+44 (0) 20 8133 4810

facebook1
twitter
Self-guided Walker's Haute Route trek from Chamonix to Arolla
ATlogoTrekSkiClimb

Walker's Haute Route West, Chamonix to Arolla, Self-guided 2024

The Western part of the Walker's Haute Route with 5 days independent walking starting in Chamonix and finishing in Arolla

The Western part of the Classic Walker's Haute Route is a great start for those wishing to tackle the Haute Route, but who may not have the time to complete the full tour in one holiday, or who prefer to break this challenging trek into two smaller parts. It follows the exact route of the Classic tour from Chamonix to Arolla. This section includes hiking over the border between France and Switzerland and the remote and rugged section between Verbier and Arolla where two consecutive nights are spent in mountain huts.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chamonix
You arrive in Chamonix and check in at your hotel. At night, you're free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Chamonix at your leisure.

Day 2: From Chamonix to Trient
You take the local train to the village Argentière, where the walking begins. You ascent gently on a balcony trail above the Chamonix valley to the ski area of le Tour. Here, the trail gets steeper as you ascent through the ski area to the Balme mountain pass, which forms the border between France and Switzerland. From the Balme pass, it is a pleasant descent into Switzerland and the village Trient, where you spend the night in a bustling auberge. (B+D)

Day 3: From Trient to Champex
From Trient you have a choice of two routes. If the legs are feeling good, you can ascend the steep and rocky pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665m), which offers amazing views of the Trient Glacier. The slightly gentler option takes you over the shoulder of the Mont Blanc massif to the Bovine high mountain pastures where you enjoy spectacular views up the Rhone valley. Both routes will take you to the Swiss lake-side village Champex (1477m) where you stay in a comfortable hotel. (B+D)

Day 4: From Champex to Cabane Mont Fort
From Champex you start the day with a gentle, downhill walk, through alpine pastures and idyllic Swiss villages. From the village le Chable, you take a cable car up through the famous Verbier ski resort. From the top of the cable car, it's an easy ascend along old irrigation channels to the stunning Mont Fort hut where you watch the sun set behind the mountains before turning in. (B+D)

Day 5: From Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri
From the Mont Fort hut you have a stunning and very wild walk ahead of you, tackling no less than three mountain passes - Col de la Chaux, Col de Louvie and Col de Prafleuri. The walk takes you through very rugged alpine terrain where there is a good chance of spotting ibex. You end the day at the Prafleuri mountain hut. (B+D)

Day 6: From Cabane Prafleuri to Arolla
From the Prafleuri hut, you quickly ascend to Col des Roux and descend to the enormous Dix lake and dam. A gentle and enjoyable walk along the lake takes you to the main climb of the day. The climb follows the moraine created by the Dix glacier until you cross the snout of the glacier, where the terrain steepens and becomes bouldery as you near the pass. You cross the Riedman pass, or the Pas de Chevre via it's ladders, and commence the long descend to the village Arolla. (B+D))

Day 7: Departure day
After breakast, you check out of your hotel. This is the end of your Haute Route trip. (B)

Trip details

Grade: strenuous
Suitable for experienced, independent mountain walkers with a high level of fitness and stamina and an adventurous spirit.

Duration:
7 days holiday with 5 days walking

Accommodation:
Hotels, auberges and mountain huts.

Group size and guides:
Min 2 people. No max sizes and no guide.

Dates & prices

Dates:
Any dates between July and mid-September 2024.

Price: £ 1495 p.p.

Price based on min. 2 people joining.

Book now >>

Standard inclusions & exclusions:

Inclusions:
- Expert tour planning and organisation by Alpine Treks
- Detailed route cards
- Topographic maps, NOT photo copies
- Practical information pack
- 6 nights accommodation (3x hotel, 2x mountain hut, 1x auberges)
- Meals (6x breakfast and x 5dinners)

Exclusions:
- Travel to Chamonix and return from Arolla
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and meals not mentioned above
- Cable cars and transportation along the route

Option and Extras

Extra hiking days
Add optional hiking days such as the hike up to Cabane Mont Fort. Contact us for details.

Rest days
Trek at your own pace and take as many rest days as you prefer. Contact us for details.

Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers available. Contact us for details.

Guided Walker's Haute Route West trip
This trip is available as a guided trip. Click here for details.

Frequently asked questions about our trekking and walking holidays

Alpine Treks Limited
2 The Abbey Coach House, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LR, UK
UK company no. 06957454

Copy right Alpine Treks 2014 -

ISIA ski instructor logo
UIMLA guide logo