An iconic 12 day alpine hike, the Haute Route
Few trails capture the spirit of the Alps quite like the Haute Route. Linking Chamonix in France with Zermatt in Switzerland, this world-famous trek takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
From the very first step beneath the snowy summit of Mont Blanc, you will feel the sense of adventure. Each day you climb over high mountain passes where glaciers gleam in the sun, descend into flower-filled alpine valleys, and follow ancient paths once used by traders and pilgrims. Nights are spent in welcoming mountain huts or traditional alpine villages, sharing stories over hearty food and watching the evening light fade across jagged ridgelines.
Highlights
- World class breath-taking alpine scenery
- 10 days of top quality high level trekking
- View many of the highest peaks in the Alps
- Two hut nights in remote mountain locations
- The Europaweg 'High Level Route' to Zermatt
- Highly experienced and expert professional guide
- Luggage transfers of your overnight bag
- Single rooms possible for solo travellers
The journey is as much about the rhythm of the trail as the scenery itself - the crunch of boots on rocky paths, the smell of pine forests after rain, the reward of a panoramic view after a tough ascent. And then there is the grand finale: arriving in Zermatt, with the mighty Matterhorn rising before you, a sight that makes every step worthwhile.
The Haute Route is more than a trek - it’s an unforgettable alpine experience that blends challenge, history, and breathtaking beauty in equal measure.
Although demanding at times the route provides a non-technical trek and is suitable for those who would like to experience the very best walking in the Alps. During the Haute Route, Alps, you will cover 150km (94 miles) and several mountain passes at almost 3000 metres (9840ft) of altitude our walk ends in the famous and historic town of Zermatt, Switzerland, beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Expert
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 12 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2987m (9797ft) |
| Countries Visited | France, Switzerland |
| Meet In | Chamonix Valley, France |
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Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHR1 |
24 Jul 2027
Saturday |
04 Aug 2027
Wednesday |
12 days |
£3,695
Deposit: £1,000 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- Fees of a professional International Mountain Leader
- Half board hotel accommodation for 9 nights; based on two people sharing a twin room
- Mountain refuge accommodation for 2 nights
- Daily luggage transfers, expect for 2 nights in mountain huts
- The Les Ruinettes cable car at Le Chable
- Transfer from St Niklaus to Randa
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel insurance - required
- Cable cars at Zinal and Jungu
- Miscellaneous personal spending
- Travel to meeting point & from departure point
Itinerary
Your guide will meet you at our hotel in Chamonix Valley, France, at approximately 1800 hrs. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are beautiful from the start! Your guide will give a briefing about the days ahead, and will answer any questions about clothing and gear.
We begin our epic journey by easing into our trip with a short journey on the historic Mont Blanc Express train, which for over a century has carried mountaineers along the valley to the start of their routes. We alight at the hamlet of Montroc and begin our climb through the larch woodlands before gaining the flank of the Aiguillette des Posettes. The balcony trail that leads to our first Col offers spectacular views of the glacier at Le Tour, and your cameras will be busy. Many trips then head for the Col de Balme, but we choose to go our own special way round to Les Tseppes, which in our view offers the best views into Switzerland and the Trient glacier. We complete our day with a short climb to reach the Col de la Forclaz where we spend the night.
Ascent: 1200m (3936ft) Descent: 1100m (3608ft) Distance: 13.5km (8.5 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Today we have the option of taking the challenging route through the Fenêtre d'Arpette, a jagged notch on the ridge above Champex, or the spectacular Bovine route. Either one is to be savoured, and each offers something unique. The trail to the Arpette will only be taken if the weather is good and the trail in a good state of repair. Otherwise, we will take the Bovine trail from the Col de la Forclaz which climbs through the larch forests with spectacular views down to the Rhone Valley. This route has the added benefit of a lunch stop at the Alpage de Bovine and a wonderful chance to enjoy the home cooking of Nathalie and her family. They spend the summer months on the mountain tending to the walkers and to their herd of 'fighting cows' - the Race d'Herens. It is by no means a 'second best' option! We spend the night by the lovely lakeside mountain village of Champex.
