Hiking Mont Blanc / Matterhorn - Haute route
Discussion
Has anyone any experience of this?
https://www.thehikinglife.com/2010/10/chamonix-zer...
A friend and I are looking to do something in August, I'm fairly inexperienced but my friend is more hardened.
cheers
https://www.thehikinglife.com/2010/10/chamonix-zer...
A friend and I are looking to do something in August, I'm fairly inexperienced but my friend is more hardened.
cheers
Vaud said:
Yes, several times both in a group and solo. It is epic.
One of the best hiking routes in Europe.
What would you like to know?
wow! a few things to ask...One of the best hiking routes in Europe.
What would you like to know?
how did you go about navigating a route, could we plan it day by day as we go? any good map resources?
what kit did you find essential to have?
what medical / emergency insurance did you manage to get?
any highlights or dangerous parts we should / shouldn't include?!
we're thinking about 10 - 14 days in the area (possibly end of July / August) and not sure how much accommodation to pre-book, if any. we're budgeting about £100 a day at the moment for dorms. I've seen the organised group packages but usually prefer to go it alone.
cheers
Edited by Davislove on Tuesday 30th April 22:03
Vaud said:
There is one book that you must own - will answer many of your questions on kit, route, maps, etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chamonix-Zermatt-Classic-...
The route gets some variants each year with rockfalls, etc but these are well signposted. In some sections there are variants to get to the next point. If you are knackered then some sections would allow you to descend to a town and then get up to the next hut by bus/cable car. Try to allow for a rest day mid way - somewhere with facilities. Grimentz or Zinal are good options and you can get down to Sierre for the day.
I joined the Austrian Alpine Club for insurance and discounts in SAC run huts (reciprocal rights)
Kit - you have to carry a fair amount as the weather can be very variable, even in August. Aside from the obvious hiking gear (Kevs book outlines) I found a good pair of walking poles invaluable to on ascents and descents.
10 days is towards the quicker end; I would allow 12+, plus at least a day in Zermatt at the end. You can even do your first 4000m mountain with a guide - an easy walk but hard on the lungs! https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Breith...
One key point on fitness is that you should be comfortable before you go in walking 10-12 miles with a 12-14kg (total) pack. You can travel lighter BUT you should allow for 3kg of water on most sections in the summer.
Also as it is impossible to train for altitude in this country, and while the opening sections aren't super high, even hiking at 2000 metres it is noticeable so the first few days are heard while you get "mountain legs". You can't do enough fitness prep.
August will be busy, especially the first few sections on the French side, so I would try to book those and then switch to booking 2 nights ahead for the rest. The first few days are also not too long.
July and August can often have thunderstorms (esp in the afternoon as the heat builds through the day) so for any high passes try to have cleared them by noon watch the forecasts very closely, take advice from the hut guardians). You do not want to be on an exposed section in a storm.
Danger levels - it's a generally well signposted and safe route. Some sections require walking across scree with rock falls, but these are well marked. Just keep moving. You don't need to carry rope, hemets, etc. By August the top passes will all be clear of snow and ice.
If you can, then consider the end of August / start of Sept when it is a bit quieter (but shorter days)
The huts are generally great, some even have hot showers. Budget sounds about right (and you get discount in some from the AAC/SAC membership BUT some are private huts and do not give discount.
Some sections have hotel options where sharing a twin room would probably maintain it. The exchange rate is rubbish in Switzerland.
There are plenty of web sites and blogs where people cover the route but do note that there are two routes - the Walkers Haute Route and the Haute Route for Skiers. Some people hike the ski route. The Walkers Route is the one you probably want.
that’s great stuff thank you! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chamonix-Zermatt-Classic-...
The route gets some variants each year with rockfalls, etc but these are well signposted. In some sections there are variants to get to the next point. If you are knackered then some sections would allow you to descend to a town and then get up to the next hut by bus/cable car. Try to allow for a rest day mid way - somewhere with facilities. Grimentz or Zinal are good options and you can get down to Sierre for the day.
I joined the Austrian Alpine Club for insurance and discounts in SAC run huts (reciprocal rights)
Kit - you have to carry a fair amount as the weather can be very variable, even in August. Aside from the obvious hiking gear (Kevs book outlines) I found a good pair of walking poles invaluable to on ascents and descents.
10 days is towards the quicker end; I would allow 12+, plus at least a day in Zermatt at the end. You can even do your first 4000m mountain with a guide - an easy walk but hard on the lungs! https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Breith...
One key point on fitness is that you should be comfortable before you go in walking 10-12 miles with a 12-14kg (total) pack. You can travel lighter BUT you should allow for 3kg of water on most sections in the summer.
Also as it is impossible to train for altitude in this country, and while the opening sections aren't super high, even hiking at 2000 metres it is noticeable so the first few days are heard while you get "mountain legs". You can't do enough fitness prep.
