Traverse the Alps on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour
The Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 is one of the most spectacular and remarkable Alpine adventures, linking two of Europe’s great mountaineering capitals along one incredibly scenic journey.
From the impressive Mont Blanc to the iconic Matterhorn, this route allows you to discover a breathtaking portion of the Alps that is home to more than 40 peaks above 4,000 metres (13,125 ft). Along the tour you will encounter green mountain pastures, visit typical alpine villages, and traverse high mountain passes, all in the vicinity of frigid glaciers and the highest Alpine peaks in the background.
So what are you waiting for?! Book your spot on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 and prepare to be blown away by the incredible mountain scenery of the Alps!
You can also check out our Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 2 Itinerary!
Highlights of the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
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Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Le Tour
After arriving in Le Tour, you will meet at 9am for a departure briefing and to load your personal belongings, which will follow you during your trip.
Afterward, you will begin hiking towards the Col de Balme at 2,195 m (7,200 ft), where you will cross the border into Switzerland. From there, you will follow a little-used alpine route to the village of Trient, where you will spend your first night in a very comfortable inn.
Overnight Location: Inn in Trient
Distance: 6h, 850m elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Trek to the Highest Point on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Today you will climb the famous Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m / 8,740 ft), the highest point on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Here, you will experience stunning views that include the Trient Glacier in the background.
You will then head back down to the Val d'Arpette where you will spend the night in an inn.
Overnight Location: Inn in Val d’Arpette
Distance: 7h, 1450m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Ascent of Col de Lâne
Day 3 of the tour will begin with an early morning transfer, before setting off on an ascent of the Col de Lâne (3,030 m / 9,940 ft) from Bourg St Pierre. Here you will pass through the wild landscape beneath the Petit Combin. The rest of the day will be spent in this superb high-altitude cirque until you arrive at the Cabane Brunet.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 8h, 1600m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Corbassière Glacier and Grand Combin
Today you will set off for the Corbassière Glacier, which you will climb via the moraine leading to the Panossière refuge beneath the famous Grand Combin. From there, you will pass through the Col des Otanes at 2,870 m (9,415 ft) before heading down to the Lac de Mauvoisin.
Overnight Location: Inn near Lac de Mauvoisin
Distance: 6h, 1000m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Views of the Massif des Combins
This morning you will cross the Val de Bagnes, making your way towards the Cabane de Louvie and the nearby lake via several mountain passes that include the Col de la Tête du Sarshlau at 2,622 m (8,600 ft) and the Col du Bec de l’Aigle at 2,567 m (8,420 ft). You will be able to enjoy some magnificent alpine views all day over the Massif des Combins.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 1250m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek to Cabane de Prafleuri
Today you will set off through the Alpine wilderness, climbing up to the Col de Louvie at 2,921 m (9,585 ft) and the Col de Prafleuri at 2,987 m (9,800 ft), before walking back down at the end of the day to the Cabane de Prafleuri. You will spend the night in the mountain refuge.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 900m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Arrival in Arolla
The final day of the tour will be a magnificent one filled with mountain pastures scattered with wild flowers amidst the rocky, glacial landscape. You will hike via the Col des Roux at 2,804 m (9,200 ft) to reach the Lac des Dix, which you will walk along before hiking up one last mountain pass to eventually arrive in the Arolla Valley at the end of the day. Here, you will either make your individual departure or continue on stage 2 of the journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 7h, 1000m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 Price and Dates
This tour can be run either as a private tour for your group only (with or without a guide), or a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group. In some cases, self-guided tours can be requested as well.
Prices below are per person.
Private Guided Tour
- Guided group of 4+: from $1,625 USD per person
Join a Scheduled Group Tour
Please note that the dates and prices below are on request:
Accommodation on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
This tour is based in refuges and inns. Please note that in some cases you can upgrade to double rooms with an extra supplement (please contact us for the pricing).
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single Rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights take place in mountain huts, gites and/or inns, and you will be sharing rooms/dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Inns in Trient and Val d’Arpette
The first two nights along the tour will be spent in charming inns that can be found in the village of Trient on night 1 and Val d’Arpette on night 2.
Mountain Refuge
Spend the night in a mountain refuge surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Inn near Lac de Mauvoisin
Another night at an inn near Lac de Mauvoisin, where you will enjoy a comfortable stay in a beautiful setting.
Refuges near Zermatt
The final two nights of the tour will be spent in mountain refuges as you continue to traverse the ruggedly beautiful terrain of the alps.
What’s Included in the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners are included in the guided tour. Self-guided tour includes 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners in accommodations along the route.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodation before and after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, as indicated in the itinerary. Transportation to and from the start/end of the tour are not included.
Also Included
- Supervision by a qualified mountain leader
- Picnics at lunchtime (guided tour only)
- Luggage transfer on the evenings of days 3, 5, and 6
- Transfers as indicated in the programme
Not included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Food/drink not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal hiking and travel equipment
- Transportation before/after the tour
- Any private transfers or cable cars not included in the programme.
- Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”.
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Private transfer to hotel from airport
- Upgrade to full board (for self-guided travellers)
- Upgrade to double rooms (where possible)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
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