Ascent: 1410m (4624ft) Descent: 1200m (3936ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 6h00-8h00
NB: If the Bovine route is taken: Ascent: 500m (1640ft) Descent: 660m (2164ft)
We have an easy start this morning as we leave the picturesque lakeside village of Champex to meander down through summer meadows into the Val des Bagnes. We usually pass herds of cows, apple and cherry trees, and vegetable gardens; true countryside bliss. We then take the valley trail through the village of Sembrancher, and then to the village of Le Chable where we catch the Ruinettes cable car via the famous Swiss ski village of Verbier, to reach a spectacular view point at 2200m (7216ft). After soaking up the view, which on a warm day includes the delights of paragliders using this as their take-off point, we continue on our hike. The trail trends around the hillside following an old Swiss 'bisse' or irrigation channel. Never losing or gaining too much height, our route offers breath taking views across to the Mont Blanc Massif and to the Grand Combin, bringing us to the Cabane du Mont Fort at 2457m (8058ft), our first of two nights in the high mountains. The hut has a great terrace where you can enjoy the sun setting on the mountains, and believe us it can be spectacular!
Ascent: 600m (1968ft) Descent: 1200m (3936ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
NB: No access to luggage.
We have an early start today to give us plenty of time on what is one of the most spectacular days of the trek, traversing three high cols with dramatic views throughout. At the start, the path wanders in spectacular fashion beneath the cliffs, with views of the Grand Combin and Mont Fort. We then reach the first of our three passes, the Col Termin which sits at 2648m (8685ft). There are often male ibex to be found 'hanging out' on this high Col surveying their territory. A dramatic path then takes us across the mountainside to the rocky and barren Col de Louvie at 2921m (9580ft) which offers a great place for lunch where we can check out our route across the wild terrain ahead. A steep and rocky descent then follows down to the edge of the Grand Desert Glacier. The glacier has long since gone, but the terrain continues to feel wild and remote. Passing several small turquoise glacial lakes we then climb once more to reach the last of our three passes at the Col de Prafleuri at 2987m (9797ft). The final part to our day is to descend down to the Cabane de Prafleuri for our second night in the mountains. On the way down we walk near a rare patch of the the iconic Edelweiss flower.
Ascent: 1377m (4516ft) Descent: 1170m (3837ft) Distance: 16.7km (10.4 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
NB: No access to luggage.
A short climb greets us today as we quickly gain the Col de Roux, overlooking the blue green waters of the Lac de Dix. Early morning on this col with the views to the glacier and the chance to see ibex is a joy. The early morning light on the mountains brings the detail into sharp relief and some wonderful photos are earned from this climb. A gentle descent then takes us to the lake shore which we follow to its end, with views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon and the Pigne D'Arolla. Marmots are to be found lying in the sun along the whole length of the lake. At this time of year they are eating as much as they can to store fat before the winter hibernation begins. We make a steep ascent to the Col de Riedmatten or the Pas de Chevre and its brand new ladders, where there are more spectacular views of the Glacier de Dix. The Pas de Chevre ladders were replaced in 2015 and now offer a much more secure and easy ascent to the Col. It is then all descent to the gorgeous alpine village of Arolla where we check-in to our hotel and we can sit on the terrace and enjoy a welcome afternoon drink. Tonight you are re-united with your luggage.
Ascent: 1100m (3608ft) Descent: 1360m (4460ft) Distance: 22km (13.8 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
We are now approaching the half-way point of the trek and today is something of an easier day for which we are usually glad. We being from the centre of Arolla taking a trail through the houses and then into the larch woods. We spend the morning hiking across the mountainside to Lac Bleu, a favourite local beauty spot, which is coloured a vivid blue by the combined effects of algae and glacial clays. At Lac Bleu it is not unknown for some of our guests to go for a swim, much to the bemusement of the local cow herds who also have been known to take a dip in the lake in hot weather. From Lac Bleu it is a long easy descent through a beautiful gorge to the village of Les Haudères. A final short climb completes this stage to the small farming hamlet of La Sage, the location of our overnight accommodation. La Sage is really beautiful with ancient chalets and farms and traditional architecture. A quintessential Swiss alpine village.
Ascent: 380m (1246ft) Descent: 752m (2466ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 5h30-6h30
After a great breakfast at our lovely hotel we being our day which will involve crossing two high cols. Wandering past ancient wooden chalets and farms we work our way towards our first pass at the Col de Torrent which sits at 2912m (9551ft). It is a long climb but the walking is easy and the zig-zags taken by the path mean we gain ground quickly. We pass through the summer meadows where again we usually have large herds of 'fighting cows'. After a break on the Col, we then descend to the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry. The water is an amazing colour which apparently is due to the amount of glacial 'rock flour' in the lake. There is a cafe at the dam, and we often stop here for our picnic lunch. Ahead we can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the infamous Dent Blanche, or 'White Tooth'. Then it's onwards and upwards to the imposing Col de Sorebois, a climb which is shorter but steeper than the ascent to the Col de Torrent, but presents no real difficulty. From here, we have spectacular views of the famous peaks of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Zinal Rothorn. There is the optional extra of taking a cablecar at the end of the day and saving 800m (2624ft) of descent. If you have tired legs it will seem a bargain!
