Trekking - Haute Route with Kraig Adams
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: Aug 1 - Aug 11, 2025
EUR 4250
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")
Kraig Adams will be your creative guide on this journey.
Kraig is a filmmaker, hiker, and minimalist living in New York City
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. Please note that while the route is challenging, it doesn’t require any technical climbing skills. However, you should be physically fit enough to cover the daily distance and elevation gain. On average, you can expect to hike 16.5 km (10 mi) per day, but the primary challenge of this adventure lies in the elevation gain and loss, as outlined in the itinerary below.
Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified International Mountain Leader. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
It is your own responsibility to ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary described below. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chamonix
Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Depending on your time of arrival you'll have time to walk around the vibrant village of Chamonix, make last-minute gear shopping, or just relax at our chosen hotel. In the evening we will have a group safety briefing.
Day 2 | Chamonix - Le Tour - Trient
Our adventure begins in Chamonix where you'll take a bus towards Le Tour, a charming alpine village. From Le Tour, the route ascends towards the Col de Balme, a mountain pass that marks the border between France and Switzerland, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Then, the route descents into the charming Swiss village of Trient where our day comes to an end.
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The route: 7 mi / 11 km - High gain/loss +3608 ft / 1100 m | -1772 ft / 540 m approx
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Highest point at 2641 m / 8665 ft
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Approximate time: 5 - 6 hours
Day 3 | Trient - Champex Lac
On the third day of the Haute Route, you'll traverse picturesque alpine landscapes as you journey from Trient to Champex-Lac. This day offers a mix of beautiful forest trails, alpine meadows, and scenic lake views.
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The route: 12.6 mi / 20.3 km - High gain/loss 3150 ft / 960 m | -3625 ft / 1105 m approx
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Highest point: 6,726 ft / 2,050 m
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Approximate time: 7 - 8 hours
Day 4 | Champex Lac - Verbier - Col Termin or Col de la Chaux - Lac Louvie
The journey begins by taking a transfer to Verbier. 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.
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The route: 7 mi / 11km - High gain/loss +2550 ft / 777 m| -1485ft / 452 m approx
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Highest point at 2641 m / 8665 ft
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Approximate time 6 - 7 hours
Day 5 | 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.
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The route: 8 mi / 13km - High gain/loss +4039ft/1231m | -2687ft/819m approx
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Highest point at 2997 m / 9833 ft
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Approximate time 6 - 8 hours
Day 6 | 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.
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The route: 11 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +2428ft/740m | -4462ft/1360m approx
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Highest point at 2919 m / 9577 ft
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Approximate time 6 - 8 hours
Day 7 | 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.
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The route: 9.4 mi / 15km - High gain/loss +5512ft/1680m | -1706ft/520m approx
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Highest point at 2868 m / 9409 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 9 hours
Day 8 | 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.
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The route: 12.1 mi / 19.5km - High gain/loss +2133ft/650m | -5906ft/1800m approx
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Highest point at 2836 m / 9304 ft
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Approximate time 6 - 8 hours
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Cable car (optional)
Day 9 | 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.
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The route: 10.5 mi / 17km - High gain/loss +4101ft/1250m | -3609ft/1100m approx
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Highest point at 2874 m / 9429 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
Day 10 | 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.
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The route: 11.2 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +3773ft/1150m | -6070ft/1850m approx
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Highest point at 2894 m / 9495 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
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Cable car (optional)
Day 11 | 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:
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All of the scheduled activities
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All accommodations during the tour (10 nights)
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4 star hotel in Chamonix
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3 star hotel in Zermatt
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2 or 3-star hotels in La Sage, Zinal, and Gruben in shared dorms
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Mountain hut accommodation for three nights
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Single room supplement (if available)
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All main meals during the tour (10 breakfasts, 9 packed lunches, 10 dinners))
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Private Transfer Champex Lac - Verbier
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Train from St. Nicklaus to Zermatt
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Local transfer from Arolla to la Sage
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Bags transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt
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A certified International Mountain Leader
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Amazing trails and beautiful landscapes
The tour excludes:
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Transport to Geneva (e.g. flights)
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Cablecars down to Zinal and St Niklaus if you choose to take them
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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.
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Trail snacks - dried fruit, nuts, or energy bars
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, saunas, hot tub
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Any accommodations for extra days in Zermatt
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Tips for the International Mountain Leader
Price: 4250 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: Chamonix, France
End: Zermatt, Switzerland
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
Cancellation policy:
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Trip pending: a 25% down payment is fully refundable
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Trip confirmed: a 25% down payment is non-refundable. You can transfer this down payment to any other of our trips within the next year
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60 days or less before the trip starts no refund available
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances).