Europe Haute Route Ski Tour, 7 Days, Ski The Alps
From: CHF 2'450
The famous Swiss Haute Route Ski Tour passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Western Alps, finishing with a long descent beneath the North Face of the Matterhorn. The Alps Skiing just doesn’t get more scenic than this.
The season is from March to April.
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Challenging Adventure Holidays
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Group Size Small Group
Europe Haute Route Ski Tour
The famous Swiss Europe Haute Route Ski Tour Route passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Western Alps, finishing with a long descent beneath the North Face of the Matterhorn. Skiing just doesn’t get more scenic than this.
We stay each night in Swiss high-mountain huts that are fully catered, leaving us to travel with very light packs so we can relish in the ascents and descents along the route.
In addition, there is the possibility of climbing three fine skiable mountains en route, the Rosablanche (3,336m/10,945ft), the Pigne d’Arolla (3,796m/12,454ft) and the Tête de Valpelline (3,802m/12,474ft).
You will need to be a confident off-piste skier for this Haute Route Ski Tour, as well as having a good background level of fitness. Though the days will be relatively short (up to six hours long) you will cover high altitude ground and will need a good level of aerobic fitness. Throughout the week, you will climb and ski under the supervision of our exceptional mountain guides. The huts are typical high-altitude huts, rustic but warm and with good wholesome Swiss food to finish each day.
The European Alps are full of climbing and skiing history. They are the birthplace of mountaineering and their rich heritage adds to the superb facilities (catered huts and lift systems) which provide catering for mountaineers and ski tourers not seen elsewhere.
For those who have not yet ventured far from the ski resort, this is a fantastic way to gain experience as you travel with the supervision of our exceptional mountain guides, allowing you to learn with confidence while taking in the grandeur of your surroundings.
Itinerary Overview
Day 0 – Sat
Arrive and meet in Verbier/Le Châble
Day 1 – Sun
Meet in Verbier, off-piste/ski tour revision. Mont Fort Hut (ski lifts)
Day 2 – Mon
Traverse (and climb) Rosablanche. Prafleuri Hut
Day 3 – Tue
Traverse (Pas de Chat) Lac des Dix. Dix Hut
Day 4 – Wed
Traverse Pigne d’Arolla. Vignettes Hut
Day 5 – Thu
Traverse 3 Cols to Zermatt. Zermatt Hotel (ski lift to Zermatt if dry or late season)
Day 6 – Fri
Depart or options of continuing on to Saas-Fee or spending another day skiing out of Zermatt.
Day 7 – Sat
Depart for home.
The number of guides is determined by the size of the group, the ratio of guides to climbers is 1:4 or 1:6 depending on the skill level of the group. You will find our Mountain and Ski Guides strong and companionable with the capacity and willingness to see you enjoy your journey through the Alps on skis.
Level of Experience Required
To ski tour in the European Alps, you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days. Most days will start well before dawn, but there is usually some scope for some later starts and relaxed evenings enjoying the classic European culture.
Even skiing and climbing at the moderate altitudes in Europe has a definite physical effect on people. Most climbers and skiers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Summit days and touring days are the most physically demanding of the days and can entail 1,000m/3,300ft ascent at altitude. These rewarding and photogenic days typically take around six hours.
The Haute Route ski tour is suitable for people wanting to learn and practice general ski mountaineering skills while touring over classic and challenging passes. Though not essential, some climbing experience is desirable and prior use of ice axe and crampons advantageous.
Equipment
Haute Route skiers will be sent a list detailing all necessary individual clothing and equipment to be provided.
Variations
We have several variations (below) or you can arrange for a Private Departure from mid-March to the end of April.
Verbier to Saas-Fee
Duration: 8 days (6 days skiing, 2 travel days)
Dates: Mid-March to end of April
Chamonix to Verbier
Duration: 5 days (3 days skiing, 2 travel days)
Dates: Mid-March to end of April
Chamonix to Zermatt
Duration: 9 days (7 days skiing, 2 travel days)
Dates: Mid-March to end of April
- Meals (except dinners whilst in Verbier and Zermatt)
- Lodging for 6 nights
- Lifts
- Hut fees
- Guiding
Activity Level: Challenging
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
Level of Experience Required
You will need to be a confident off-piste skier for this tour, as well as having a good background level of fitness. Though the days will be relatively short (up to six hours long) you will cover high altitude ground and will need a good level of aerobic fitness.
Most days will start well before dawn, but there is usually some scope for some later starts and relaxed evenings enjoying the classic European culture.
Even skiing and climbing at the moderate altitudes in Europe has a definite physical effect on people. Most skiers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Summit days and touring days are the most physically demanding of the days and can entail 1000m/3,300ft ascent at altitude. These rewarding and photogenic days typically take around six hours.
The Haute Route ski tour is suitable for people wanting to learn and practice general ski-mountaineering skills while touring over classic and challenging passes. Though not essential, some climbing experience is desirable and prior use of ice axe and crampons advantageous.
Preparing for Your Trip
To make the most of your skiing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness and skiing/snowboarding prior to the trip. Your guide places special focus on fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly.
