DAY 3
Steady Climbs and Meadows Galore
After fueling up at breakfast, we’ll start our day with a gradual descent for 10 miles before we leave the Mont Blanc massif behind to reach the Valais Alps. Our steady climb upwards through sunny meadows to our cabin at just under 9,000 feet is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset and sleep under the stars in Switzerland.
Communal accommodation in mountain hut included
Breakfast and dinner included
Roughly 18 miles/+6,200 feet ascent/-3,000 feet descent
DAY 4
Lakes and Ladders
Today is filled with Haute Route adventure “running” for one of the most scenic days on the trail. You’ll pass from views of lush valleys and power hike your way up several cols ascending to higher and higher viewpoints before descending to runnable trails alongside lakes. You will be grateful to your expert trail running mountain guide who will lead you through some tough and technical sections today where the trail becomes rocky and difficult to follow, but the views will be worth it. Your day will include rocky expanses, lakeside running, and climbing the legendary Pas de Chevre ladders before descending into your next Swiss town for the evening.
Double accommodation in hotel included
Breakfast included
Roughly 22 miles/+6,000 feet ascent/-7,500 feet descent
DAY 5
To Zinal
After breakfast we'll enjoy a gentle warmup with 6 miles of flat and descents before passing through the small town of Les Haudères. Afterwards we’ll make our way up the challenging climb of Col du Tsaté before a descent to Lac de Moiry. Today promises beautiful views of high snowy peaks, valleys, and seeing the Moiry Glacier. There’s another big climb ahead, the Col de Sorebois before a final descent into Zinal. If you're a fan of mountain and trail running, you'll be pleased to know that we overlap with the location of the famous Sierra-Zinal race (it's been called the "New York Marathon of trail races"). You’ll celebrate with dinner knowing you’ve earned a relaxing rest day tomorrow!
Double accommodation in hotel included
Breakfast included
Roughly 20 miles/+7,100 ascent/-8,200 feet descent
DAY 6
Rest Day in Switzerland
Enjoy a long sleep, a leisurely breakfast, and having time to relax and explore this charming Swiss mountain town full of cafes, restaurants, pools, and more.
Double accommodation in hotel included
Breakfast included
DAY 7
Into the Mountains Again
After breakfast, we'll get an early start with another big day on the trails following our rest day. Today we'll tackle first the Col de la Forcletta before descending into the German-speaking valley of Gruben. After a German pastry and beverage we'll head up to the final col of the Haute Route, cresting Agustbordpass at 9,495 feet in the scenic Valais at before our final descent into St. Niklaus.
Double accommodation in hotel included
Breakfast included
Roughly 23 miles/+8,500 feet ascent/-10,000 feet descent*
Option to cut off some of the descent into St. Niklaus via lift
DAY 8
To the Matterhorn
For our final morning, we'll enjoy an early breakfast and coffee before heading out for our final day on the trails! We'll leave town and head on the famous Europaweg trail into Zermatt. With opportunities for views of the Matterhorn on route, it's the perfect end to the trip and we'll reach Zermatt by late afternoon.
Double accommodation in hotel included
Breakfast included
~20 miles/+7,800feet ascent/-6,200 feet descent
DAY 9
Departure
You are free to stay in Zermatt, Switzerland or continue on to other travels! You can arrive back to Chamonix at your leisure by booking a private transfer/shuttle or taking connecting trains (~4h).
