7-day Guided Hike from Verbier to Zermatt – Summer Haute Route

116km to link Verbier to Zermatt through the mountains, 8000m of elevation gain, 7 days, 5 valleys, 10 passes, including 7 higher than 2800m, views of all the 4000’s of the Valais… This 7-day section of the famous Haute Route, which links Chamonix to Zermatt, the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, will give you the best overview of the magnificent valleys of the canton of Valais, always with 4000’s in the background.

What’s the plan?

Day 1: Les Ruinettes – Cabane de Louvie

Departure from Le Châble by cable car to Les Ruinettes. We start with a flat path along the famous Valais bisses, then start the climb on a balcony trail with the Mont Blanc massif on our right and the Combins massif in front of us. Once we reach Col Termin, our first pass at 2648m, we start our descent to the charming Cabane de Louvie, with a breathtaking view of the Grand and Petit Combins and the Lac de Mauvoisin. Dinner and night at Cabane de Louvie.

Technical info: 11.5km, +700m, -650m, 5h walking

Day 2: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane de Prafleuri

Day of great variety, starting with stunning views of the Val de Bagnes and the Grand Combin before reaching Col Louvie at 2920m. After crossing the Grand Desert, walking along the edge of the glacier, we reach Col de Prafleuri, the second mountain pass of the day at almost 3000m. Descent to Cabane de Prafleuri for the night.

Technical info: 13km, +1000m, -800m, 7.5h walking

Day 3: Cabane de Prafleuri – Arolla

Day with some easy sections and other challenging ones. We start with a short climb to Col des Roux before descending to the trail that goes along the huge Lac des Dix reservoir, with the highest dam in the world. Great views of the Mont Blanc de Cheilon. Once we reach the end of the lake, we start going up again towards the next mountain pass, before our long descent to Arolla. Night at Hotel du Glacier in Arolla.

Technical info: 19.5km, +800m, -1300m, 7h walking

Day 4: Mayens de Cotter – Zinal

Private transfer to Mayens du Cotter above Evolène. Ascent to Col de Torrent, with stunning views of the famous Dent Blanche. From the pass we can see the Mont Blanc in the background, and many other famous 4000s like Weisshorn, Bishorn… We then hike down to Lac de Moiry, with dramatic views of the dam, the wild Val de Moiry and its sparkling glacier. After a short break by the lake, we start our second big climb of the day to Col de Sorrebois and take the cable car down to Zinal. Night at Auberge Alpina in Zinal.

Technical info: 21km, +1100m, -1500m, 7h walking

Day 5: Zinal – Gruben

Hike to Gruben via the Col de la Forcletta. Start with a beautiful balcony trail overlooking the Val d’Anniviers, then hike up to the mountain pass at 2875m. Descent to Gruben and night at Hotel Schwarzhorn.

Technical info: 20km, +1600m, -1500m, 7h walking

Day 6: Gruben – Pension Edelweiss

Last pass of the Haute Route, the Augstbordpass. Varied route through woodlands, pastures and stony wilderness which offers stunning views of high mountain peaks. We end in the village of St. Niklaus (cable car from Jungen to St Niklaus), and take a train to Zermatt. From Zermatt, one more ascent to stay at Pension Edelweiss.

Technical info: 16km, +1400m, -1100m, 7.5h walking

Day 7: Pension Edelweiss – Zermatt

Hike up to the charming Hotel Trift. From there, we walk along the Edelweis trail, which offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of Zermatt and its 4000s: North face of Matterhorn, Breithorn, Liskamm… We then hike down to the moraine of the Zmutt glacier, before going through the lovely Zmutt village. Return to Zermatt around 15:00.

Technical info: 19km, +900m, -1300m, 6.5h walking

Requirements

To join this event, you need to be a very good hiker and have trained beforehand. You have to be used to long day hikes with 1000+ meters of elevation. In addition, you have to carry your backpack with everything you need for the duration of the event.

Insurance

It is the participant’s responsibility to get health and accident insurances that cover mountain rescue, including extreme sports. Becoming a Rega patron is highly recommended (CHF 40 per year only for emergency medical assistance from the air).

Meeting point

Meeting at the cable car station in Le Chable on 30 July at 10:00.

End of the hike in Zermatt on 5 August around 15:00.

Kit list

Day Clothing Essentials

• Hiking boots
• T-shirt
• Hiking trousers or shorts
• Fleece
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over trousers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Warm hat
• Buff
• Thin gloves
• Thick gloves

Night Essentials

• Sleeping bag liner
• Lightweight towel
• Ear plugs
• Cash for drinks at the huts

Technical gear

• Hiking poles
• Hiking backpack (30-40L)
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Waterproof inner bags or bin bags
• Headlamp with spare batteries

F&B

• Water (min. 2L)
• Snacks

Pharmacy

• Sunscreen and lip protector
• Plasters and basic medicine

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 1’400.

Included in price

• 7 days of guided hiking with a mountain leader
• 6 nights of accommodation, both in hotels and mountain huts (shared rooms)
• Dinner on day 1
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner from day 2 to day 6
• Breakfast and lunch on day 7
• All transfers included in the itinerary above

Not included in price

• Transport to Le Châble on day 1 and from Zermatt on day 7
• Picnic on day 1
• Drinks & snacks

Group size

• Min. 4 participants
• Max. 9 participants

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.