Haute Route Ski Traverse
A world classic tour with all the amenities
The Haute Route is a classic ski tour through the heart of the Western Alps and some of its most stunning scenery. First completed in 1860, this high-level mountain traverse covers more than 75 miles / 121 kilometesr of alpine terrain, crosses 12 different glacier systems, and connects the two major mountain centers — Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland.
This route is perhaps the most famous ski tour in the world. There are few places in the world where skiers can travel unencumbered in the heart of the mountains, over high cols, hidden valleys, and immense glaciers. The huts allow us to enjoy the skiing as only traveling light can. You’ll witness an amazing mixture of cultures while staying in these huts as you socialize with ski mountaineers from around the world who are also taking on the challenge of the Haute Route.
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Trip Perks
You’ll savor the delights of the Alps from the comforts of the charming French and Swiss alpine hut system, which offers warm beds, fully catered meals, and wine. Just to be up in the mountains with such comforts might be enough for some, but you’ll also enjoy 4,000 – 8,000-foot / 1219 – 2438-meter descents while crossing high mountain passes, taking in incredible views of Mont Blanc and the world famous Matterhorn. You may even take in a bite of Swiss cheese and a glass of wine at the end of this incredible ski journey.
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Description
The Haute Route is a tour for skiers with advanced skills who are able to ski in variable snow conditions. Skiers should be able to ski “off piste” in all types of ungroomed snow. Also, for our climbs skiers should be able to execute uphill kick-turns without difficulty. This is a challenging tour which requires skiers to be in excellent shape not just for the downhill skiing but also for the uphill sections. A basic knowledge of general mountaineering techniques is helpful but not necessary. Any specialized mountaineering techniques required for this tour can be learned from Mountain Madness Guides during the first couple days of the trip. We will meet in Chamonix on the afternoon or evening before the tour begins to answer questions, begin packing, and finalize other logistics.
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Price
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Haute Route Ski Traverse
$3,150 – 8 Days / In country
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Price Includes
- IFMGA/UIAGM certified guide
- 4 – 5 nights in alpine huts
- Breakfast and dinner in huts
- Cable car and bus fees
- Group climbing gear
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Train to/from Chamonix and Zermatt
- Meals other than ones included with huts
- Hotel accommodations
- Cable car & bus fees
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Additional charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Mountain Madness
- Guide/Staff gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Dates In-Country / Custom Dates Also Available 2023
- Mar 23, 2023 — Mar 30, 2023
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
We advise you to fly into Geneva, Switzerland. Plan your arrival in Chamonix on the evening of Day 0 or the morning on Day 2. From Geneva book private transfer to Chamonix. Transfers from the Geneva airport to Chamonix should be booked in advance. You can see a list of transfer companies here. Your return flight should depart Geneva late afternoon/evening on day 10. Included in the cost of your trip are hut breakfasts and dinners.
Haute Route Ski Traverse Day by Day
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Day 0
Hotel, Chamonix
Check in to your hotel and get organized for tomorrow’s departure. There will be a meeting with your guides at 3 pm to go over equipment and logistics. Chamonix is a beautiful, quaint French town with many great shops and restaurants.
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Day 1
Chamonix — Vallée Blanche Ski Descent
Meet in the morning at the Aiguille du Midi Tram and discuss the route plan for the day. Ride the tram to the top of the epicenter of alpinism and ski mountaineering in Chamonix. After exiting the tram tunnel, prepare to have your mind blown by the scale and fast access to impressive glaciated ski terrain. The day will be spent with a ski of the Vallee Blanche where we have the opportunity to practice skills on glacier. Hotel night in Chamonix.