August will be busy, especially the first few sections on the French side, so I would try to book those and then switch to booking 2 nights ahead for the rest. The first few days are also not too long.
July and August can often have thunderstorms (esp in the afternoon as the heat builds through the day) so for any high passes try to have cleared them by noon watch the forecasts very closely, take advice from the hut guardians). You do not want to be on an exposed section in a storm.
Danger levels - it's a generally well signposted and safe route. Some sections require walking across scree with rock falls, but these are well marked. Just keep moving. You don't need to carry rope, hemets, etc. By August the top passes will all be clear of snow and ice.
If you can, then consider the end of August / start of Sept when it is a bit quieter (but shorter days)
The huts are generally great, some even have hot showers. Budget sounds about right (and you get discount in some from the AAC/SAC membership BUT some are private huts and do not give discount.
Some sections have hotel options where sharing a twin room would probably maintain it. The exchange rate is rubbish in Switzerland.
There are plenty of web sites and blogs where people cover the route but do note that there are two routes - the Walkers Haute Route and the Haute Route for Skiers. Some people hike the ski route. The Walkers Route is the one you probably want.
Davislove said:
Vaud said:
There is one book that you must own - will answer many of your questions on kit, route, maps, etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chamonix-Zermatt-Classic-...
The route gets some variants each year with rockfalls, etc but these are well signposted. In some sections there are variants to get to the next point. If you are knackered then some sections would allow you to descend to a town and then get up to the next hut by bus/cable car. Try to allow for a rest day mid way - somewhere with facilities. Grimentz or Zinal are good options and you can get down to Sierre for the day.
I joined the Austrian Alpine Club for insurance and discounts in SAC run huts (reciprocal rights)
Kit - you have to carry a fair amount as the weather can be very variable, even in August. Aside from the obvious hiking gear (Kevs book outlines) I found a good pair of walking poles invaluable to on ascents and descents.
10 days is towards the quicker end; I would allow 12+, plus at least a day in Zermatt at the end. You can even do your first 4000m mountain with a guide - an easy walk but hard on the lungs! https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Breith...
One key point on fitness is that you should be comfortable before you go in walking 10-12 miles with a 12-14kg (total) pack. You can travel lighter BUT you should allow for 3kg of water on most sections in the summer.
Also as it is impossible to train for altitude in this country, and while the opening sections aren't super high, even hiking at 2000 metres it is noticeable so the first few days are heard while you get "mountain legs". You can't do enough fitness prep.
August will be busy, especially the first few sections on the French side, so I would try to book those and then switch to booking 2 nights ahead for the rest. The first few days are also not too long.
July and August can often have thunderstorms (esp in the afternoon as the heat builds through the day) so for any high passes try to have cleared them by noon watch the forecasts very closely, take advice from the hut guardians). You do not want to be on an exposed section in a storm.
Danger levels - it's a generally well signposted and safe route. Some sections require walking across scree with rock falls, but these are well marked. Just keep moving. You don't need to carry rope, hemets, etc. By August the top passes will all be clear of snow and ice.
If you can, then consider the end of August / start of Sept when it is a bit quieter (but shorter days)
The huts are generally great, some even have hot showers. Budget sounds about right (and you get discount in some from the AAC/SAC membership BUT some are private huts and do not give discount.
Some sections have hotel options where sharing a twin room would probably maintain it. The exchange rate is rubbish in Switzerland.
There are plenty of web sites and blogs where people cover the route but do note that there are two routes - the Walkers Haute Route and the Haute Route for Skiers. Some people hike the ski route. The Walkers Route is the one you probably want.
that’s great stuff thank you! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chamonix-Zermatt-Classic-...
The route gets some variants each year with rockfalls, etc but these are well signposted. In some sections there are variants to get to the next point. If you are knackered then some sections would allow you to descend to a town and then get up to the next hut by bus/cable car. Try to allow for a rest day mid way - somewhere with facilities. Grimentz or Zinal are good options and you can get down to Sierre for the day.
I joined the Austrian Alpine Club for insurance and discounts in SAC run huts (reciprocal rights)
Kit - you have to carry a fair amount as the weather can be very variable, even in August. Aside from the obvious hiking gear (Kevs book outlines) I found a good pair of walking poles invaluable to on ascents and descents.
10 days is towards the quicker end; I would allow 12+, plus at least a day in Zermatt at the end. You can even do your first 4000m mountain with a guide - an easy walk but hard on the lungs! https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Breith...
One key point on fitness is that you should be comfortable before you go in walking 10-12 miles with a 12-14kg (total) pack. You can travel lighter BUT you should allow for 3kg of water on most sections in the summer.
Also as it is impossible to train for altitude in this country, and while the opening sections aren't super high, even hiking at 2000 metres it is noticeable so the first few days are heard while you get "mountain legs". You can't do enough fitness prep.
August will be busy, especially the first few sections on the French side, so I would try to book those and then switch to booking 2 nights ahead for the rest. The first few days are also not too long.
