Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek
Get up close and personal with the French and Swiss Alps
This route is perhaps the most famous ski tour in the world. As a trekking route, however, this summer tour is an excellent introduction to the Alps and to the art and craft of mountaineering. Most people that have good fitness and enthusiasm can complete this trek and learn some of the fundamentals of mountaineering along the way. This is a way for those with little or no mountain experience to travel close to the high peaks, explore spectacular scenery, and learn valuable mountaineering skills for future adventures.
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Trip Perks
The low Summer Haute Route trek, is just that, low. On this journey you’ll be walking on glaciers, high above the valley floor with views obtainable only with the extra effort. While much more difficult than the low route, your rewards are earned on this one, but the payoff is huge.
- The delights of the Alps from the comforts of the charming alpine hut system, which offers warm beds, fully catered meals and wine.
- A variety of introductory mountaineering skills including crampon and ice axe usage and basic glacier travel.
- A crossing of six high mountain passes amid amazing scenery including Mont Blanc and the world famous Matterhorn. Maximum altitude reached is 11,460 feet.
- The charm of both the French and Swiss mountain cultures.
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Description
This is a classic 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 over 75 miles of alpine terrain, crosses over 12 different glacier systems, and connects the two major centers of alpinism — Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland. Not to be confused with the “low” summer Haute Route, which travels on trails, our route involves trails and easy glacier travel and allows you to get up close and personal with the magnificent peaks of the Alps!
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Price
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Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek
from $4,600 – 8 Days / In country
- 1:1 - $6,240 per person
- 2:1 - $4,600 per person
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Price Includes
- UIAGM/AMGA certified Mountain Madness guides
- Group climbing gear
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Train to/from Chamonix and Zermatt
- Meals
- Hotel and hut 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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Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek 2022
- Jul 4, 2022 — Jul 11, 2022
- Aug 15, 2022 — Aug 22, 2022
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Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek 2023
- Jul 3, 2023 — Jul 10, 2023
- Aug 14, 2023 — Aug 21, 2023
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
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
Unlike most Mountain Madness international trip itineraries, which include travel time to and from your destination, our Alps schedules begin on the first day of service in country. You are expected to be in Chamonix program, the evening before you meet your guide.
You will need to stay at a hotel or hostel of your choice during the trip and need to make these arrangements through your travel agent or on your own. Mountain Madness will reserve huts for your climb, but you will be responsible to pay for them upon arrival to the hut.
Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek Day by Day
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Day 0
Chamonix
Check-in to the hotel of your choice and get organized for tomorrow’s departure. Chamonix is a beautiful, quaint French town with Mt. Blanc rising above. The resort ski town offers many nice shops and restaurants and is a great place to start this adventure and get rested from your travels.
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Day 1
Chamonix / Albert Premier Hut
Elevation: 9,065 ft / 2484 m
Meet in Chamonix. Discuss route plan and review equipment. Ride the cable car to Charamillon-Col de Balme lift and hike to the Albert Premier hut where we have the opportunity for practicing skills on glacier.
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Day 2
Albert Premier Hut
Elevation: 8,865 ft / 2702 m
We spend the day on the glacier practicing more movement and rope handling skills in preparation for the rest of the traverse.
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Day 3
D’Orny Hut
Elevation: 9,222 ft / 2811 m
Today we cross glaciated terrain to reach the Col du Tour. There will be an opportunity to try for the summit of the Aiguille du Tour. We then continue to the hut.
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Day 4
Grand Combin / Chanrion Hut
Elevation Grand Combin: 14,115 ft / 4314 m
Elevation Chanrion Hut: 8,050 ft / 2462 m
Descend to the Val d’Arpette to the quaint village of Champex situated by a pristine alpine lake. We will hike under the Grand Combin to cross the Val des Bagnes to reach the Chanrion Hut.
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Day 5
Vignettes Hut
Elevation: 10,340 ft / 3160 m
Descend from the hut southeast to the foot of the Otemma Gorge. Once on the glacier, we head up and over the Col de Chermontane to the Vignettes Hut. From the hut there is beautiful view back down the glacier with snow-covered mountains in the distance.
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Day 6
Col d’’Eveque / Bertol Hut
Elevation Col d’Eveque: 11,095 ft / 3392 m
Elevation Bertol Hut: 9,750 ft / 2980 m
Today we will descend slightly before climbing over the Col d‘Eveque. We descend and cross the Glacier to reach the Bertol Hut. The hut is situated in a brilliant alpine setting overlooking magnificent rock spires and the glacier.
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Day 7
Schonbiel Hut
Elevation: 8,810 ft / 2694 m
Cross Col De Tete Blanche and climb to the summit. Head down the Stockji Glacier to the Stockji and head to the Schönbiel Hut and enjoy the sunset on the Matterhorn.
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Day 8
Zermatt
Elevation: 14,700 ft / 4480 m
We descend through alpine meadows to the German style village of Zermatt. We will have the opportunity to photograph the world famous Matterhorn. Tonight we will enjoy our final night together in Zermatt.
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 Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Summit pack (40-50L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume between 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40-50 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Mutant 38, Black Diamond Speed 40
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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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 (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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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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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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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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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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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Fleece gloves
Lightweight gloves to use while trekking and hanging around camp
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Climbing gloves
A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Feet
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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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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three 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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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Leather mountaineering boots
Mediumweight and crampon compatible
Examples:
Scarpa Charmoz
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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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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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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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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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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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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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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water bottles with insulators
Two one-liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN tablets make treated water taste better
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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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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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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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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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Summer Haute Route Glacier Trek
from $4,600
8 Days / In country
- 1:1 - $6,240 per person
- 2:1 - $4,600 per person
Elevation
8,810 ft / 2694 m to 14,700 ft / 4480 m
Route
Haute Route
Difficulty
Advanced
Similar to level four, but there may be four difficult days in a row over passes and could have elevation gains of more than 3,000 feet / 915 meters. Given multiple difficult days on this level of trek endurance is key and preparation should be more rigorous.
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