This is a life list item! We've done the skiers' Haute Route twice and the classic summer Haute Route once. But this version may well be the most interesting. It follows much of the same route as the skiers' version, but being at walking speed, and summer, there is more time to enjoy what you are amongst.

Like the ski route you need solid knowledge of the Alps, the weather, and especially how to travel on glaciers. Due to crevasses and the nature of glaciers, it is a serious route in good weather, potentially deadly in bad. A mountain guide familiar with the route is highly recommended.

While the classic summer Haute Route can take up to two weeks, the Glacier Haute Route can be done in just 6 days. The route is much more direct as it stays high without the huge ups and downs into the valleys. Like the ski route, there is a car transfer on day two to avoid a long connection, but unlike the ski version, the Glacier Haute Route's transfer skips further ahead.

We've also done a similar tour running. Read the details on Running the Glacier Haute Route at Elevation.

Chamonix to Zermatt

Connecting two of the Alps most famous mountain towns, the trek is unique in that it is able to stay in glaciated alpine terrain. You'll be amongst some of the Alps most scenic and iconic landscapes, stay in remote alpine huts, walk beneath numerous 4000 meter peaks, and see the fascinating world of glaciers.

This itinerary is not mandatory and can be adjusted for reasons relating to weather, altitude, or conditions. There is always the option of staying low in the valley's, although this requires far more elevation gain and loss.

Day 1: Chamonix - Cabane d'Orny

Day 2: Cabane d'Orny - Champex - car transfer to Lac de Mauvoisin - Cabane de Chanrion

Day 3: Cabane de Chanrion - Glacier d'Otemma - Cabane des Vignettes

Day 4: Cabane des Vignettes - Cabane de Bertol

Day 5: Cabane de Bertol - Tête Blanche - Schönbiel Hut

Day 6: Schönbiel Hut - Zermatt

TIP: To successfully complete this Glacier Haute Route schedule, a period of stable weather is mandatory for the glacier sections. If you are determined to do this route, allow for weather days. Unless you are extremely experienced in alpine terrain and navigation, only do this route with a certified mountain guide.