July and August can often have thunderstorms (esp in the afternoon as the heat builds through the day) so for any high passes try to have cleared them by noon watch the forecasts very closely, take advice from the hut guardians). You do not want to be on an exposed section in a storm.
Danger levels - it's a generally well signposted and safe route. Some sections require walking across scree with rock falls, but these are well marked. Just keep moving. You don't need to carry rope, hemets, etc. By August the top passes will all be clear of snow and ice.
If you can, then consider the end of August / start of Sept when it is a bit quieter (but shorter days)
The huts are generally great, some even have hot showers. Budget sounds about right (and you get discount in some from the AAC/SAC membership BUT some are private huts and do not give discount.
Some sections have hotel options where sharing a twin room would probably maintain it. The exchange rate is rubbish in Switzerland.
There are plenty of web sites and blogs where people cover the route but do note that there are two routes - the Walkers Haute Route and the Haute Route for Skiers. Some people hike the ski route. The Walkers Route is the one you probably want.
if we wanted to cut it down to 9 - 10 days I’m guessing it’s possible to bus or train between villages?
Hi Vaud, hope you’re around...
Planning going well for the trip so far, but I had a question, we have one or two rest days built in and I wondered which place you would recommend we use these? Or is Zermatt at the end a good place to hang out in?
Also, I’ve heard some bad reviews of the hut ‘Cabene de Prafleurie’, how was your experience?
Cheers
Planning going well for the trip so far, but I had a question, we have one or two rest days built in and I wondered which place you would recommend we use these? Or is Zermatt at the end a good place to hang out in?
Also, I’ve heard some bad reviews of the hut ‘Cabene de Prafleurie’, how was your experience?
Cheers
Vaud said:
Davislove said:
Hi Vaud, hope you’re around...
Planning going well for the trip so far, but I had a question, we have one or two rest days built in and I wondered which place you would recommend we use these? Or is Zermatt at the end a good place to hang out in?
Also, I’ve heard some bad reviews of the hut ‘Cabene de Prafleurie’, how was your experience?
Cheers
Rest days - good question. Depends on your route as there are variants.Planning going well for the trip so far, but I had a question, we have one or two rest days built in and I wondered which place you would recommend we use these? Or is Zermatt at the end a good place to hang out in?
Also, I’ve heard some bad reviews of the hut ‘Cabene de Prafleurie’, how was your experience?
Cheers
Verbier would be 4 days in and has everything you need though is a bit sterile in the summer - though some bars, pizza, etc
Personally I like Grimentz - it has a laundrette (or did), supermarket, shops, restaurants, is a quite charming "chocolate box" village (though a little touristy). Otherwise Zinal (less touristy but quite nice).. but both are more like day 10. Both have regular buses down to Sierre if you need to restock on anything that has been broken, etc - though Grimentz has most things for hikers.
Prafleurie is ok in my dated experience though one of the more crowded and the service was a bit terse.
Cabane de Louvie, Mont Fort, Moiry and Europahut?????????? are the nicest. (Louvie is a minor route variation in place of Mont Fort IIRC and is a private hut but very nice with hot showers)
Depends how many days you need, the weather may have forced a day. I tended to only book 2 nights in advance for accommodation and keep options open BUT in August the hut availability may force you to plan further. The good thing is that when they are busy, they don't tend to mind you cancelling.
Just got back! wow, wow stunning!
Some highlights - Mont Fort to Prafleuri via col Louvie my favourite part, we intended to stay at Louvie but pressed on to Prafleuri and were up there alone in the rocky landscape with the ibex for company, made it to the cabin at Prafleuri just before dark and a well deserved plate of dinner!
La Sage to Cabin Moiry was the toughest day with the most amount of ascent, and when you arrive at Lake Moiry the cabin looks about 5 mins away, but in reality is another 2 hour hike at the end of the day when you're on an empty stomach!
We camped where we could which I really enjoyed and would recommend despite carrying the extra weight in your pack.
Initially we only met people doing Tour du Mont Blanc, but further into the trip we met more doing the Haute route which was nice.
The ladders at Pas de Chèvre were no problem as it appears they have been changed into sections with platforms.
Some highlights - Mont Fort to Prafleuri via col Louvie my favourite part, we intended to stay at Louvie but pressed on to Prafleuri and were up there alone in the rocky landscape with the ibex for company, made it to the cabin at Prafleuri just before dark and a well deserved plate of dinner!
La Sage to Cabin Moiry was the toughest day with the most amount of ascent, and when you arrive at Lake Moiry the cabin looks about 5 mins away, but in reality is another 2 hour hike at the end of the day when you're on an empty stomach!
We camped where we could which I really enjoyed and would recommend despite carrying the extra weight in your pack.
Initially we only met people doing Tour du Mont Blanc, but further into the trip we met more doing the Haute route which was nice.
The ladders at Pas de Chèvre were no problem as it appears they have been changed into sections with platforms.
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