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Day 2
Trient Hut
Today we get an early start and ride the tram at the Grand Montet and cross the Argentiere Glacier to reach the Col du Chardonnet. With a steep descent (likely belayed) on the Swiss side, we cross the Fenetre de Saleina then continue to the Trient Hut (10,370ft., 3170m). 7 – 8 hours
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Day 3
Val D’Arpette
Cross Col des Ecandies (9,145 ft., 2796m) and descend to the Val d’Arpette to the quaint village of Champex, situated by a pristine alpine lake. We will take a short break from the alpine environment and have a van transfer to Verbier (45 minutes). In Verbier we will use the lift system and a descent to reach the Mont Fort Hut. We can drop extra gear at the hut and ski some of the exceptional terrain the Verbier area has to offer, or relax in the hut in preparation for the days ahead. 4 – 5 hours to hut
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Day 4
Prafleuri Hut
Today we climb over the Col de la Chaux and the Col de Momin, where we enter the Grand Desert glacier. The group will continue to the summit of Rosablanche, and have a 700m descent to the Praflueri Hut. If time and energy allows, there are excellent afternoon ski tour options with light packs from the hut. 4 – 5 hours
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Day 5
Dix Hut
Today we ascend over Col des Roux and start a descending traverse above Lac des Dix. From the lake, we ascend to the Tete Noir where the Dix Hut is located. 4 – 5 hours
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Day 6
Vignettes Hut or Nacmuli Hut
Traverse high above the village of Arolla (Pigne d’ Arolla) to the Vignettes Hut (10,340ft., 3160m). The Vignettes Hut offers an incredible position on an exposed rock point surrounded by glacier. From the hut, there is beautiful view back down the glacier and out to the mountains we will traverse through the next day. 5 – 6 hours
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Day 7
Zermatt
Today we will descend slightly before climbing the Col de‘Eveque (11,095ft., 3392m). A 500m descent brings us to the Haute Glacier de Arolla. After crossing this glacier, we ascend to the Col du Mt. Brulé (10,510ft., 3213m) and onto to the Col du Valpaline. After enjoying the 2400m descent down the Stockji glacier under the North Face of the Matterhorn and into Zermatt, our adventure comes to a close. 8 – 9 hours
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Day 8
Departure
Return to Chamonix or depart for home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Haute Route Ski Traverse
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Carrying Gear
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Ski Pack (35-45L)
35 to 45 liter capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight. Ideally a ski specific pack with avalanche tool pocket
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Sleeping Gear
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Sleeping bag liner
Blankets and pads provide by the huts
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Climbing Gear
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Locking carabiners (3)
Three large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (3)
3 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Black Diamond Whippet pole (optional)
nice to have on steep snow
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Splitboard/Ski specific crampons
for all ski mountaineering trips
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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30’ of perlon accessory cord (6mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
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Skis
with alpine touring or telemark bindings
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Split snowboard
backcountry touring specific snowboard
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Collapsible Ski Poles
adjustable ski poles with powder (big) baskets
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Climbing skins
with Glop Stopper skin wax
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Shovel
small collapsible style
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Avalanche Beacon
beacon needs to be on 457 frequency
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Avalance Probe
no ski pole probes!
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Snow study kit (optional)
optional except the Level 2 course
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Snow saw (optional)
optional but recommended
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Hands
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Light weight work gloves
lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work
Examples:
Black Diamond Transition Glove
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Heavyweight shell glove
Gore-tex or equivalent (trips before July)
Examples:
Black Diamond Enforcer Glove
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Feet
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Thick socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Alpine touring ski or snowboard boots
lightweight
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is recommended and ideal
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Hand sanitizer
enough to last trip length
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Water purification (NW)
Purifies drinking water while on the climb
Examples:
Steri Pen, water filter, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Nylon stuff sacks
for food and gear storage, large ziplocs are useful
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Large plastic bags
heavy duty trash compactor bags recommended
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Voile Ski Straps (2)
multi functional for repair or emergency
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Soap, shampoo, towel (optional)
for use at campground showers when on itinerary
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Haute Route Ski Traverse
$3,150
8 Days / In country
Route
Haute Route
Difficulty
Advanced
Previous experience required. Call for details. 800−328−5925
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