guides and logistics team are there every step. We swap batteries at lunch and keep the group together. You’re here to have fun, not stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biking the Haute Route
How fit do I need to be to bike the Haute Route?
You don’t need to be a pro athlete, but you should be in decent shape with at least two years of mountain biking experience.
Expect 35–50 km daily rides with 1,500-2,300 meters of elevation gain. E-bikes make climbs easier, but you’ll need endurance for long days and balance for technical trails like switchbacks. Train on local trails, practice switchbacks, and you’ll be good to go. If you’re super fit, use Eco mode; if you’re tired, Boost mode’s got your back.
What’s the best season for biking the Haute Route?
July and August are prime time.
You’ll get green fields, warm weather (15–25°C or 59–77°F), and long days for riding. These months have the best trail conditions and vibrant landscapes.
We keep September as an option for private groups. It works for cooler temps and fewer crowds but book early to secure dates. Avoid winter. Snow makes trails unrideable, and we stick to summer for the best experience.
What do I need to bring on my Haute Route bike tour?
Pack light!
Bring a comfy helmet, knee/elbow pads, gloves, and layers for weather swings (0–25°C or 32–77°F). I recommend a raincoat, sunscreen, and warm gear. A small backpack for water, snacks, and personal items is enough.
We provide e-MTBs with dropper posts and dual 600–750Wh batteries, but you can let us know if you need UK-style brakes. Bring Swiss Francs for souvenirs or drinks; cards work in bigger spots like Zermatt.
What’s the food like along the Haute Route?
Oh, the food’s a highlight! You’ll dig into Swiss classics like creamy fondue, served hot after a day’s ride. In La Sage, Laurent, our favorite cook, whips up local dishes that’ll make your mouth water. Hearty meats, cheeses, and fresh bread.
Breakfasts are healthy and filling to fuel your climbs. Lunches are often trail-side, with views of glaciers or peaks. Pair it all with local wines or beers (not included, so bring some cash). It’s Alpine comfort food at its best!
Biking The Haute Route Is The Dream – You In?
Everyone talks about the Tour du Mont Blanc, but for me, the Haute Route is THE journey through the heart of the Alps everyone needs to experience at least once. You’ll shred stunning trails, taste Swiss fondue, and make friends in cozy chalets free from the TMB crowds.
My team is here to make it unforgettable for you. Hit me up!
