Haute Route With Folk Fest

A Classic Trek from Mt. Blanc to the Matterhorn
Including the 44rd annual Zermatt Folklore Festival
August 5 – 14, 2012

BOOK THIS TRIP NOW

Plan now for our 2012 Haute Route -- And be on hand for Zermatt's annual Folk Festival! Our route, known as the Hiker's Haute Route or Walker's Haute Route, follows the classic traverse across the Swiss Alps from Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s Highest Peak, to the Matterhorn, the world’s most recognizable and stunningly beautiful peak. Upon arrival in Zermatt you’ll be on hand for the Zermatt’s annual Folklore Festival.

Each day is defined by ascending historic and formidable mountain passes. You’ll cross flowered meadows, gaze at massive glaciers and icefalls, and ring glistening lakes. You’ll hike through larch and fir forests into picturesque villages where traditional inns await with delicious meals and cozy comforts.

We shuttle your luggage, so all you need to carry is a lightweight daypack with water, snacks, and of course, your camera

Day 1 – Aug 5 – Arrive Geneva or Zurich Switzerland
You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to the exclusive alpine resort of Verbier on the sunny eastern side of Mont Blanc. You’ll acclimate with a walk to a dramatic overlook—then it’s dinner and a group orientation. D

Day 2 – Aug 6 – Verbier to Cabane de Louvie
Today’s short hike ascends steeply above the Val de Bagne along the Sentier des Chamois. The day concludes at the Cabane de Louvie on the shore of the beautiful Lac de Louvie with dramatic views of the Grand Combin. Excellent wildlife viewing is expected. BSD

Day 3 – Aug 7 – Cabane de Louvie to Prafleuri
Today the terrain becomes rugged and we cross two challenging passes, Louvie and Prafleuri, the highest pass on the Hiker's Haute Route. You’ll dip into a rocky glacial section and ford a runoff stream—a perfect setting to study glacial retreat. This evening we stay at the lively Cabane de Prafleuri. BSD

Day 4 – Aug 8 – Prafleuri to Arolla
After cresting a small pass, you’ll follow the lakeshore to the moraine of the Cheilon Glacier where edelweiss dot the rocky slopes. After crossing the dramatic Riedmatten Pass (or climbing the ladders of the Pas de Chevres), you’ll have your first view of the Matterhorn, before descending into Arolla, one of the most charming alpine villages along the route. BSD

Day 5 – Aug 9 – Arolla to Grimentz
Our choice of the Col de Torrent or the Col de Tsaté will depend on how much distance you want to cover—either way, the sweeping alpine slopes are a delight. Snowcapped peaks like Dent Blanche (14,380) are nearby as we descend into meadows of wildflowers before arriving at Lac de Moiry. You’ll stay in the ancient village of Grimentz, one of the most picturesque and historic villages in the Alps and a favorite of Haute Route hikers, where you’ll stroll the cobblestone paths and visit the mill on the Marais. BSD

Day 6 – Aug 10 – Grimentz to Gruben
Today you leave the French-speaking region of Valais, cross the Forcletta Pass and enter the German-speaking region of the Hiker's Haute Route. Hiking along sparkling mountain streams you’ll arrive in the quiet hamlet of Gruben where you spend the evening. BSD

Day 7 – Aug 11 – Gruben to Zermatt
Crossing the final pass of Hiker's Haute Route, the legendary Augstbordpass, you’ll have sweeping views of Dom, the highest peak entirely within Switzerland, Weisshorn, and the curves of the Aletschgletscher. As you descend into Jungen, an exciting gondola ride takes you to the valley floor, where the train to Zermatt awaits. BSD

Day 8 – Aug 12 – Zermatt Folklore Festival
Every year, Zermatt pulls out all the stops and comes alive with costumes, music, yodeling, and alpenhorns. You’ll be on hand for the 42nd annual Folklore Festival. After the parade, it’s off to the festival grounds for beer and brats, raclette and fondue. BSD

Day 9 – Aug 13 – Zermatt to Geneva or Zurich
You’ll have most of the day available for hikes in the area, including an ascent to the Riffelsee where the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in still waters. In the afternoon you’ll transfer to Geneva or Zurich for a farewell dinner. BSD

Day 10 - Aug 14 - Depart Geneva or Zurich
An early morning departure from Geneva or Zurich. Welcome home. B/In-flight meals

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Alpenwild trips are designed for people who are energetic, active, and filled with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents (averaging 3,000 to 4,000 vertical feet per day) at an elevation up to 10,000 feet above sea level.

INCLUDED
The services of an expert trip leader, all accommodations (7 nights hotel, 2 nights mountain huts), all meals as shown (B=breakfast, S=snack, D=dinner), ground transportation including trams and mountain railways, admissions and luggage transfers.

NOT INCLUDED
Beverages (beer, wine) with meals, items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, room service),

PRICE
$3,495 per person, double occupancy from Geneva or Zurich
$399 Single supplement.

BOOK THIS TRIP NOW

PAYMENT
A $300 per person deposit due at booking guarantees your place on the tour.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY
More than 60 days before departure – $200 penalty
Between 60 and 15 days before departure – $500 per person penalty
Less than 15 days before departure – Non-refundable

REVIEW OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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