Walker’s Haute Route – West

The trail starts off with a bang. Your goal is just a little higher up in the Chamonix Valley, but to get there, take the trail to the iconic Lac Blanc. After taking in postcard views of the Mont Blanc massif, descend the TMB ladders as you make your way toward Argentiere.If you’d like to start the Haute Route more gradually, or if you want to get in some hiking on the day of arrival, you can also hike up the valley directly to Argentiere.

On your last day in France, you will hike along the ridge of Aiguillette des Possettes to the Col de Balme, the border with Switzerland. From there, you can look back at the magnificent Mont Blanc massif. Leaving France behind, you descend into the Swiss village Trient.

On day three, you’ll hike over the Fenetre d’Arpette, with spectacular views of the Glacier du Trient. The tricky rocky descent soon turns into a pleasant walk into the green valley, where Champex-Lac, the charming lakeside town, awaits.In the case of bad weather, the easier Bovine route (part of the Tour du Mont Blanc) is preferable.

Hiking through less mountainous areas of Switzerland gives you a taste of the country’s beautiful countryside, not often advertised. You will follow the side of the picturesque Val Ferret and into Sembrancher of Val de Bagnes, where you hike along the river towards Le Châble.

From the start of the day, you'll be climbing steeply on footpaths above the tree line, going through the slopes of the world-renowned Verbier ski resort. As you near the end of your trek, you will be treated to views of another Alpine massif – the Grand Combin – and eventually, reach the Cabane du Mont Fort hut.

The sixth day of the hike presents itself as a stage full of contrasts – first the panoramic green ridges, then an eerie lunar plateau. Starting with the panoramic trail over Col Termin (optional Col de Louvie), the route will take you to the dying Grand Désert Glacier. It leads right below it, on the barren land of scree and stones. After passing many small lakes, you cross over Col de Prafleuri (2987 m), the highest point on the Haute Route. From there, you’ll soon reach the hut of Cabane de Prafleuri.

The last stage of the Haute Route will keep you high up in the Alps, with some of the best views on the trail. Lac de Dix will surprise you just over the morning Col. After traversing alongside this 5 km long accumulation lake, you’ll cross over the morain of Glacier de Cheilon. You’ll admire Mont Blanc de Cheilon on your right and could even get a glimpse of Matterhorn in the distance as you cross over Col de Riedmatten. After that highlight, it’s time to head down to Arolla.With public transport, it’s easy to get to Geneva or Zurich. We can advise you on the best option.