Ascent: 1790m (5871ft) Descent: 1781m (5841ft) Distance: 20.5km (12.8 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
NB: If you take the cable car then the descent will be 901m (2955ft)
This is a really lovely walk today through larch forests and across the mountain side with Nutcracker birds calling in the trees, and the possibility of seeing chamois. The Nutcrackers collect as many as 30,000 pine nuts in a season! We do only have one Col to cross today, and the hiking is very pleasant and traverses the mountain side until we reach a path junction where we turn off to being the climb in earnest to the Col de la Forcletta which sits at 2874m (9426ft). We take in the views from the Col, and it is easy to see where we will be heading tomorrow. Our descent gives very fine views of the glaciers and peaks of the Turtmann valley, and as we walk through the meadows we have another chance to spot the elusive Edelweiss by the path. Today we leave the French speaking part of Switzerland and enter the German speaking region. Eventually, we descend through forests of Arolla Pines which are unique to this part of the world, instead of having two 'needles' in a cluster they have five 'needles' which apparently makes them rather different and very much loved by the Nutcracker birds. Our overnight is in the remote hamlet of Gruben.
Ascent: 1213m (3978ft) Descent: 1063m (3486ft) Distance: 17km (10.5 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
Another superb walk as we complete our high level trek today. We start out through open woodland, then high pastures and rocky upland wilderness. Early morning we pass several farmers huts and the 'guys' are often to be found enjoying a local apertif even at this time of day. We soon find the cattle which they are herding, and usually wander through several herds enjoying the lush grazing in this high valley. Our final pass is the Augstbordpass at 2894m (9492ft), beyond which we descend steeply into a bowl and take a rocky trail across the mountainside. This is alpine walking at its best with a trail which at times seems to cling to the mountain, but don't worry it's a good path! Eventually we descend to the pretty hamlet of Jungu and on again into the Mattertal and the town of St. Niklaus. We will not hold it against you if you opt to take the 'characterful' cable car down from Jungu and save your knees by eliminating the final 878 metres (2879ft) of descent to the overnight accommodation in the Mattertal (Matter Valley) home of the mighty Matterhorn! However, the big 'M' stays well hidden until the following day when we arrive in Zermatt.
Ascent: 1070m (3509ft) Descent: 1765m (5789ft) Distance: 16km (10 miles)
NB: If you opt to take the cable car the descent is 887m (2909ft)
Today is the day we reach the iconic alpine town of Zermatt and therefore views of the mighty Matterhorn. Of all the mountains in the world, the Matterhorn is for many THE iconic mountain. We begin with a short transfer up to the village of Randa where we take a trail heading steeply up the mountainside. We make our way up through the larch forests, passing ancient houses and farms to gain the high level balcony trail known as the 'Europaweg'. This trail takes us to the impressive 'Charles Kuonen Suspension-Bridge'. At almost 500m (1640ft) long this remarkable feat of engineering was opened to the public in 2017 and is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world! In the past this route was often closed to hikers due to rock fall, however, the bridge has allowed the route to be re-opened by ensuring hikers are kept well away from any rockfall risk. After the bridge our trail along the famous 'Europaweg' becomes steadily more spectacular with a footpath that clings to the mountainside. It is a good trail, but there is sometimes a feeling of exposure. It is well worth the effort as eventually the path leads us to stunning views of the Matterhorn. We eventually arrive high above the town and finish our day descending through the forests. If we have poor weather then our alternative route will be to walk to Zermatt along the valley floor which is on an easy and pleasant trail.
Ascent: 1400m (4592ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
NB: Valley route; Ascent 450m (1476ft) Descent 0m (0ft) Distance: 13km (8 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00
This morning is your departure day. Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In some cases a single room for your private use is available for a supplementary fee; the amount of which can be found in 'Trip Information' under 'Single Supplements'. Due to the nature of the accommodation on this trip - small hotels, often in tiny villages and remote mountain huts - single rooms are in short supply and will be allocated to those who book first. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. It is rare to have air conditioning in the mountain areas where our trips take place, and most bedrooms do not have this facility.
