Highlights of the Haute Route with Elina Osborne

The Haute Route isn't just a hike in the Alps; it's a dream brought to life. It's the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure and the sense of achievement that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Dates: July 21- July 29, 2024

EUR 3350

A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the expedition.

(View the cancelation policy below in the section "Price and Details")

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Elina Osborne, aka Tip Tap, will be your creative guide on this journey.

Elina is a skilled storyteller, an adventure filmmaker, and a dedicated hiker. She created an award-winning series that documented her thru-hiking journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Elina Osborne is joining Vagabond Trails to explore the Haute Route. This marks her third year hiking with us in the Alps. She is deeply passionate about sharing her love for these stunning landscapes and the captivating energy that surrounds them.

The Highlights of the Haute Route is the Swiss segment of the legendary long-distance hiking trail that commences in the French Alps and culminates in Zermatt, Switzerland.

On this trip, we'll be hiking the Swiss Alps section. Along the way, you'll traverse lush meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers, hear the gentle jingle of cowbells as you pass by traditional Swiss villages, and ascend to high alpine terrain. You'll be mesmerized by crystal-clear glacial lakes, traverse rocky ridges, and bask in the beauty of snow-capped summits.

Charming mountain huts will be a cozy refuge for the night, where you'll relish Swiss cuisine and share stories with fellow hikers.

The route ends in Zermatt, with the iconic Matterhorn presiding above the quaint village. It's a triumphant moment, the culmination of your remarkable journey.

This adventure is curated for hikers seeking an authentic long-distance trek that challenges them both physically and mentally.

We promise you that this will be a fantastic adventure in the heart of Swiss The Alps. Read what some of our guests say!

Is this tour for me?

If you have hiking experience, this tour is suitable for you. The itinerary is challenging but doesn't require any technical climbing skills. You should, however, be physically fit enough to cover the daily distance and elevation gain. You can expect an average of 16.5 km/10 mi per day, but please note that the primary challenge of this adventure lies in the elevation gain/loss, as described in the itinerary below.

The trip is planned so that when you finish your hiking day, you have time to relax, have a glass of wine, read a book and enjoy the alpine views.

Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified International Mountain Leader. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary described below. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Le Châble

The tour starts in Le Châble, a village in Valais, Switzerland, below the famous ski resort of Verbier. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by the stunning Swiss Alps that will serve as the backdrop for your adventure. After settling into your accommodation, take some time to soak in the alpine atmosphere of the Swiss Alps. In the evening we will have a group safety briefing. Dinner tonight is not included.

Day 2 | Le Châble - Col Termin or Col de la Chaux - Lac Louvie

The journey begins by taking the cable car from Le Châble to Verbier (Les Ruinettes). The day's destination is the breathtaking Lac Louvie, but first, you'll ascend via Col Termin. The trail leads you through lush alpine meadows, and as you reach the pass, the Lac the Louvie and its hut are visible. Once at the col, you'll also be rewarded with magnificent views of the Combin range. Upon reaching Lac Louvie, you can relax by the pristine mountain lake, surrounded by the tranquility of the Alps.

The route: 7 mi / 11km - High gain/loss +2100ft/640m | -1772ft/540m approx
Highest point at 2641 m / 8665 ft
Approximate time 4 - 6 hours

Day 3 | Lac Louvie - Cabane Prafleuri

Today's hike takes you to Cabane Prafleuri, a charming remote mountain hut nestled in the high alpine landscape. The trail winds through alpine pastures and crosses rocky terrain as you make your way to the hut. There are two high passes on this day Col de la Louvie and then Col de Prafleuri at 2,987m (9,800ft) which is the highest point reached on the Walker's Haute Route. A final drop to Cabane de Prafleuri completes this remote and quite rocky stage. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of rugged mountain peaks. Cabane Prafleuri provides a cozy refuge for the night, where you can enjoy hearty Swiss mountain cuisine and camaraderie with fellow hikers.

The route: 8 mi / 13km - High gain/loss +4039ft/1231m | -2687ft/819m approx
Highest point at 2997 m / 9833 ft
Approximate time 6 - 8 hours

Day 4 | Cabane Prafleuri - Arolla (La Sage)

The views in this stage to Arolla are probably the best along the route. Your day begins with an ascent over Col des Roux, offering you breathtaking views as you enter the grand basin of the Dix reservoir. The enormity of this reservoir, nestled amidst towering peaks, is nothing short of impressive. As you progress, you'll come to a crossroads where two challenging passes await. The first option is the Pas de Chevres, renowned for its nearly vertical ladders. The second choice is the Col de Riedmatten, characterized by its loose rocks and steep incline. Both routes offer an adrenaline rush and panoramic views that are well worth the effort. Your guide will decide the path to take depending on weather conditions and group skills. The descent to Arolla is a delightful contrast.

