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The swiss haute route
 
A Classic Trek from Mt. Blanc to the Matterhorn
July 8-17, 2012
July 30 - August 8, 2012
August 5 - 14, 2012
August 24 - September 2, 2012
September 8-17, 2012
Call for additional dates
Plan now for a Summer 2012 adventure on the Hikers Haute Route. Our route follows the classic trek across the Swiss Alps from Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s Highest Peak, to the Matterhorn, the world’s most recognizable and stunningly beautiful peak.
Each day is defined by ascending historic and formidable mountain passes. You’ll walk in flowered meadows, hike near massive glaciers, gaze at icefalls, and ring glistening lakes. You’ll hike the Haute Route through 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. The Haute Route is widely regarded as the most scenic trek in the Alps. It's an Alps hiking tour like no other.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 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 – Verbier to Cabane de Louvie
Today’s short hike ascends steeply above the Val de Bagnes along the Sentier des Chamois. You’ll arrive 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 – 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 – Prafleuri to Arolla
After cresting a small pass, you’ll follow the lakeshore to the moraine of the Chelion Glacier where edelweiss dot the rocky slopes. Crossing the dramatic Riedmatten Pass, you’ll have your first view of the Matterhorn, before descending into Arolla, one of the most charming alpine villages along the route and a popular base for day hikes in the Swiss Alps. BSD
Day 5 – Arolla to Grimentz
Our choice of the Col de Torrent or the Col de Tsaté will depend on how much distance you want to hike. Either way, the sweeping alpine slopes are a delight. Snowcapped peaks like Dent Blanche (14,380) are nearby as you 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 hikers on the Haute Route, where you’ll stroll the cobblestone paths and visit the mill on the Marais. BSD
Day 6 – Grimentz to Gruben
Today you’ll leave the French-speaking region of Valais, cross the Forcletta Pass and enter the German-speaking region of the Haute Route trail. Hiking along sparkling mountain streams you arrive in the quiet hamlet of Gruben where you’ll spend the evening. BSD
Day 7 – Gruben to Zermatt
Crossing the final pass of the trip, 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, a exciting gondola ride takes you to the valley floor, where the train to Zermatt awaits. BSD
Day 8 – Zermatt
After a week on the Haute Route, you'll enjoy a rest, but you won't want to miss a chance at some of the best dayhikes Zermatt as to offer including walks to quaint villages like Zmutt and Findeln, or panoramic hikes along the Hohenbalmen overlooking the north face of the Matterhorn. BSD
Day 9 – Zermatt to Geneva or Zurich
We’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 transfer to Geneva or Zurich for a farewell dinner. BSD
Day 10 – Depart Geneva or Zurich
An early morning departure from Geneva or Zurich. Welcome home.
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 and 2 nights in 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.
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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guided tours for 2012 |
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ALPS SIGHTSEEING ADVENTURES
Easy hikes and walks in the Alps
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INN-TO-INN ADVENTURES
Hike the Alps in comfort. Charming Inns, luggage transfers, delicious cuisine.
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HAUTE ROUTE ADVENTURES
Classic treks on the most legendary and challenging routes in the Alps.
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SPECIALTY ADVENTURES
Designed with your interests in mind. Fascinating itineraries with easy walks.
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Winter Tours For 2012-2013 |
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Self Guided & Custom Tours |
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Thanks for everything you did to make our Haute Route tour the best ever!
– V.H. – California
We’re already talking about wanting to go back and I've told several people how happy I was with your service.
K.K. – California
I look back over my pictures and just shake my head in amazement. There's no way I could have made it over some of those passes without you...and your chocolate!
– R.O. – Florida
Thank you so much for guiding us on an adventure of a lifetime. Your skill and patience were so appreciated.
– B. C. – Vermont
Thanks for providing an incredible experience on the Haute Route. I came to hike and was not disappointed.
– D.B. – Colorado
What a fantastic adventure! It will be an experience I’ll remember and cherish the rest of my life.
– R.O. – Florida
Switzerland is God’s gift the world. Thank you for helping us explore its beauty so fully.
– S. D. – Utah
This was the sort of once-in-a-lifetime vacation that we will always remember!
– K.K. – California
I just want to thank you for a wonderful trip to the Alps. My daughter and I really enjoyed it. The food was so good and the hikes were so beautiful.
– D. S. – California
Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement. We couldn’t have made it without you.
– R.O. – Florida
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Our trip was fabulous! Couldn't have been better.
– A.B. – Texas
What a great trip! We loved Trümmelbach Falls and the hike to Berghotel Obersteinberg, and even the rain was great because it fed a hundred waterfalls all along the path.
– B.M. – Massachusetts
What a perfectly marvelous trip: A great workout every day, the luxury of no responsibilities, good company, and amazing landscapes.
– C.H. – Washington
Thanks for a wonderful time in Switzerland. We both had the time of our lives. We'll definitely be back as we both fell in love with the Alps.
– K.W. – Utah
We had a fantastic time in Switzerland. The hiking itinerary was perfect! We are very thankful to you for your thoughtful planning.
– M.O. – Montana
Thank you so much for one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
– R.O. – Florida
Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. This place was truly amazing. All the accommodations were great and so was the hiking. I will never forget the scenery.
– P.F. – Nevada
You are a tremendous host. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the area and your passion for the magnificent scenery.
– R.A. – Colorado
Thanks for organizing and leading such a memorable trip.
– R.B. – North Carolina
Thanks also for a wonderful vacation—we had a great time. We are still looking at all of our photographs with a sort of awe that we were really there.
– K.K. – California
The trip was extremely well organized and the accommodations and food were perfect.
– R.A. – Colorado | | |
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