Walker’s Haute Route

The first stage goes from Chamonix to Argentière. It starts gently with a mostly flat walk through towns and a forest. Due to it being less exciting and scenic than other stages, it could be either skipped if you’re running short on time or combined with the second stage.

The second stage takes you up and over Col de Balme, the first but not the last mountain pass of the Walker’s Haute Route. At the same time, it crosses the border from France to Switzerland and ends in the town of Trient.

The third stage might get more crowded, due to the Walker’s Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc sharing this stage. You will have to overcome one of the most challenging, steep, and rocky ascents up to Fenêtre d’Arpette. But the effort of the ascent is rewarded with fantastic views of the Trient Glacier.

From Champex Lac to Le Chable, the trail goes mostly downhill and allows you to recover and gather your energy for the next day. The next stage starts in the valley of Le Chable, where the Walker’s Haute Route takes you all the way up into the high alpine mountain ranges to Cabane du Mont Fort. The uphill section can be shortened with the cable car from Le Chable to Les Ruinettes if you need to give your knees a break.

Stage six from Cabane du Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri is more remote. It crosses several cols and you’ll experience a variety of landscapes from glacial lakes and green valleys to spectacular alpine scenery that will make you forget every effort.

The stunning landscape continues the next day on the way from Cabane de Prafleuri to the town of Arolla. Apart from one long climb, the majority of the stage leads downhill including a rare flat section along a lake.

Stage eight is the easiest and the shortest of all stages. From Arolla, it leads up and over hillsides, passing through several hamlets and around Lac Bleu. This is followed by a descent into the valley, where you can stay either in Les Haudères or a bit higher up in La Sage.

From Les Haudères or La Sage, the route continues with a challenging ascent up to Col du Tsaté. Afterward, a scenic downhill section will guide you to Lac de Moiry with views of the Moiry Glacier. You can also book an overnight stay at the Cabane de Moiry.

Stage ten climbs up and over Col de Sorebois and involves a lot of downhill walking, which can be skipped through a ride with the gondola to Zinal. The following stage from Zinal to Gruben starts in a valley and will push you up and over a mountain pass before you descend back into another valley. At this point, you will most likely meet more crows than humans.

The next day offers the first view of the Mattertal Valley, with Zermatt at the very end. Stage 13 starts in St. Niklaus. After walking through the Mattertal Valley, there is a last but exhausting uphill section through a forest to reach the Europa hut.

From Europa hut to the final destination of Zermatt, you will get to enjoy stunning views of the Matterhorn. Talk about a rewarding trek!

The best time to hike the Walker’s Haute Route is in summer, between the middle of June and the middle of September when the mountain passes are clear of snow and the refuges are open.

You’ll find that the trails will be clear in many of the sections, but the accommodations can be booked up, which means you’ll need to plan far ahead for this trek. Additionally, you’ll need to be aware of snow in the early and late seasons. If you’re hiking in June or September, be sure to check in with the hut wardens or weather forecasts to check on the possibility of lingering snowbanks.

Before the hike, research information about the route (length, altitude, difficulty, current conditions) and assess your skills realistically. The Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging hike, which requires experience in alpine terrain, surefootedness, and proper equipment.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear with a good grip, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (or the GPX on your mobile), and a first-aid kit.

For staying overnight in the refuges, bring a light sleeping bag, in addition to the provided blankets, and earplugs for a restful night. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails for more ideas.

If you walk by yourself, share your plans with somebody else for your own safety.

The weather in the high mountains can change rapidly. Always check the trail conditions and local weather forecasts, be prepared for all conditions, including rain, sun, or snow and alter your itinerary if needed.

Stay properly hydrated and nourished. Ensure you have enough water and snacks to maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you. Especially in remote sections or near livestock grazing areas, it is recommended to use a water filter or purification tablets.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, take all your trash with you, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats (keep your distance and don’t feed them).

The Walker’s Haute Route is a physically demanding hiking trail with high-altitude passes, rugged mountain terrain, and a sustained amount of ascent and descent each day. Therefore, a good level of fitness and experience in alpine conditions are required.