On this trip you will spend nine nights in comfortable hotels, with good facilities; showers, restaurant, bar etc. There are two nights in mountain huts, where the accommodation is on a non-segregated, dormitory style basis. This type of shared accommodation is all part of an alpine mountain experience. Read our Blog on what it is like to stay in a mountain hut.
Cabane de Prafleuri, Prafleuri
Perched at 2662m (8731ft) we normally arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri having wandered past Edelweiss and ibex!
The Cabane de Prafleuri is run by Estelle and Antoine, and often they will also have staff from around the world all keen to spend a summer working in a high mountain hut. We aim to secure a small dormitory for our own group. Breakfasts are good, and exceptionally for a 'hut' they even serve crepes! Whilst the hut does have showers and toilets however with the increasing effects of global warming has meant that there isn't enough water for showers anymore at this hut. It is however possible for fresh air wash with glacial water if needed.
Hotel Splendide, Champex
The Hotel Splendide sits high in the mountains with great views from the terrace down to the valley below.
The historic Hotel Splendide was built between 1934 and 1938 by the grand-father of the owner. Please note that not all of the rooms here are en suite but we do book as many as possible. For example, in some cases single rooms share a bathroom located on the same floor. There are some large family rooms available with adjoining rooms with en suite bathrooms which make a twin. We eat dinner in the lovely old-fashioned dining room, a real touch of history to be found in this family run hotel.
During the Second World War the army from the nearby artillery fort were stationed at the hotel. Those perfect views down the valley were appreciated by more than just the tourists! It gave the army an excellent position of strength for protecting the route through to Italy.
Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Trient
This historic coaching inn has been in the same family for generations. Today it is run by Sophie who is the 6th generation!
Today it is run by Sophie who is the 6th generation! It was in around 1830 that her ancestor Joseph Gay-des Combes opened the first inn at the summit of the Col de la Forclaz with his wife. The Hotel Col de la Forclaz has a range of bedrooms, but due to the traditional nature of the building not all of them are en suite.
Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons, Chamonix
Chamonix is a vibrant bustling town and offers a range of hotels.
For this trip we will be staying at the 4* Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons, but this does require early booking. It is centrally located offering superb views of Mont Blanc. The hotel has 107 rooms, a spacious lounge, fitness studio, cocktail bar and restaurant that access the pool and terrace.
Cabane de Mont Fort, Bagnes
The Cabane de Mont Fort is a great venue for the night, offering stunning views across to the Grand Combin, and beyond.
If you are lucky you may be able to enjoy a wonderful sunsets whilst staying at the Cabane de Mont Fort. The Cabane, which sits at 2457m (8058ft), is run by Marc who's father and mother have been managed this hut since 1983. The food is tasty, and it has hot showers, and decent toilets. The accommodation is normally in small dormitories and where possible we get rooms just for our group.
Hotel de la Sage, La Sage
The family run Hotel de la Sage is one of the most beautiful places to stay on this trip.
The Hotel de la Sage is run by Joris and Laetitia who since taking over the hotel a few years ago have maintained its style and standards. It is very traditional in terms of style, and is situated on the mountain with magnificent views across the valley. The bedrooms are mostly en suite, and there is a lovely lounge and reading room. We find the food at the Hotel de la Sage to be extremely good, and breakfast will feature home-made jams and breads. There is a gorgeous sun terrace where you can watch the sunset over the mountains.
Hotel Le Besso, Zinal
The hotel was built in 1893 and is one of the oldest hotels in the small alpine town of Zinal.
The Hotel Le Besso has a cosy bar area, and a sun terrace. Dinner will often feature local dishes, and breakfast is a substantial buffet. The rooms all have en suite facilities.
Hotel Schwarzhorn, Gruben
The Hotel Schwarzhorn is situated in a remote valley which literally empties of inhabitants in the winter months but bursts into life for the summer treks.
For many generations the Hotel Schwarzhorn has welcomed climbers and mountaineers heading to the snowy peaks at the end of the Turtmann Valley. The building itself appears somewhat austere, but inside there is a warm welcome.The rooms mostly have a wash-basin, but showers and toilets are shared on the same floor. There are also dormitories on the upper floors. We always aim to book bedrooms but this relies on early booking, and is not always possible. If you wish to check if your booking will ensure bedrooms then do contact us.
