The highest point reached by the standard route is 2,987m (9,799ft) and the height gain on the route is around 15,200m (49,867ft). For further information on any aspect of trek grading or fitness preparation contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. Get on a treadmill and walk at a brisk pace. It will also give you the chance to see what items you packed that you don’t need, and what you may have forgotten. Play around with setting the incline to a variety of levels, ranging from 5-12%. It starts off at the base of the Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ends in Zermatt, with views of the iconic Matterhorn. Beautiful wildflowers along the trail near Arolla. The Walker's Haute Route is a long and demanding trip requiring very good physical fitness and preparation. The dramatic route takes you over rugged passes, with splendid mountain views, and through pretty Alpine towns and villages. Each trek is given a trek grading please refer to this information to establish whether you can undertake the trek. Congratulations! I don’t have mountains in my backyard…can I still get fit enough? How difficult is the Walker’s Haute Route? I did the "walker's high route" from Chamonix to Zermatt. The Haute Route passes by the greatest concentration of >4,000m mountains in the Alps. In a word, it is difficult. For one thing, it is a very strenuous endeavor. Expect to cover around 15km and 1,000m of elevation gain each day. Much of the hike requires walking on steep, loose, and rocky terrain. good trails. Plan for a rest day midway through your hike. However, strength training plays a huge role in giving you the power needed to tackle hard climbs, build stability, stay light on your feet, and prevent injury. How much it costs to hike the Walker’s Haute Route is one of the most common questions I’m asked. Having just completed the Haute Route using only this guidebook (no supplemental topos or even a compass), I can attest to what an excellent purchase it was. Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt The Walker's Haute Route is an incredible trek between the two most famous mountain towns in the Alps. Walking Holidays Along the Haute Route An Introduction to Walking The Haute Route The Haute Route (High Route) from Chamonix to Zermatt is steeped in mountaineering legend, a route first taken by British climbers at the end of the 19th century located in the scenic Swiss canton of Valais. Travelling from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, you will start at Mont Blanc and finish at the Matterhorn. You can achieve this a lot of different ways, but the important factor is that you’re frequently and consistently doing cardio exercise. Day 9 La Sage to Barrage de Moiry/Grimentz 6.5 miles / 10 km. The Haute Route (high road) is the quintessential ‘must do’ ski tour and appears frequently on bucket lists. The Walker’s Haute Route takes most people between 9 and 14 days. How difficult is the Walker's Haute Route? Rain and cold weather … The Walker's Haute Route is an incredible trek between the two most famous mountain towns in the Alps. If this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy! the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route. For every ski tourer it is a milestone and a rite of passage, but how hard is the Haute Route, and am I ready to attempt it?At Mountain Tracks, these are questions we receive a lot. The Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt takes the hiker on a visually stunning journey between Europe’s two most iconic mountains – Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Trek grading: We grade our treks from 1 to 5 (1 being relatively easy & 5 being extremely hard), each trek receives a grade depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking. First charted as a summer mountaineering route by members of the English Alpine Club in the mid-19th century, the route takes around 12+ days walking for the 180 km from the Chamonix valley, home of Mont Blanc, to … You’ll want strong legs to tackle ascents and descents like these! You are in for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s some ideas for flatlanders: As much as possible, complete the above activities while wearing a weighted pack similar to the one you plan on hiking with. Each day you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition.  Plus, you’ll still be able to enjoy much of the same spectacular Alpine scenery from the road. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. Trekkers typically take 14 days to complete the trek, give or take a day or two. Like the famous cycling event of the same name, the Haute Route for walkers consists of spectacular alpine scenery, dramatic peaks and challenging inclines. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents. Hiking as much as possible with that heavy backpack! Well, Walker’s Haute Route is indeed a high route trek. So you are thinking of signing up for a summer adventure, now is the time you make sure you fit and ready in order to get maximum enjoyment out of your trek. What is the Walker’s Haute Route? GRADE 5 EXTREME: Traverse of the Grand Paradiso: This is the most physically demanding trek we offer & a supreme level of fitness is required for the type of terrain you will encounter on this trek & previous mountain trekking experience is essential. Second, you’ll begin training your body to hike while wearing a heavy backpack. The Walker’s Haute Route is a roughly 115 mile trail from Chamonix, France to Zermatt Switzerland, and is widely considered one of the best multi-day alpine hikes in the world. The Haute Route is a spectacular and demanding summer hike: a strenuous high-level traverse in the French and Swiss Alps, walking from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) in 10 to 12 days. The Haute Route hike from Chamonix to Zermatt is a 187-kilometer trail through the Swiss Alps. Le Tour to Col de la Forclaz (September 31, 2010) 6.5 miles, +3482 ft, -3324 ft; … ), Average Daily distance*: 19 kilometers (11.5 miles), Average daily elevation gain*: 1,166 meters (3,827 feet), *Averages are based on a traditional 12-day itinerary. Finally, pat yourself on the back and take pride in showing up to your Haute Route trek fit, prepared, and the best version of yourself! To put it simply, the Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging trek. How difficult is the Walker's Haute Route? To build up endurance skills get out walking building up to 15- 20k in distance. Unstable trail conditions and afternoon storms can force hikers down to safer, low-altitude paths. In the two months before your Haute Route trek, try to complete at least one challenging hike at least once a week while wearing your pack. 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