The route: 11 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +2428ft/740m | -4462ft/1360m approx
Highest point at 2919 m / 9577 ft
Approximate time 6 - 8 hours

Day 5 | Arolla (La Sage) - Col du Tsaté - Cabane de Moiry

The day starts at La Sage. The primary challenge ahead is the ascent of Col du Tsaté, a pass known for its lengthy, steep, and rocky trail. Despite its demanding nature, the well-defined path makes it an achievable feat. As you progress, you'll descend briefly into the enchanting Moiry Valley. This descent offers captivating views of the valley and leads you toward the stunning turquoise waters of the Moiry reservoir. Your journey then takes a turn as you prepare for the ultimate ascent along the moraine wall. This challenging climb brings you closer to your ultimate destination: the Moiry hut, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine glaciers. The sight that awaits you is truly awe-inspiring, creating an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

The route: 9.4 mi / 15km - High gain/loss +5512ft/1680m | -1706ft/520m approx
Highest point at 2868 m / 9409 ft
Approximate time 7 - 9 hours

Day 6 | Cabane de Moiry - via Col de Sorebois to Zinal

Leaving Cabane de Moiry, you'll hike towards the village of Zinal, crossing the Col de Sorebois along the way. The journey offers ever-changing vistas, from glacier-covered peaks to charming alpine villages. The descent to Zinal is long and steep but a relatively easy trail. This day you have the option to take the cable car to Zinal.

The route: 12.1 mi / 19.5km - High gain/loss +2133ft/650m | -5906ft/1800m approx
Highest point at 2836 m / 9304 ft
Approximate time 6 - 8 hours
Cable car (optional)

Day 7 | Zinal - Frocletta - Gruben

As you ascend the Forcletta pass, the rugged terrain provides a dramatic backdrop to your hike. The pass itself, though steep, poses no particularly challenging obstacles. Along this path, you'll be treated to stunning vistas on both sides, and the views only become more breathtaking as you descend toward the tranquil Turtmann Valley, a hidden gem in Valais, known for its serene and unspoiled beauty.

The route: 10.5 mi / 17km - High gain/loss +4101ft/1250m | -3609ft/1100m approx
Highest point at 2874 m / 9429 ft
Approximate time 7 - 8 hours

Day 8 | Gruben - St Niklaus - Zermatt

This day is one of the finest of them all. The day's trek involves another demanding ascent, leading you through diverse ecosystems. The Augstbordpass will be the final major climb of your Haute Route adventure. As you continue your climb, alpine pastures greet you, adorned with colorful wildflowers that add a touch of vibrancy to the landscape. Finally, you'll reach a lunar-like scree slope that propels you toward the pass itself. As you descend from the rugged heights of this pass, you'll find yourself immersed in the cool shade of pine forests and the lush green pastures of the Mattertal. Although today's trail won't reveal the majestic Matterhorn yet, rest assured that this iconic peak awaits you at the valley's end, standing proudly as a symbol of your accomplishment. We take the train from St Niklaus to Zermatt. We have come to the end of an epic journey and we will close our trip with a celebration dinner.

The route: 11.2 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +3773ft/1150m | -6070ft/1850m approx
Highest point at 2894 m / 9495 ft
Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
Cable car (optional)

Day 9 | Zermatt

We enjoy a last breakfast together and then time to pack all the memories back home.

The entire tour is done in English.

*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, huts availability, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances

This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

How Challenging ?

High effort. This is a challenging adventure where we can expect 6 - 8 hours of hiking per day, with up to 1500 meters of elevation gain. Previous hiking experience is recommended.

To participate comfortably in the tour, you will require a certain level of fitness. To make a self-assessment of whether or not this is for you, you should consider yourself to be in good fitness, be accustomed to hiking, and be able to do it comfortably for at least 3 hours a day. Please consult a doctor if you feel that this might be a challenge before booking.

Price and Details

The tour includes:

All of the scheduled activities
All accommodations during the tour (8 nights)
3 star hotel in Le Châble and Zermatt
2 or 3-star hotels in La Sage, Zinal, and Gruben in shared dorms
Mountain hut accommodation for three nights
Single room supplement (if available) for an extra 600 EUR
All main meals during the tour (8 breakfasts, 8 packed lunches, 7 dinners))
Cable car to Les Ruinettes
Train from St. Nicklaus to Zermatt
Local transfer from Arolla to la Sage
Bags transfer from Le Châble to Zermatt
A certified International Mountain Leader
Amazing trails and beautiful landscapes

The tour excludes:

Transport to Geneva (e.g. flights)
First dinner in Le Châble
Cablecars down to Zinal and St Niklaus if you choose to take them
Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports; such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
Trail snacks - dried fruit, nuts, or energy bars
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, saunas, hot tub
Any accommodations for extra days in Zermatt
Tips for the International Mountain Leader

Price: 3350 EUR

25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip.

Participants:

Min 7 - Max 12

Start: Le Châble, Valais Switzerland

End: Zermatt, Switzerland

We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.