Hotel La Reserve, St Niklaus
The Hotel La Reserve in St Niklaus is a family run hotel has excellent dinners, and breakfasts, and a number of the bedrooms have balconies.
In the Hotel La Reserve you can relax with a cold drink on a sunny terrace upon arrival . All of the hotel's bedrooms are en suite, with private showers and toilets.
Hotel Tannenhof, Zermatt
The Hotel Tannenhof is in a great position in Zermatt. It is right in the middle of town, but set back from the main street and away from the hustle and bustle.
The rooms at Hotel Tannenhof are very comfortable, and offer en suite facilities, with free wi-fi, USB/USB-C plugs, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel was fully renovated and re-opened in 2022 with a new restaurant the Golden Lokdown, which features a full-size gold plated train engine from the Gornergrat, which was originally put into operation in 1898.
Grand Hotel & Kurhaus, Arolla
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus is an historic hotel situated on the mountainside above the quaint Swiss village of Arolla.
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus first opened in 1896, and it’s still full of charm, with original touches like vintage furniture and an old library. Spread over four floors, the wooden and stone building has 61 comfy rooms, all keeping with the traditional Alpine style.
Trip Information
Arrival
Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.
If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline. For coach travel we recommend using Flixbus. For more information on travelling by public transport, please see our travel blog.
If travelling by plane, Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.
A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.
Reaching Chamonix from Geneva airport is straightforward with many transfer companies operating this route throughout the day. Either consider a scheduled bus which will drop you at Chamonix Sud Bus Station, such as easybus.com, or use a private transfer company such as Haute Transfer, or Mountain Drop-Offs which will drop you at your accommodation. If booking with Mountain Drop-Offs you receive a small discount on the route by using our company code of TAT01. This code only applies to transfers in ’normal’ working hours. It does not apply to early morning, or late evening transfers.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
Departure
With the trip finishing in Zermatt, you can easily take a train or coach back to any major European city to continue your holiday, or return home if living in Europe or the UK. You can use RailEurope or Trainline for information on train travel, and Flixbus for coach travel.
The most convenient way of returning from Zermatt to Geneva airport is by train. To make a booking with Swiss Federal Railways click here. There is a railway station in Geneva Airport and there are several connections throughout the day. Please note that 1/2 price fares are only available to those with the appropriate 1/2 price reduction card. If you have heavy luggage then we would advise you to arrange for your hotel in Zermatt to transfer your luggage to the railway station in Zermatt on your departure day. Please note this cost is not included in your trip fee.
For transfer Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Drinking Water - on this trip we stay in a number of mountain huts where the only safe source of drinking water is to buy bottled water. As well as being environmentally unsustainable this can also be very expensive. For this reason you may wish to consider a water filtration system. We avoid recommending any specific product and ask that you do your own research into the safest and most efficient system.
Microspikes - if your trip dates are early summer there can be snow patches to cross and microspikes can be useful.
Equipment
Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers
Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
Shorts/skort
Sun hat
Warm hat
Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
Fleece jacket/shirt
Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
Thermal leggings - optional
Comfort
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
Tissues
Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
Passport, plus a paper copy
Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
Travel Insurance
Credit Card
Cash - Euros/Swiss Francs
Waterproof bag for documents
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
Personal medication - if required
Antiseptic cream/spray
Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
Glucose tablets
2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
A few throat lozenges
Blister plasters
Blister tape eg. Strappal
Bandaid plasters
Items for the nights in mountain huts/refuges
Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided by the refuges/huts
Pack towel
Ear plugs - optional, but advised
Head torch - plus batteries
Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so
Toiletries – miniature soap/toothpaste etc
Additional Items
Camera
Slippers for use in refuges/accommodation
Clothing for use at accommodation
AirTag or similar to track luggage
Travel Kettle - if required
Hair dryer - if required
Padlock - for luggage being transferred
Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
1x Medium size kit bag/holdall/suitcase
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single room supplement for this trip is £950 in 2026 and £995 in 2027.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but two of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the nights you are in the mountain huts you will need to carry just a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. This is a legal requirement and your bag will not be collected if it exceeds this weight limit. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route:
Carte Nationale de la Suisse 5003: Mont Blanc Grand Combin 1:50,000
Carte Nationale de la Suisse 5006: Matterhorn Mischabel 1:50,000
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
